CFS, Hawai'i's largest and oldest private nonprofit, plans to retain the name of Turning Point for Families. Vicki Suyat, CFS director of development and communications, said the result of the merger will be enhanced services on the Big Island, which has a high incidence of domestic violence.

"The once-jeopardized West Hawai'i Domestic Abuse Shelter operated by TPFF will have the support it needs to continue," said Howard Garval, CEO of CFS.

CFS operates a similar shelter in East Hawai'i.

Besides the West Hawai'i Domestic Abuse Shelter, TPFF also operates the Alternatives to Violence program, funded by the state Judiciary, for victims, offenders and children affected by domestic violence in east, west, north and rural Hawai'i county. TPFF's Ke Ala Lokahi program, a demonstration funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, brings Native Hawaiian values and practices into intervention for victims and batterers.

"TPFF has a huge strength as a grassroots organization with culturally specific programs. ... CFS sees its programs benefiting from this culture," Garval said.

For the past 17 months, TPFF has operated as a subsidiary of CFS as a full merger was evaluated, said Suyat. During that period, the option of returning TPFF to an independent agency was also considered.

Child & Family Service, established 108 years ago, provides family strengthening services statewide. It has a $28 million budget and more than 600 employees.

Turning Point for Families, Inc. operates out of Hilo's old IronWorks Building. It has 40 employees and an annual budget of $1.6 million.