First Citizens Contributes to Turning Point Building Fund

December 7, 1999

RALEIGH, N.C. — First Citizens Bank has donated $10,000 toward the building fund for Turning Point, a Union County shelter for victims of domestic violence. Turning Point is raising $1.5 million to build a 10-bedroom facility to meet the needs of victims and their children.

"At First Citizens Bank, we have a responsibility to help make our community a better place to live," said Roby Shore, Union County area executive. "I can think of no better way than to help victims of domestic violence establish safe and productive lives."

Turning Point, which has served Union County for years, offers those who suffer from domestic violence a safe place to live until they can establish a stable home. The organization also helps victims with counseling, financial planning and assistance and services for their children.

"Turning Point's new facility will help us not only house our residents, but offer them the wide variety of services they need to turn their lives around," said Natalie Simpson, executive director of Turning Point. "We appreciate First Citizens for this major contribution and for recognizing how important safe homes are to our families and our community."

Turning Point's history began in July 1985 when a small group gathered at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Monroe to discuss domestic violence. In December of that same year, volunteers set up a 24-hour hotline. By the end of 1986, Turning Point had held its first fundraiser, hired a part-time executive director and was formally recognized as an incorporated entity serving battered women and their children. Since that time, Turning Point has continuously served the women of Union County and surrounding areas.

First Citizens Bank operates 359 branches in 200 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, the bank has $9.58 billion in assets.