Most Commonly Asked Questions about Bay Area Turning Point, Inc. (BATP)

1. What is BATP? BATP is a non-profit; community based social service agency providing a variety of assistance services, including shelter, to families in need and community education/crime prevention activities in the Greater Bay Area and surround areas.

2. Is BATP a United Way agency? Yes. Although United Way funds equal slightly more than 9% of the agency's budget, this affiliation brings opportunities for staff and volunteer training, multi-agency networking, peer collaboration and in-kind community support. Example: Twice annually, many corporations that participate in United Way reach out to United Way affiliated agencies to make repairs, paint, host food drives, organize a special children's activity, and many other special projects.

3. Is BATP in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Yes. Furthermore, we welcome questions regarding the financial reports of the agency and pride ourselves on maintaining effective fiscal management. BATP is also listed with Dun & Bradstreet.

4. How long has BATP been in existence? BATP was incorporated in November 1991 and began providing direct services, solely by volunteers, in 1992. Its shelter opened, debt-free, on May 15, 1996. The Crisis Intervention and Administrative Office building opened in March 2000, at 210 South Walnut Street in Webster, Texas.

5. What area does BATP serve? Southeast Harris and North Galveston counties, which compose the Greater Bay Area, a combined population of approximately 450,000.

6. Who seeks services from BATP? Clients are men, women, and children of any age who experience victimization relating to domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse. 99% of those served are women and their children.

7. In an area like this, do we really have people who need BATP's services? Yes. Unfortunately, since its inception, the agency has assisted thousands of persons.

8. How many paid staff does BATP have? 33 (24 full-time, 7 part-time, 2 contract)

9. Does BATP use volunteers? Yes. Each year, volunteers from our community provide nearly 40,000 hours in direct and in-direct services. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization.

10. Is BATP affiliated with a specific religion or church? No. BATP believes in the personal rights and choices of all persons to experience their individual spirituality. Women in shelter attend the church of their choice and area churches may provide special activities on-site. A woman in shelter is completely free to attend or not attend any activity presented by any group.

11. Who makes decisions about policies, programs, and how money is spent? BATP has a Board of Directors that meets monthly to direct the agency's mission. The agency's President/CEO is in charge of the day-to-day management of programs and administers the annual budget as approved by the board. The board reviews the agency's financial reports at each meeting. The Board and staff work together to establish and implement the agency's Strategic Plan.

12. Isn't the Shelter, BATP's main function? No. Shelter is an intensive part of our work and it is essential in providing a safe haven from abuse. However, the agency's non-residential program assists more clients each year as if offers a diverse service menu to clients who need assistance other than shelter.

13. What are BATP's non-residential services?

14. What services are offered in the shelter?

15. How is BATP funded? BATP receives state and federal grant money that is specific to certain components of operating its service programs. The agency is also fortunate to have The Friends of BATP as a fundraising and awareness organization. The agency depends on the generosity of its community to provide approximately 25% of its annual operating funds. Contributions make up the short fall that grants do not cover and are used as matching funds to various grants. Grants sources include: Family Violence Services, Texas Department of Human Services; Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Development Block Grants; Federal Emergency Management Assistance; Supportive Housing Programs; United Way; Child and Adult Care Food Program (TDHS); FEMA; Private Foundations.

16. Has BATP received any recognition beyond its local community? Yes. In 1995, the U.S. Senate described BATP's Project SAFE program as an example of an effective victim assistance and crisis intervention strategy. In 1997, Harris County Community Development recognized BATP as a nominee for the National Excellence in Program Development and Management award. In 1999, the agency's President and CEO received the Clear Lak

^^ Top of page.