Who is Dove, Inc.?

Dove, Inc. is an organization located in Decatur, and they have been in service for 55 years. Although they are primarily known for their domestic violence shelter, Dove offers many services and resources to those in need.

Dove has a Homeward Bound Program, where they work on preventing homelessness and operate a homeless shelter. 

“We accept everybody,” Ryan Huff, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at Dove, Inc., said.

They send representatives to schools to talk to students about topics that may be difficult to discuss with people in their lives. 

They have a Senior Volunteer Program, which offers local volunteers a chance to help out in the community as well as to do something else after retirement. 

Besides those programs, Dove offers financial assistance for people who struggle to pay for bills and medications.

Dove is a partner of Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, which offers grants to moderate-income families who may be struggling financially. This allows them to get help from Ameren Illinois to afford a good quality life.

Aside from the programs offered, Dove receives support from the community. They accept monetary and clothing donations. 

There is a list of needs on their website that helps their clothing room and Domestic Violence shelter function. 

Donating to Dove is a great way to help, especially for those who cannot give monetary donations.

Dove is a great chance for kids and teenagers in Decatur and the surrounding areas to get volunteer experience, as most high schools require this for graduation. Dove offers many volunteer opportunities to those interested. 

“We’re always looking [for] anybody in need to get some volunteer hours,” Huff said.

Not only would you be gaining a necessary requirement while volunteering, but you would also be helping the community.

How can they help?

What can Dove do for Millikin students?

Dove has many services that are available to students and can help with extreme issues like domestic violence. The first step is to understand what domestic violence is.

Domestic violence does not just have to be present in a romantic relationship; it can be any kind of relationship. After realizing that, it is important to reach out for help if you are in a dangerous situation.

If a case is very serious and the victim wants legal justice, Dove can help them. 

“We help with going to court, potentially, if that is what participants choose, and we keep a safe place here,” says Huff.

Besides domestic violence, Dove helps with reports of sexual assault or stalking and can offer services to help someone get through tough times.

Those who reach out to Dove with instances of sexual assault or stalking are always offered help, whether it be counseling or shelter.

“We encourage people to come talk to us,” Huff said.

Dove encourages those in need to call their regular office number, (217) 428-6616, or their 24-hour hotline number, (217) 423-2238.

Dove is a local resource and is very helpful for people in Macon County. 

“It’s right here in Decatur,” Huff said. 

Dove is available in Decatur and four surrounding counties: DeWitt, Moultrie, Shelby, and Piatt. Anyone in these counties can call their specific hotline if they are in trouble.

“I want students to know that this resource is in their backyard and is something that they can get whenever they need,” says Huff.

Help is there for anyone who needs it and is always available at Dove.