True North of Columbia

12/05/2025

From Courage Comes Growth.
From Community Comes Hope.

Every person deserves to feel safe. That’s why True North is here walking along survivors from their first courageous step, to becoming their strongest selves.

We’re proud to be a part of CoMoGives again this year! Your support makes our work possible and changes lives right here in our community.

Every donation matters, no matter the size.

comogives.com/organization/True-North

💜Donations through CoMoGives aren’T eligible for the 70% Missouri tax credit. If you’re donating $100 or more and want to receive tax credits, please give directly to True North.

truenorthofcolumbia.app.neocon.com/forms/43

12/01/2025

💜2025: A Year of Courage and Growth

When someone reaches out to True North in crisis, they're often taking the bravest step of their life. This year, that courage showed up 3,594 times through calls to our 24-hour hotline, each one representing a person choosing hope over silence, safety over fear.

Thanks to supporters like you, we've been there to answer every call with the steady, compassionate presence survivors deserve.

💜2025 YEAR-TO-DATE IMPACT:

650 individuals served with comprehensive support
14,156 support services provided
11,873 bed nights offered—a 24% increase

These numbers represent our impact so far this year, and our work is only possible because of community partners, dedicated staff, and generous supporters who believe in creating a safer Columbia.

💜CORPORATE GIVING & TAX-SMART PHILANTHROPY

True North participates in the Missouri Tax Credit Program. Donations of $100 or more may qualify for a 70% Missouri Domestic Violence Shelter or R**e Crisis Center Tax Credit. For example, a $1,000 contribution could cost as little as $190-$220 out of pocket after tax benefits.

This is an exceptional opportunity for business leaders and individuals looking to maximize their year-end charitable impact while supporting critical services in our community.

🔗 Learn more about our work: https://truenorthofcolumbia.org/

🔗 Make your tax-smart gift: https://truenorthofcolumbia.app.neoncrm.com/forms/43

Together, we're building a community where violence has no place to hide and where healthy relationships thrive.

11/25/2025

💜 We Love Our Partnership with the Veterans United Foundation 💜

Today, we were once again reminded of what true community support looks like. Our friends at the Veterans United Foundation stopped by with a generous delivery straight from our Urgent Needs Wish List — paper towels, toilet paper, hygiene items, laundry soap, and gift cards.

At True North, every service we provide is free of charge, and our goal is simple: to meet survivors exactly where they are. That means when someone walks through our doors needing something essential, we want to be able to say, “Yes — we have that for you.”

For many who come to us, taking that first step is incredibly difficult — and yet they do it with remarkable bravery and courage. These essential items help ensure that when someone reaches out in that moment of strength, we can show up fully for them.

To the Veterans United Foundation: thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us ensure no need goes unmet. We are deeply grateful for this ongoing relationship and the good it brings to our community. 💜

If you’d like to see or support our ongoing Urgent Needs Wish List, visit truenorthofcolumbia.org.

11/21/2025

Ture North is still seeking sponsors for our Holiday Program. Adopt a family and make their holiday a little brighter! https://forms.office.com/r/eCrVsLGPtS

11/08/2025

We’re so honored to be featured on The Daily Blend with Adonica Coleman — thank you for having us on the show and helping share our mission with the community!

A huge thank you to our community for continuing to stand beside us through the important work we do each day. And a special thank you to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for naming True North of Columbia a finalist for Nonprofit of the Year. We are grateful to serve and to be surrounded by such incredible community partners and supporters!

11/07/2025

Looking for ways to give back to the community this holiday season? Join our Holiday Program and adopt a family! https://forms.office.com/r/eCrVsLGPtS

11/07/2025

💜 We want to give a heartfelt thank you to Alpha Chi Omega for the incredible work they did throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month. From their awareness tabling at Speaker’s Circle on the MU campus to the many events and conversations they led across the community, their dedication to raising awareness and supporting survivors truly stood out.

We’re so grateful that True North had the opportunity to join in and share about our mission. Their passion, energy, and advocacy make such a difference — not just during October, but all year long. 💜

11/06/2025

💜A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended the ReEntry Conference and supported True North through tonight’s silent auction!

