180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. a private non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in Monmouth County, marked a milestone by holding a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday to announce the building of an urgently needed new shelter facility.
The new shelter, located in Monmouth County, will be the largest of its kind in the state and is slated to open by year’s end. It will be able to house 45 women and children at a time, up from 25 at its current location. The location of the new facility will be kept confidential, to protect the occupants.
“Over the past five years, we have had to turn away more than 400 women and their children who needed our help. We simply don’t have the room,” said Anna Diaz-White, executive director of 180. “By doubling our capacity, we are in a position to help so many more people in our community.”
With hardhats and shovels, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, 180 Turning Lives Around Executive Director Anna Diaz-White, elected officials and major donors gathered at the headquarters of New Jersey Natural Gas to celebrate the new facility.
“Never forget what we’re really doing here – we’re saving lives,” Guadagno said.
As part of the ceremony, 180 Turning Lives Around received a $100,000 grant from HopeLine from Verizon.
HopeLine from Verizon connects survivors of domestic violence to vital resources, and funds organizations nationwide while protecting the environment.
Additionally the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, who has partnered with 180 Turning Lives Around for over a decade, providing funding for 180’s 2NDFLOOR® Youth Helpline, and assistance to 180’s clients through the JBJ Soul Kitchen, will be presenting a check. Donations will also be made from the Knight Foundation and New Jersey Natural Gas.
Attending the ground breaking were Kathy Eliis, executive vice president & chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas, Sen. Jennifer Beck, John McCarthy, B2B Director, Verizon Wireless, and Fran Lobl, vice president of Faith & James Knight Foundation.
