IMPACT 2024 REPORT
Your Contributions Have Kept DOVE Moving Forward
Together, we have expanded our prevention efforts, broadened our holistic support for survivors, and strengthened the foundation of safety and healing through connectivity and relationships in our community
Our programs and services have significantly impacted our community. From empowering educators with tools to promote healthy relationships to providing community members with knowledge and resources for compassionate, action-oriented responses to domestic violence, we have made a difference. Through advocacy training, professional development workshops, and outreach initiatives, we have sparked important discussions about consent, boundaries, and the necessity of safe, healthy connections
Each story we share, every life we touch, and all the milestones we celebrate are possible because of you. The collective generosity and commitment of our donors and partners have enabled us to remain steadfast in providing resources to survivors and fostering prevention efforts that resonate beyond today, building hope for generations to come. We invite you to explore this year’s impact report to learn more about the lives we have touched and the progress we have made together. Throughout this report, you will see how your contributions have driven meaningful change Thank you for standing with us as we work toward a safer, stronger Vashon community.
In solidarity and hope,
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the resilience of our community and the unwavering support of our partners, donors, and advocates. Last year was a year of transformative growth and impact as we continue our mission to create a world of safety for everyone Executive
Director
ADVOCACY
Advocacy in Action
In 2024, DOVE advocates provided nearly 1,200 moments of crisis response, comfort, and connection to survivors and community members. Whether through a phone call, text message, in-person meeting, or mobile advocacy meet-up, each interaction represented more than just a conversation it was often the first step toward safety, stability, and healing.
Survivors reaching out to DOVE frequently faced verbal, emotional, financial, and physical abuse, and they most often sought support with legal challenges, securing safe housing, and meeting urgent financial needs. Advocacy didn’t end with that initial call DOVE’s team walked alongside survivors every step of the way — from helping file protective orders and navigating complex legal systems, to connecting families with emergency shelter, rental assistance, and community resources.
These 98 touchpoints each month demonstrate the vital role DOVE plays in keeping survivors connected to safety and support whether they are leaving a dangerous situation, rebuilding their lives, or simply trying to make it through the day Each interaction is a reminder that no one has to face domestic violence alone.
NEARLY
INTERACTIONS WITH CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
ADVOCACY
DOVE Receives $737,512 Grant from King County to Support Gender-Based Violence Survivors
The DOVE Project has been awarded a $737,512 grant over five years from King County’s $15.5 million investment through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). This funding will enhance DOVE’s Mobile Advocacy Program, providing trauma-informed, survivor-driven support to individuals affected by Gender-Based Violence, Human Trafficking, and Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Vashon Island and surrounding communities.
The program meets survivors where they are, offering tailored, culturally responsive services and flexible financial assistance to address stability and safety. “This funding strengthens our ability to meet the increasing demand for survivor-centered support,” said Executive Director Heidi Jackson.
DOVE is one of 11 community organizations receiving funding, forming a survivor-centered network to address the rising demand for domestic violence services in King County.
PREVENTION EDUCATION
C I R C L E: Create Inclusive Relationships for Connection, Listening and Empowerment-formerly known as Sisterhood had a fabulous year serving over 85 island youth in weekly Circle program, summer camps, and our youngmentors program. We made the name change to reflect the diversity of youth that already participate in our circle programs The change is both youth-led and organizationally supported.
About half of participants were new this year and the other half were returning for their second, third, or even sixth year of participation. The long-term mentoring is unique to this program and where potent growth happens In the spring of 2024, we welcomed Celia Cugudda to join Laura on the facilitator team. She brings enthusiasm, warmth, and wisdom to each circle.
Program curriculum highlights include themes of dignity, voice, community service and bodypositive culture We did volunteer activities of native plant restoration with the Vashon Nature Center, and visiting a woman-owned and run local organic farm It was another fabulous year of nurturing hearts and minds to build a stronger more resilient and empowered community of youth on Vashon Island.
“One of the only places where people really listen to me and care about what I share. They are also a place where everything from the outside goes away and it’s just a calm, relaxing environment. For many of us, it’s the only place where we’re relaxed. You are listened to, cared about, don’t have to shame, or feel pressured.” — Circle Participant
PREVENTION EDUCATION
Teen Lobby Day 2024
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, members of the Vashon Teen Council traveled to Olympia for Teen Lobby Day, an annual event dedicated to amplifying youth voices in legislative advocacy. Now in its 22nd year, the event provides a platform for young activists to champion critical issues in reproductive rights and justice
With support from Planned Parenthood, Teen Council members took an active role in shaping the day choosing key issues, planning discussions, and facilitating sessions. In Olympia, the Vashon teens met with Senator Nguyen and Representatives Alvarado and Fitzgibbon to advocate for stronger penalties for non-consensual condom removal, protections for Washington abortion providers, and increased oversight of hospital mergers that may limit access to care.
As part of an award-winning peer education program, Teen Council empowers youth to educate their peers on healthy relationships and sexual health
CARE Club & Stuffies
Students in our CARE Club received holiday care packages filled with fun and thoughtful items, including ear headbands, doodle tablets, fidget toys, and gooey sensory spheres. The highlight was a reversible "stuffy" that students named and fostered, complete with laminated foster certificates
These cuddly companions became a key part of CARE Club activities, helping with feelings check-ins, discussions, comfort, and even teaching personal boundaries through "body bubbles." At the end of the school year, each student received an adoption certificate to officially take their stuffy home
CARE Club is a program through Vashon Kids for ages 5-12, meeting weekly to learn about social-emotional skills, body safety and boundaries, big feelings, and much more!
