Project DOVE was founded in 1981 by Judge Patricia Sullivan, Jim Jones, and other concerned citizens. The original members were Vicki Fugate, Marla Gaarenstroom, Camilla Mallonee, Patricia Sully, Janelle Irving, Paula Becks, and Mary Lewis.
It wasn’t until after Lester Reger killed his wife, Simona Sutton, in 1984, that the effort gained momentum locally. Before Sutton’s death, Malheur County domestic violence victims and their children were housed in motel rooms and the agency was run by volunteers.
To pursue its mission, Project DOVE offers safe refuge and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. The programs and services inform survivors of their options and support them in their choices. A cornerstone of the organization’s philosophy is respect for survivors’ rights including the right to decide whether to report to the police the crime or crimes committed against them. Project DOVE works with survivors of any race, economic status, disability, citizenship status, age or sexual orientation.
Project DOVE Services:
- Emergency shelter
- Food
- Clothing
- Rent/deposit assistance
- security surveillance /door locks
- peer support
- 1 time gas fill up
- utility assistance
- 1-3 night hotel assistance (depending on situation and current funding)
- DV 101 educational 6-week class & support group
- Safety planning
- Assistance in obtaining a protection order appropriate to what it is you are experiencing
- Court accompaniment
- Bilingual services
- Transitional 1 bedroom units (4 units)
- 24 hour crisis line
- Co-located advocate with the Department of Human Services