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Melissa Jolliffe turned to Turning Point five years ago when she wanted to escape an abusive relationship.
“I didn’t have to stay at a shelter, but the people there were so kind. They guided me, provided resources and helped me get to the next step,” she said.
A friend invited her to a POUND fitness class, which helped Melissa take another step in her recovery.
“It was the first thing I’d done for myself since ending that relationship. I was so scared. I thought my abuser was going to call me because I wasn’t where he told me to be,” she recalled. “After I did it, I felt free for the first time.”
POUND is a 45-minute workout that combines yoga, cardio, strength training and pilates.
“Exercise helps with coordination, flexibility and mental health,” she said.
Classes are open to people of all ages and abilities.
“Just come as you are. You won’t be judged! You don’t need to bring any special equipment,” she said.
Participation leads to leadership
In POUND, Melissa found a supportive community. She became stronger physically and mentally. Over the course of five years, this survivor lost 80 pounds.
Three years ago, Melissa became an instructor. She teaches at S&S Nutrition, 613 E. Center St.
“For so long we’ve been told what to do and how to do it,” Melissa says. “I’m open. I’m honest. I say it’s okay to fail. I fail. What matters is that you’re here and you’re doing something for yourself.”
The classes are her way of giving back.
“I want to share what I love with other women who are going through difficult times and help them find their confidence back,” Melissa said.
A call to support Turning Point
Survivors also felt a calling to raise funds for Turning Point.
“I thought, ‘Who is going to listen to me?’ When you’re in an unhealthy situation, you think no one is going to listen to you because of your partner,” Jolliffe said, “but I was told over and over again in the church that this was something I needed to do.”
In 2023, Jolliffe hosted a POUND fundraiser.
“After the first event, the survivors came to me and asked if they could make this an annual event, and I said, ‘Yes, we can now!'” Jolliffe said.
Local businesses, volunteers and donors joined the effort.
“The support we’ve received from the Marion community has been amazing,” Melissa said.
Kylie Boland was one of the volunteers.
People stay in abusive relationships because they feel “stuck” and “alone”
“The amount of support that attendees showed both Melissa and Turning Point was incredible. You could feel the raw mix of emotions from all sides. There were smiles, laughter, sweat and tears throughout the entire event. It was so moving to see everyone there for a common goal,” Boland said.
Melissa was surprised by the number of strangers who thanked her for sharing her story.
“One of the reasons people stay is because they feel stuck. They feel alone. I think it helps if they can empathize with someone who’s been through the same thing and see the other side,” Melissa said. “I have a new life that’s thriving and doing well. I want to help other people who are currently in the same situation heal because it helps heal me.”
In total, the fundraiser raised more than $2,000 for Turning Point, and Melissa has already started planning for next year’s event.
Additionally, Melissa teaches classes to residents at Turning Point Shelters in Marion and Delaware.
“Empowering people to leave domestic violence situations and encouraging them to live new, healthy lives is at the heart of our work here at Turning Point. We’re proud of Melissa’s success and grateful for her support,” said Amber Scott, Turning Point’s president and CEO. “POUND provides an opportunity for individuals to process the psychological trauma left by domestic violence. Restoring a person’s mental health is the first step to recovery, and these therapeutic training sessions provide a space to do just that. Leaving domestic violence behind is not easy, but with support and assistance, it gets easier along the way.”
“If my story can reach just one person and help them, then it’s all worth it,” Melissa said.
