Turning Point of McHenry County executive director to retire in October

One of McHenry County’s longest tenured nonprofit leaders will be retiring from Turning Point of McHenry County in October, the agency announced.

Jane Farmer worked for Turning Point of McHenry County, a nonprofit addressing violence against women and children, for 27 years, including 17 as executive director, according to a news release.

Under Farmer’s leadership, Turning Point saw “major growth,” including opening a secure emergency shelter in 2007 for victims of domestic violence, the first of its kind in McHenry County, according to the release. The shelter provides housing for up to 21 women, children and men daily and has provided safe shelter for more than 1,500 residents since it opened.

“We occupied cramped quarters and operated with lean financial resources for many of those earlier years,” Farmer said. “It’s a testament to our staff and supporters that the agency has become such a strong and essential part of the McHenry County community and the safety of its residents.”

Farmer in the release pointed to increased financial stability, a new Partner Abuse Intervention Program building and revitalized victims’ services space as other main achievements during her time leading the agency. She also helped to establish the annual Radiothon, Turning Point’s largest fundraiser, held in conjunction annually with Star 105.5.

Farmer’s last day at the agency will be Oct. 15. She said in the release she looks forward to spending time with her family, particularly her grandkids.

The nonprofit’s Board of Directors is assessing the needs of the organization and will begin searching for a new leader beginning this month. It expects to have a new executive director in place before Oct. 15.