Turning Pointe creates $1M endowment

In October, Turning Pointe Advocacy Center Executive Director Gina Finley received a letter from the local Margery Jones Charitable Trust.

Finley anticipated a check of $40,000 or $50,000 in the tiny white envelope, the usual annual amount the agency receives in the memory of the Mason County native and teacher. Instead, she said she was astonished to find a check for $1 million.

Placing that $1 million in the bank allowed Turning Pointe to open an agency endowment fund with the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. While accumulating about a 4% interest rate, the nonprofit will raise about $40,000 a year to fund programs without touching the

$1 million donation, Finley said.

So far, three people have signed up to will money to the foundation upon their death, she said.

“It’s nice to have the cash flow,” Finley said. She added, “Public funding is very competitive, very restricting.”

In a news release, Chris Sjoholm — a relative of Jones and a trustee — wrote, “Margery Jones loved Mason County and she cared deeply for women who found themselves in difficult situations. We are honored to support Turning Pointe as they help survivors of domestic and sexual violence set new courses for their lives.”

The nonprofit strives to better serve clients and prevent domestic and sexual violence in Mason County and the state. About 80% of the agency’s funding comes from local, state and federal grants.

Turning Pointe is undergoing expansion with the construction of two new offices. A bus shelter is being erected near Turning Ponte as part of the City of Shelton’s Western Gateway Project.

Turning Pointe will host its annual Power of the Purse fundraiser Oct. 15 at Little Creek Casino and Resort.