Bill 54, creating a countywide human relations commission, was removed from the Dec. 6 agenda of the Lehigh County Commissioners meeting due to Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi’s withdrawal as sponsor, and no other commissioner stepping forward to become one.

Retiring Commissioner Bob Elbich reiterated his opinion that HR issues should be brought to the state commission, especially if county taxpayers will save money should investigations become necessary.

The board approved a grant of over $25,000 to Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley earmarked to provide Safe House emergency shelter and other safety and supportive services to help victims of domestic violence.

It also provided the backdrop for a discussion about both domestic violence and recognizing the invaluable work of the employees of this nonprofit organization to support those in need.

Commissioner Dave Harrington supported Turning Point’s work, saying, “It is there to give support to the most vulnerable people during the most vulnerable points of their lives.”

Commissioner Zakiya Smalls made the point, “Turning Point provides a safe haven for women and children that have experienced the unfortunate domestic violence issues; the psychological issues that follow along with that. What they provide is not just a safe haven but a homelike environment for these women and their children to begin the process of healing.”

Smalls also commended the work Turning Point did during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure not only safety from abusers, but also from the virus.

Cole-Borghi said employees of this nonprofit have an important job and their strength to help those in need must be recognized.

He said, “I commend the people who work at Turning Point. Just think about … It’s tough what they are going through, what the people who are receiving these services are going through. The people working there get to come home every day hearing these stories and then come back to work the next day. And I commend them for their strength to go through this and be able to put on that face and give that strength. The reason why is that a lot of their employees now went through this in the past, and they are able to provide that support that is needed.”

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley helped 3,480 individuals with support services, and 3,447 calls were answered on the 24/7 helpline. The Safe House sheltered 337 survivors and their children.