180 Turning Lives Around Inc.

I have been a donor to 180 for the last 4 years. I have been a volunteer for the last three. I'm drawn to this amazing organization on so many different levels. The kindness and generosity of the staff and volunteers is infectious. The feeling that all things are possible drive those involved here...clients, staff, mentors, volunteers...to reach further and think more deeply about ways to make things happen.

This past spring I had the privilege to be the chairperson for the annual gala/fundraiser. The support and dedication from the community, businesses, committee and especially the development staff at 180 confirmed that the mission of 180 Turning Lives Around is alive and more relevant than ever.

Domestic Violence in the news over the last couple of weeks shows that there is still work to be done to protect victims of these most hurtful crimes. 180 is needed not only to support but also to educate and help shift the attitudes that, amazingly, still exist toward domestic violence.

The website at www.180nj.org will show the breadth of services that are offered, the many different audiences that benefit and how you can be involved with this special and amazing group of people.

I was so lucky to be referred to this organization. I can say that 180 saved my life. I went thinking I already knew all the answers and that I did not need any help and I left this wonderful place 3 years later, a stronger, and smarter woman and mother. They not only gave me a few one on one personal consultations, I also was a part of a parenting group and a Woman in Transitions group. They helped me to feel that the abuse WAS NOT MY FAULT. They helped me with holiday gifts, and with resources that I did not know was available. They sent me to a program called Displaced Homemakers, where I was able to get my resume updated and help with interview skills.
180 is also special because they have their own office in the county courthouse. They are there every step of the way, from shelter services, to court services, to therapy. They even have art therapy services for children who have been affected by violence.
I also was lucky enough to volunteer with 180. I happily give a helping hand for any of their events, speak for them when I am asked to, and have even been lucky enough to do an internship there. Coming both from a client perspective as well as from a volunteering perspective, I would have to say that Monmouth County is lucky to have 180.

I put client served, but was not actually served by 180. I went for counseling, but the counselor was a young person with absolutely no life experience who seemed surprised by some of the things I told her about my experience as a domestic violence victim, and was judgmental when I explained the effects it had on me. I was referred to an outside counselor with more experience, but she charged $90 an hour and I could not afford that as I was underemployed and has to pay for child care also in order to make the two appointments I paid for.

There is no job assistance offered. The Board of Directors, like many boards in this area, are people who only seem to be involved so they can get free advertising for their business, or get their picture in the Two River People section of the local society rag.

If this organization really wanted to help women turn their lives around, they would include helping find _good_ jobs as part of their services. If the board of directors were truly committed to helping domestic violence survivors, they would offer assistance in finding good jobs which pay enough for women to not have to rely on a partner to get ahead in life.

This dismal organization only exists to make rich people feel like they are helping by writing checks rather than actually interacting with or meaningfully helping domestic violence survivors and their children "turn their lives around".

I have been an advocate for this organization for over 5 years now. The help and support given to adults and children who are involved in domestic violence situations is nothing but impressive. The services provided to the children are especially noteworthy and beneficial. 180 staff radiate professionalism, dedication and engagement with the families they service.