Program Spotlight: Dove Center of Garrett County

Oct 15th, 2020

Program Spotlight: Dove Center

This quarter, we spoke to Heather Hanline, Executive Director of Dove Center, to learn more about the services they provide in Garrett County. Visit their website here for more information!

 

1.     What makes the Garrett County community special? 

The Dove Center operates in mountainous Garrett County, the second largest county in Maryland.  The county covers 657 square miles of rural, agrarian territory, and also includes Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort, a popular tourist destination.  The County has a population of approximately 30,000 during times when tourists populate Deep Creek Lake.  Early on, the staunchly conservative beliefs of the majority of community members led to abuse being seen as a private, family issue, that should be dealt with behind closed doors. However, for the past 28 years, Dove Center has strived to provide a setting in which victims feel comfortable coming forward about their abuse, and a community that acknowledges abuse and discourages its secrecy.  We have seen significant changes in the community’s perceptions through our efforts.  The community, as a whole, supports Dove Center’s initiatives and mission.  It is a caring community and has embraced many of the Dove Center's recent expansion projects. 

 

2.     Tell us about the Dove Center’s current community sexual assault prevention efforts.

Dove Center relies on strong community partnerships and creativity to further our sexual assault prevention efforts. We begin those efforts with youth in our community.  We have two full-time School Outreach Counselors who are present once a week at every school in our County.  They conduct prevention focused presentations and activities, in addition to providing in-school counseling.  One of those counselors is also on campus at the local Community College one day per week.  Some of the creative activities we conduct include conducting fun, prevention activities at the After-Prom activities of both High Schools, as well as the Spring Fling at Garrett College.  Presentations are also made to every incoming class at the college.  Many other outreach presentations, information tables, and public awareness campaigns are held throughout the year, to reach our entire community. 

 

3.     Why are you a member of MCASA? 

Being in the westernmost County, hours away from other programs, I rely on MCASA to keep Dove Center connected with other programs, and important happenings across the State.  I also rely on MCASA's expertise and training opportunities, which are offered in various formats, making it feasible for Dove Center staff to participate.  I also appreciate greatly, MCASA's funding and advocacy legislation.  This is a vital role.  I also consider MCASA to be a valued resource for consultation regarding an array of victim services issues.    

 

4.     What called you to your work?

As an adult who witnessed domestic violence as a child,  I became passionate early on about being a part of ending sexual and domestic violence, oppression, and all related topics.  As Christiane Northrup stated, every woman who heals herself helps heal all those who came before her, and all those who will come after her.  I believe wholeheartedly in the powerful role that victim service agencies play in communities.  

 

5.     MCASA prioritizes advocating funding for rape crisis centers. With the rise of the #MeToo movement why is funding for rape crisis centers important? How has the COVID crisis affected the Dove Center? 

Victim service agencies, out of necessity, have become so skilled in doing so much with so little.  We are able to take the smallest of grants and create the most powerful outcomes.  Imagine what a difference we could make if we were adequately funded? And now more than ever, we are so needed. The #metoo movement has given survivors more of a voice, but the COVID crisis has become another tool in abusers' arsenals.  Creativity is necessary, but funding is also critical to meeting these needs.  

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