$2625.91 was raised!!! Your generosity helps us continue providing safety, shelter, and support to survivors of intimate partner violence, s*xual violence, s*x trafficking and stalking in our community.

We’re so grateful for your kindness, your bids, and your belief in our mission — together, we’re making a real difference.💜

10/31/2025

🎉 Celebrating a Remarkable Career! 🎉

True North of Columbia joins the community in celebrating the retirement of David Clithero of Hawthorn Bank!

DC has been a dedicated supporter and true ally, always showing genuine care for survivors and a deep belief in the mission of safety, healing, and hope. His compassion and commitment to our community have made a lasting difference that will continue to inspire others.

We’re also deeply grateful to Hawthorn Bank for their ongoing partnership and support of True North. Together, we’re building a community that stands strong for survivors. 💜

Congratulations, DC! Wishing you all the best as you begin this next chapter!

10/30/2025

🍂☕ Fall fun at True North today! Huge thanks to our board member José Caldera for treating the team to some cozy seasonal drinks — the perfect pick-me-up for a chilly day! 🎃💜

Most of us went full-on pumpkin spice mode, but a few played it safe with their trusty vanilla lattes. We’ll let it slide… this time. 😉

10/24/2025

We are truly honored to be named a finalist for the 2025 Columbia Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year Award! 💜

Every day, True North of Columbia stands with survivors, offering safety, support, and hope. Thank you to our community for believing in this mission and helping us continue this important work.

💜🏡 Standing Strong. Supporting Survivors. Building Hope. 💜🏡

We are honored to share True North of Columbia as our next finalist for the 2025 Columbia Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year Award! 🌟

For decades, True North has been a place of safety, healing, and empowerment for those affected by intimate partner violence, s*xual violence, stalking, and s*x trafficking. Their mission to provide shelter, education, and support has helped countless survivors find strength, rebuild their lives, and move forward with hope. 💪

What began in the 1970s as “The Shelter” — a small volunteer effort — has grown into a comprehensive program serving our entire community. True North’s vision of a Columbia where healthy relationships thrive and violence has no place inspires all of us to do better, support one another, and build a safer future together. 💜

Congratulations to True North of Columbia — and thank you for being a light of safety, compassion, and courage in our community.

10/23/2025

🔹 Recognizing the Lethality of Strangulation 🔹

This week, the staff at True North of Columbia received advanced training on recognizing, responding to, and preventing strangulation — one of the most dangerous and often misunderstood forms of intimate partner violence.

Strangulation is not a moment of “losing control.” It is a deliberate act of power and domination, intended to show control and instill fear.

💜 Did you know?

• Victims of strangulation are 750% more likely to be killed by their partner in the future.

• Many survivors have no visible injuries, even when internal damage is severe.

• Symptoms such as voice changes, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty swallowing may appear hours or even days later.

🚫 Common Myths:

• “If they can talk, they can breathe.”
❌ False. Talking doesn’t mean oxygen is reaching the brain.

• “No bruises mean it wasn’t serious.”
❌ False. Internal injuries are often invisible but life-threatening.

• “It’s not a big deal unless they pass out.” ❌ False. Any restriction of air or blood flow can cause brain injury or death.

💬 Did you know that Boone County has a Strangulation Protocol?

True North of Columbia led the collaboration and development of this life-saving protocol alongside the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutors, EMS/Fire, Joint Communications, and University Hospital.

This coordinated response ensures that survivors of strangulation receive immediate medical attention, evidence-based investigation, and trauma-informed support.

At True North, we’re committed not only to supporting survivors but also to educating our community.
If your business, group, or agency would like to learn more or schedule a training, please reach out to us at:

💜info@truenorthofcolumbia.org.

If you are a survivor, or if you’re a friend or family member of someone who has been impacted, you are not alone.
We’re here 24/7 to listen and help.

💜Hotline: 573-875-1370
💜www.truenorthofcolumbia.org