90's Brought New Programs

• In 1990, a satellite office, to better serve the needs of the women with domestic violence issues, was opened in DeWitt County. The program grew from a one-room shared facility to opening their own offices which additionally houses the BABES program, RSVP, Friends in Action, a food pantry, and DAX.

• In 1991 the adjacent structure to the current shelter, 800 E. Clay was purchased for additional administrative offices. This allowed more space for clients at the shelter.

• In 1994, Dove spearheaded an inter-agency coalition to combat homelessness. The program was named Homeward Bound was located at 903 W. Decatur, a property donated by Decatur Community Church. Homeward Bound is now in the former shelter at 788 E. Clay. Homeward Bound offices are in the front and SRO occupies the back. Dove Preschool closed; resources redirected into fighting prejudices.

• In 1996, three adjacent lots on East Clay were purchased, 824 site was remodeled and was used by BABES and Community Services. A fire in the summer of 2003 caused damage to the site and it was later torn down.

• During 1997, Ray Batman was appointed Executive Director for the second time in Dove’s history. New positions were created and staffed by promoting employees. Ray retired in 2011 and Jim Walters is serving as Executive Director.

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You don't have to be able to Dance to do Baskets

Growing up in the world of dance, one of my favorite things to do each year is participate in The Nutcracker Ballet. My favorite part? Giving the audience a magical Christmas experience with the perfect setting of lights, music, glittery costumes, and refined steps by ballerinas. The audience is transported to a magical land of sweets that makes even adults feel like small children in awe and wonder. Of course, that’s just what the audience sees! What they don’t see is the months and months before hand! Long rehearsals, bandage wrapped dance feet, and stage and tech crews working tirelessly so that every detail before the final show is perfected. After several years, I have started comparing the Christmas Baskets Process to that of the process for The Nutcracker Ballet. Starting months and months before, staff and volunteers work endlessly for the exhilarating distribution week to come. With that said, the magical essence of the Ballet experience cannot happen with just the prim

“have you talked to a trained domestic violence advocate?"

Have you ever had a victim of domestic violence try and open-up to you about their abuse and you not know what to say or how to handle it? Have you found yourself asking a victim of domestic violence, “why do you stay?” Moultrie County Dove Office understands that without being properly trained on domestic violence and best domestic violence practices, it is hard to know what to say or do when a victim of domestic violence finally decides to open-up to you about their abuse and we want you to be better prepared. Asking a victim of domestic violence “why do you stay” can place emphasis in the wrong place and make the victim feel as if they have done something wrong. In all actuality, there are many reasons victims of domestic violence stay in and return to abusive relationships. Victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships for fear for their personal safety and the safety and well-being of their children. Statistics show that a victim of domestic violence is at a 75%

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