Dove, Inc.

Dove’s first program was Mother to Mother.  It was founded by Sue Simcox who was serving as the Director of Volunteer at that time. 

We have been sharing things we want you to know about Dove as part of our 45th Anniversary Celebration.  BABES stands for Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies but used to stand for Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education Studies. Sandy Laesch BABES Program Coordinator To become a volunteer, send us a message at dove@doveinc.org for information on the next training date!

Community Services wasn’t always called Community Services at one time it was Youth Services. Francie Johnson,Program Director Community Services / Decatur Area Project (Unfortunately this is one of the programs that are in limbo until the State of Illinois Budget is finalized.  If you want to make sure that this valuable program continues, please contact your representatives.)

Homeward Bound keeps the community informed of Shelter and Transitional Housing openings on a weekly basis.

There is at least one program under Dove umbrella that anyone in the community can relate to or know someone who could benefit from Dove’s services. - Charo Covington (view the complete listing of programs at www.doveinc.org  )

Dove in 1970 had 1 employee with a budget of $6,800, Dove 2015 has a staff of 40 with a budget of 2.6 million dollars. Tammy Wilcox, Finance Director

Q. Where was the first office that staff were housed to assist victims of domestic violence with orders of protection? A. 3 rd floor of the old YWCA on corner of Eldorado and Main Street in Downtown Decatur

The clothing Room has served 24421 children in the last 10 years. Sandra Harmison The clothing room has been at the former St. Paul's United Methodist Church and a Dove building on East Clay that was in a fire about 2004 and torn down. The Clothing Room is currently at Prairie Avenue Christian Church, corner of 22nd Street and Prairie Avenue in Decatur.  It is open Monday - Thursday, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

People in the outlying counties are always surprised at the scope of Dove's programming since in our county the only program they are aware of is Domestic Violence. Susie Kensil Shelby County Coordinator

Homeward Bound has carried this name from the beginning (1995)  and is often confused with the Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. Dove’s Homeward Bound began here 7 years before the pet shelter with the same name. So far, we've cooperated very well, sending all animal inquires back to them. 

"Wanted to share with some people who may not know, we are not the company that manufactures the Soap and Deodorant." - Kim Hudson, Receptionist Kim and I both get many inquiries about the product company, requesting deodorant to hand out on the New York subway is the one that is the most memorable to me.  (apparently it was a very hot summer)  We get complaints and kudos alike.  But I cannot remember ever getting confused the candy company.  Barbara Blakey Director of Volunteers and Community Relations.