

Please take a moment to read our Dedication Page
The Western Maryland Truck Show is proud to donate its proceeds to support the Garrett
County Domestic Violence Resource Center. The Dove Center (D.V.S.A.R.C, Inc.), a private,
non-profit organization, is dedicated to the elimination of domestic and sexual violence
through intervention and prevention. The agency operates within the confines of Garrett
County. Its administrative offices are located in Oakland, Maryland.
It all began when Garrett County Health Department formed a unit in 1991 to look at the special
needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence. The following year on November 16th, this
unit incorporated under the direction of a Board of Directors.
What began as a grassroots effort to address counseling and support services expanded as
client numbers grew. An agency run shelter became part of the vision and officially opened its
doors in March of 1997.
An outreach opened in July 1999 at the northern end of the county in Grantsville. Branch sites
were established in the Kitzmiller and Hoyes areas with a trained staff member available to
provide victim services.
The Dove Center plays an integral role in the coordinated community response to victims. The
organization's goals and aspirations are clearly delineated in the mission statement which is
included in the forward to our recently developed strategic plan:
To empower victims of domestic violence/sexual assault to develop a sense of self-worth and
take control of their lives, and to promote and foster public awareness of these issues.
The Dove Center staff also provides community education through billboards, public service
announcements, window displays, and by participating in speaking engagements at local
schools, churches, businesses, and organizations.
The Dove Center is primarily funded through state, county, and federal grants. In addition to
these, the Dove Center staff holds several fundraisers throughout the year to supplement
budget needs. The center is also very blessed to have the support of its community through
donated cash and supplies.
All services provided through the Dove Center are free and confidential; however, there is a
sliding scale fee for shelter use and for the abuse intervention educational group.