When Melissa Jolliff wanted to escape an abusive relationship five years ago, she turned to Turning Point.
“I never had to stay at the shelter, but the people there were very helpful. They guided me, provided resources and helped me get to the next chapter,” Melissa said.
POUND: Steps to Healing
A friend’s invitation to a POUND fitness class helped Melissa take another healing step.
“It was the first thing I had done for me since ending that relationship. It was terrifying. I thought – I’m going to get a phone call from my abuser for not being where he told me to be,” Melissa recalled. “After I did it, I felt free for the first time.”
POUND is a 45-minute workout incorporating yoga, cardio, strength training and Pilates.
“It helps with coordination, flexibility and your mental health,” Melissa said. “I just fell in love with it. It became my therapy.”
Classes are open to people of all ages and abilities.
“Come as you are. There’s no judgment! You don’t need to bring any special equipment,” Melissa shared.
At POUND, Melissa found a supportive community. She grew stronger physically and mentally. Over five years, the survivor lost 80 pounds.
Stepping Up To POUND Pro
Three years ago, Melissa became an instructor. She teaches at S&S Nutrition at 613 E. Center Street.
“For so long, I was told what to do and how to do it,” Melissa said. “I’m open. I’m honest. I say – it’s okay to mess up. I mess up. The important thing is: 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 may be going through tough times to help them get their confidence back,” Melissa said.
Raising Funds For Turning Point
The survivor also felt called to raise money for Turning Point.
“I felt like: ‘Who is going to listen to me?’ When you’re in an unhealthy situation, your partner makes you think that no one listens to you,” Jolliff said. “However, it kept coming up in church that this is something I’m supposed to do.”
In 2023, Jolliff held her POUND fundraiser.
“Survivors came to me after the first event and asked if I’d make it an annual event. So I said, ‘Well, I am now!’” Jolliff said.
Fundraiser Grows With Community Support
Local businesses, volunteers and donors joined the effort.
“The amount of support I’ve received from the Marion Community is amazing,” Jolliff said.
Kylie Borland was among the volunteers.
“The amount of support participants showed for both Melissa and Turning Point was incredible. You could feel the mix of raw emotions from all sides. There were smiles, laughter, sweat, and tears throughout the entire event. Seeing everyone there for a common goal was so moving,” Borland said.
Together, the fundraisers raised more than $2,000 for Turning Point. Melissa already working on next year’s event. In addition, Melissa teaches classes at for residents at the Turning Point shelters in Marion and Delaware.
The Impact of Speaking Out
Melissa was surprised at the number of strangers who thanked her for sharing her story.
“Part of the reason people stay is that they feel stuck. They feel alone. When you can relate to someone who has lived it and they can see the other side of it, I think that helps,” Jolliff said. I have this new life where I’m thriving and doing well. I want to help others who are currently in that situation heal because it helps me heal as well.”
“Empowering individuals to leave domestic violence situations and encouraging them to live new and healthy lives is at the core of our work here at Turning Point. We are so proud of Melissa’s success and grateful for the support she provides,” said Amber Scott, president and CEO of Turning Point. “POUND provides an opportunity for individuals to process through the emotional trauma left behind by domestic abuse. The repair of a person’s mental health is the first step to recovery. These therapeutic workout sessions provide the space. Leaving a domestic violence situation is no easy process, but with support and advocacy, it gets easier along the way.”
“I have a new life where I’m thriving. I feel very blessed. If my story reaches one person and helps them, it’s all worth it,” Melissa said.
For more information:
Home – Turning Point (turningpoint6.org)
Links & Resources – Turning Point (turningpoint6.org)
POUND with Melissa: (1) Facebook
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