MENTAL HEALTH
New Office Space for Mental Health Clients
DOVE has expanded its office space with a new tiny office adjacent to our current location, allowing us to serve more individuals and reduce wait times for mental health services. This addition ensures our two therapists and two advocates have the private spaces needed to meet the growing demand for support.
Our in-house therapists offer free trauma-focused care for individuals aged 13 and older dealing with past or current trauma. These confidential, holistic behavioral health services are tailored to address the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Vashon Island residents. By increasing our capacity, DOVE reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible, compassionate care for our community.
“Before I started therapy at DOVE, I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through, through the abuse, the suicidal thoughts, the hopelessness. I now see a light at the end of the tunnel and feel as though my life is MINE again.”
– Adult Trauma Therapy Program
Expanding Mental Health Support In Schools
Starting in May 2024, The DOVE Project partnered with NeighborCare School-Based Health Clinic and Vashon Island High School to address the critical need for mental health services among students Starting this school year, thanks to healthcare district funding, DOVE has introduced a full-time therapist dedicated to supporting students, doubling the reach of our services.
With expertise in trauma-informed care, eating disorders, EMDR, somatic practices, sexual assault recovery, and healthy relationship coaching, DOVE brings comprehensive support to this collaboration. This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive emotionally and mentally, fostering a healthier school community.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In partnership with local artist West McLean, The DOVE Project unveiled 20 Chairs, a powerful art installation displayed near our office on Vashon Highway from July through October. This evocative piece visually represents the staggering statistic from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: every minute, 20 people in the U.S. experience domestic violence. The installation serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for action and awareness, highlighting the prevalence of intimate partner violence at both local and national levels. This creative collaboration underscores DOVE’s commitment to sparking conversations and inspiring change through community partnerships
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
On Friday, June 7, DOVE held its third annual Pride Street Dance at the Vashon Theater. This vibrant, community-driven event celebrated the LGBTQ2S+ community on Vashon Island. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including photo booths, chalk installations, and free haircuts. It was a wonderful evening of unity and joy, showcasing the island's support for diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Building Safer Classrooms
This year, The DOVE Project partnered with the Vashon Island School District during their fall Professional Development Day to equip educators with tools to foster healthy relationships and safe learning environments. Through discussions on consent, boundaries, and healthy connections, teachers gained practical strategies to support students and promote positive interactions.
First Responder Training: Vashon Island Fire & Rescue COMMUNITY OUTREACH
DOVE staff provided tailored domestic violence training for Vashon Island Fire & Rescue, meeting with each EMT shift. The sessions covered key topics like trauma, safety planning, implicit bias, and the roles of advocates and first responders. They also highlighted DOVE’s advocacy services and addressed the challenges of operating without a local shelter in unincorporated King County. With open dialogue and shared experiences, the training strengthened EMTs' understanding of domestic violence and their approach to supporting survivors in the field.
Empowering Action
DOVE hosted a free Community Advocacy training at the Vashon Island Library, led by DOVE advocates. The workshop engaged participants in interactive discussions on trauma-informed support, bystander intervention, empathetic listening, and self-care. Building on recent collaborations with Vashon Fire and Rescue and the Vashon Island Food Bank, the event highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in fostering safety for all. With plans to tailor future sessions for groups like the Senior Center and Vashon Household, DOVE is committed to making this training an annual community resource.
HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Since its inception in 2017, the Holistic Wellness Program has been a beacon of hope and healing, offering trauma-informed yoga, non-violent communication, and Emotional Freedom Technique/Tapping among other services. This initiative, rooted in the heart of Vashon Island, aims to provide the island’s community members with a comprehensive suite of wellness and healing services.
The program has been strategically designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring participation from all demographics, irrespective of gender, physical ability, or ethnic background.
PHILANTHROPY
The DOVE Project was the recipient of a generous grant from the Tulalip Tribe to support survivors of domestic violence and expand advocacy and outreach programs.
The funding enhanced DOVE’s work in community education and outreach, advancing its mission to foster safety and prevent violence on Vashon Island.
Another year of generous support from Granny's Attic to support The DOVE Project expansion of its Community Access to Therapy (CAT) program, providing essential mental health services to more individuals in need. With mental health support requests at an alltime high and most local therapists operating with waitlists, this funding allows DOVE to offer accessible, no-cost therapy to underserved community members.
The CAT program continues to be a critical lifeline for those who would otherwise lack access to mental health care, reaffirming our commitment to meeting this urgent need.
$278,567 Raised in 2024
311 donors
In 2024, fundraising efforts increased by 34% compared to 2023, enabling us to significantly expand our impact. We are deeply grateful to every donor, foundation, organization, and corporate partner for their generous support, which has been instrumental in providing the resources necessary to support survivors, families, and the Vashon community. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference
SUPPORT DOVE
Every gift to DOVE impacts the lives of members in our community, providing access to resources to
S H A R E H O P E G A L A A Journey of Healing
CORPORATE PARTNERS
We are deeply grateful for the many corporate partners who support our mission and contribute to the resources and healing journey of survivors in our community. Every investment in DOVE is an investment in a family's future, allowing us to continue our life-saving work with survivors of domestic violence, educating our community and working to stop violence before it starts. Thanks to the generosity of our partner in helping us build a brighter tomorrow for our community.
