Turning Point Kicks off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a $500,000 Grant with the help of Talmer Bank and Trust

TROY, Mich., Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When Talmer Bank and Trust heard that Turning Point -- a nonprofit organization in Macomb County that provides shelter and prevention services for survivors of domestic and sexual assault -- was struggling to support families in need, the bank led the way in helping to submit and secure an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant for emergency housing. The $500,000 grant, which was the highest amount awarded this year by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) and the first AHP grant submission by Talmer, also was the only award in Macomb County.

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As October kicks off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the AHP grant and $2 million raised by Turning Point will help it meet the growing needs of victims of domestic violence in Macomb County and those in the metro Detroit area. The $3 million facility, which is expected to be completed in spring of 2013, is one of only four domestic violence shelters in the metro Detroit area.  Additional fundraising efforts will continue in support of the new facility and expanded services.

"As a community bank, Talmer Bank encourages employees to get involved in activities and organizations that they feel passionate about and believe in," said Thomas P. FitzGibbon, Jr., Managing Director. "When one of the Talmer Bank employees made us aware of Turning Point's needs, we worked diligently with them to apply for the AHP grant. As members of this community, Talmer Bank is excited that our commitment is helping Turning Point change and save the lives of survivors that depend on them."

Last year, 477 women and children were provided with emergency shelter, representing only 15 percent of the population that needed assistance.

The Turning Point project incorporates the rehabilitation of an older, existing structure, along with construction of a new space. The new shelter will provide a more private living environment for families, along with space for community services, case management, a playground and green space.

"Talmer Bank worked hand-in-hand with us as a partner as we tried to secure the AHP grant," said Turning Point President and CEO, Suzanne Coats. "The AHP award will help ensure we can continue to meet the needs of domestic violence victims and their children.    We are grateful that Talmer Bank is supporting organizations in the community like ours." 

The AHP provides direct grants and subsidized loans to assist members in meeting their community's affordable housing goals. The FHLBI provides the AHP funding to its members, which includes Indiana and Michigan banks, such as commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and savings banks. Talmer Bank is one of its members.

"The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis is proud to announce an AHP award to Turning Point. Emergency shelter projects like this demonstrate how communities benefit from partnerships between the FHLBI's member institutions, non-profits and organizations. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with our member institution, Talmer Bank, and jointly serve its community," said MaryBeth Wott, FHLBI's Vice President and Community Investment Officer.

Talmer Bank supports several organizations throughout southeastern Michigan via funding, employee volunteers and in-kind donations. For 2012, Talmer's Michigan employee volunteer hours were more than 1500 for the first six months, which equates to 157 person days. Several employees plan to volunteer at Turning Point once the facility is completed. David Berryman, Mortgage Operations Manager, sits on the board of Turning Point. 

About Talmer Bank and Trust
Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Talmer Bancorp, Inc., is the holding company for Talmer Bank and Trust, which currently has 45 full-service banking offices in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. As of June 30, 2012, total assets were approximately $2.2 billion and total deposits were approximately $1.8 billion. More information is available by visiting the Bank's website www.talmerbank.com.

About Turning Point
Turning Point has been serving the community for over 30 years. Its mission is to provide programs and resources that enable victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence to regain control of their lives. Services consist of an emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, advocacy, Personal Protection Order Assistance Program, a Forensic Nurse Examiners Program for victims of sexual assault, and a Prevention Education Program. Last year, Turning Point provided services to 3,574 individuals and answered more than 12,000 crisis calls.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis -- Building Partnerships. Serving Communities
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) is one of 12 regional banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and receive no Congressional appropriations. The FHLBI is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, which include commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and savings banks. For more information about the FHLBI, visit www.fhlbi.com.

Turning Point Contact:
Sue Coats
586-463-4430
[email protected]

Talmer Bank Contact:
Angela Spencer Ford
(248) 331-1147
248-766-2154
[email protected]

SOURCE Talmer Bank and Trust