On July 7, 1970, Dove opened its first office with Ray Batman serving as coordinator with support of seven Christian Churches.
In 1972, Dove went ecumenical as other congregations joined. The organization incorporated and became tax-exempt. Dove purchased a run-down empty house at 1112 E. Locust.
Mother-to-Mother, a now national program, was started by one of the first volunteers, Sue Simcox. Other activities were the preschool, cooking classes and helping to form CHIC.
In 1975, Dove assumed sponsorship of the VISTA project.
As Dove marked its tenth anniversary in 1980, staff and volunteers began their response to battered women.
In the '80's RSVP grew rapidly and initiated the Aluminum Recycling Center. Volunteers at St. Paul's United Methodist Church opened our Clothing Room to serve children.
84-85 two projects were added to Dove, BABES and MAX.
By 1987, 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.
In 1988, the Community Service Program was reorganized to its present form.
In 1990, a satellite office, to better serve the needs of the women with domestic violence issues, was opened in DeWitt County.
In 1991 the adjacent structure at 800 E. Clay was purchased for additional administrative offices.
In 1994, Dove spearheaded an inter-agency coalition to combat homelessness, named Homeward Bound.
In 1996, three adjacent lots on East Clay were purchased, 824 site was remodeled and was used by BABES and Community Services.
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.
In Apr of 2000, with increases in State funding Dove was able to open Domestic Violence offices in Piatt, Shelby and Moultrie.
In July of 2000, Dove celebrated is 30th Anniversary.
In July of 2002 the State money which brought earlier expansion began to decrease. The Piatt County office.
In Aug of 2002, the Diversity program and the YWCA of Decatur Macon County, joined into a partnership called "Partners for Peace: Healing Into Action". In the fall of 2004, this partnership dissolved.
After 30 years of success in building relationships between women of different ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds, the Mother-to-Mother ministry program ceased in June of 2003.
During summer of 2003, BABES, RSVP and Community Services are located at 302 S. Union. The clothing room is located at Prairie Avenue Christian Church.
In the fall of 1999, First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, purchased a property right next door to the church at 240 W. Prairie Avenue.
In Jan of 2005, with the 35th Anniversary approaching, a committee of the General Board reviewed the constitution and bylaw of Dove. Dove would now be governed by a Board of Directors.
Jan 2006, Harbor Place apartments were open. Services will be provided by Heritage Behavioral Health Center and the eight units are owned by Dove, Inc.
At their Sept 2006 meeting the Dove Board of Directors approved a motion making Dove, Inc. the lead agency in a community coalition that will implement the Cease Fire program to make an impact on the shootings and killings that are happening in Decatur.
By Dec 2006, CeaseFire staff had been hired, a neighborhood office space secured and staff began addressing violence in their targeted areas.
Feb 1, the Anna B. Millikin Home was given to Dove. This home is now the Domestic Violence Shelter, and office space for the BABES, Community Service / Decatur Area Project and the RSVP Program.
Work was completed to the East Clay facility which now serves as Single Room Occupancy (SRO). The Homeward Bound Staff have their offices in the front of the facility.
Dove's ministry continues to attract partners and support from the entire community, but it has kept its strong base in the religious sector. More than 50 staff and 900 volunteers continue to uphold our mission. Come be a part of it!
