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COLUMBIA, MO -- Columbia’s shelter for abused men, women and children for the past 25 years has a new name.

The Shelter is now called True North.

Dozens of dignitaries gathered near the steps of the Boone County Courthouse this afternoon for the name change announcement.

Last year, the organization gave shelter to about 260 women.

True North shelter employees also provided services to about 900 women and children who were victims of domestic abuse and sexual assaults.

Local law enforcement agencies and local court officials work closely with True North administrators.

Organization leaders hope their new name encourages more victims to come forward and ask for help.

True North Executive Director Barbara Hodges said, “We’ve changed our name to True North.  We’ve also expanded so many of the services that we provide.  We want the community to know of all the extensive services that we provide.  We’ve invited the community to get involved and make a difference.”

The Missouri Foundation for Health awarded True North an $85,000 grant to pay the salary of a new victim’s advocate.

Gary Tatlow gave the first gift to True North in memory of his wife Marilyn Silvey-Tatlow.

The Tatlow $2,500 gift will help support a variety of services for abused men, women and children.