Here’s what happens when a credit union, a federal bank program, and a domestic violence shelter join forces: real change for people who need it desperately.
Centra Credit Union and the Centra Foundation just announced they’ve secured $75,000 in funding for Turning Point Domestic Violence Services—an organization that provided over 6,300 nights of emergency shelter last year alone. That’s a lot of people finding safety when their world felt anything but safe.
The money breaks down like this: $15,000 came directly from the Centra Foundation, and they leveraged that to unlock an additional $60,000 through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’ Community Multiplier program. Think of it as a matching gift on steroids—financial institutions can secure up to $60,000 in grants by committing at least 25% themselves, all earmarked for affordable housing initiatives.
Why This Matters Right Now
Emergency shelters aren’t exactly designed for the kind of constant use Turning Point sees. When you’re housing people every single night of the year, buildings take a beating. Doors, locks, plumbing, electrical systems—the stuff that keeps a space actually safe and functional—all need regular attention.
“One of the best parts of my role at Centra is seeing what’s possible when people come together to support their community,” said Jenni Carr, Centra’s AVP of Community Impact. “When we learned about this opportunity, Turning Point was one of the first organizations that came to mind. Their work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many individuals and families, and we’re incredibly grateful to FHLBank of Indianapolis and our vendor partners for helping make this investment possible at such an important time.”
More Than Just Four Walls
Whittney Loyd, President of Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, put it perfectly: “For many survivors, our shelter is more than just a building, it’s a place where they can find safety, stability and hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
She continued, “With over 6,000 nights of shelter provided each year, maintaining a safe and secure facility is essential, but major improvements are often difficult to fund through our operating budget. Thanks to Centra’s generosity, we can make long-needed upgrades that will directly enhance the safety, comfort and wellbeing of the families we serve. We’re incredibly grateful for Centra’s partnership and for their continued willingness to recognize and respond to critical community needs.”
The grant will fund critical repairs that keep the shelter running—the kind of unsexy infrastructure work that doesn’t make headlines but absolutely changes lives. Because when someone finally finds the courage to leave an abusive situation, the last thing they need is a broken lock or a leaky roof making an already traumatic experience even harder.
Sometimes the most impactful community work isn’t flashy. It’s just showing up, funding what’s needed, and making sure the people doing essential work have the resources to keep doing it.