Allstate Owners Secure $20K Grant For Turning Point

WOODSTOCK, IL — Local Allstate agency owners recently collected toiletries and other critically needed items through donation drives to help domestic violence survivors. Volunteers across 24 states also secured $500,000 in Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grants for 45 nonprofit organizations, including $20,000 for Turning Point in Woodstock, according to a news release.

The supplies from local residents were donated to Turning Point to help domestic violence survivors reenter the workforce and get on the path to financial independence, according to a news release. Turning Point will use the grant to support several programs, including their secure emergency shelter. The shelter helps survivors at their most vulnerable time by providing a safe space to live.

"With funding being hard to get, every penny helps, and this was an incredible gift to us," said Jane Farmer, executive director for Turning Point. "For the approximately 1,800 women, children and men who benefit from Turning Points services, this will help keep clients safe from domestic violence."

Nonprofits like Turning Point often operate with limited resources, and the donations will help them serve more survivors, according to the news release.

“Financial abuse is one of the top reasons domestic violence victims can't leave abusive relationships, and it affects every community,” said Gary Bonick, an Allstate agency owner in Crystal Lake. “Local residents really came together for this great cause and the support warmed our hearts.”

The donation drive during Domestic Violence Awareness Month was part of a countrywide effort of The Allstate Foundation benefiting women’s shelters and domestic violence nonprofits.

Participating Allstate agency owners included:

• Gary Bonick, Crystal Lake
• Biatris Guzman, Harvard
• Daniel Hickey, West Dundee
• Steve Kosydar, Algonquin
• Mark Moskal, Crystal Lake
• Phil Rutledge, Barrington
• Andre Smith, Algonquin
• Bonnie Stipetic, Crystal Lake