Marilyn's Place Welcomes 180 Turning Lives Around

For the staff at Marilyn's Place, Monday was by far the most monumental meeting they would have since opening their doors on September 4th.

"When we were contacted by 180 Turning Lives Around to set up a meeting for their Director, Jo Ann Palumbo, and two of their department supervisors, Elisse Hanson and Janet Lee, to tour Marilyn's Place and discuss our services, we were momentarily in a state of disbelief. Knowing first-hand the life changing impact 180 Turning Lives Around has had in the trauma community and one of our staff members lives we could only hope what we were trying to accomplish here at Marilyn's Place would be an idea they welcomed and supported."

The six women sat for two hours discussing the concept of Marilyn's Place - a place run solely by survivors for victims of sexual and physical/domestic trauma to turn to for survivor-led support groups, meetings, workshops and events that are all free of charge - and, in the end the representatives of 180 Turning Lives Around all agreed Marilyn's Place was not only filling a much needed void but was the only place of its' kind anywhere.

"The conversation flowed easily and their offers of support and guidance were gifts we only dreamed we could receive. When Jo Ann, Elisse and Janet said they would welcome a partnership with Marilyn's Place to refer their clients, there was a moment of gratitude we all felt that cannot be put into words. We are not clinicians. We are not doctors. We are a group of women who have worked hard to understand the ins and outs of our experiences, and how to live our best lives despite those emotional and psychological injuries."

"They loved the location, the feel of the house, the fact that people can come and just spend some quiet time on our front and screened in porches, or simply sit in the kitchen or the backyard with a cup of coffee in hand for much needed "me" time. Visitors can participate in our groups, or not. It's entirely up to them. But whatever the need, a staff member will always be here to listen, share, comfort and support. How humbling and rewarding it is to know we have the support of such a well-respected and incredible organization like 180 Turning Lives Around."

For more information about Marilyn's Place contact 732-962-3115. Or you can visit their organization's website www.becausesheis.org and their facebook page Because She Is.