Looking at Dove in the '80s

As Dove marked its tenth anniversary in 1980, staff and volunteers began their response to battered women. Beginning with a hotline, the program grew to include support groups, advocacy and emergency shelter.

In the ‘80's RSVP grew rapidly and initiated the aluminum can recycling center, now called the Community Recycling Center, which is still a fund raiser for Dove.

Volunteers at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church opened our Clothing Room to serve children. Now the Prairie Avenue Christian houses the Children’s Clothing Room.

‘84-85 two projects were added to Dove. BABES- Beginning Awareness Basic Educations Studies) brought a message of good self image and making good choices to K-3rd grade classrooms. MAX- Macon County Assistance eXchange, a church-based financial assistance network to screen and fill requests for emergency help started and has been hosted at First United Methodist Church.

By 1987, Dove’s need for physical facilities was painfully evident. The Domestic Violence Program was inadequately housed. More than $300,000 was raised for purchase and renovation of the St. James Convent at 788 E. Clay. The facility was ideal for the shelter and for housing other Dove programs. The Homeward Bound offices and SRO’s is at 788 E. Clay. The Domestic Violence Program, BABES, RSVP and Community Services/Decatur Area Project is now located at 302 S. Union.

In 1988, the Community Service Program was reorganized to its present form - working with youth, working with neighborhood groups and helping to organize neighborhoods.

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