Dove Center

08/31/2026

With profound sadness, but the fondest of memories, we share the passing of our beloved and long-time Board Chairperson, Rosie Versteegen.

Rosie began serving on the Dove Center's Board in 2015, and quickly became a treasured and instrumental piece of the Dove Center's story. She was vital in our fundraising efforts, holding leadership roles in the Festival of Trees and Dragon Boat Festival planning. She actively raised funds for the Capital Campaign that helped to build our Transitional Housing Apartments. She was bold, fearless, brilliant, joyful, blunt, hilarious, compassionate, supportive, objective, unwavering, and absolutely unforgettable. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions to the Dove Center, and her memory will live on here, indefinitely.

While we mourn her deeply, we are so grateful for the gift of her commitment to the Dove Center.

We send many prayers to Rosie's wonderful family, who have also served as faithful Dove Center volunteers and supporters, as well as her huge circle of adoring friends.

We believe that Rosie would wholeheartedly want those who loved her to smile, laugh, and carry on. But for now, it is laughter through tears.

https://www.online-tribute.com/RosieVersteegen

08/31/2026

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we acknowledge the devastating connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or trauma and Adult Trauma and Substance Use Disorder.

We vow to continue providing a place of safety, long term healing and resilience for survivors of childhood and adult abuse, through positive connections and comprehensive resources and programs.

We vow to continue working with our community partners to increase empathy, education and awareness, and to end judgement, stigma and shame.

Research demonstrates that:
Adults with a history of ACEs have a 4.3 times higher likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. Female adults had a 5.9 times higher likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder. Male adults had a 5.0 times higher likelihood of developing an illicit drug use disorder. (National Institute of Health)

An ACEs score of four nearly doubles the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, with your likelihood of becoming an alcoholic increasing by 700%. Individuals with an ACE score of 5 or higher are seven to 10 times more likely to use illegal drugs and become addicted.

However, healing is possible. Join the community in supporting those currently struggling and remembering those who lost the battle. The 2026 International Overdose Awareness Day - Garrett County Ceremony will be held tonight at 6 pm at Glades Pavilion.

08/31/2026

Have you registered for the second, Purple Ribbon Award winning Fierce & Financially Free Women's Empowerment Day? It is coming soon!

Admission is free, however, registration is required. Register here:
https://dovecenter.betterworld.org/events/fierce-financially-free-womens-e

Date: September 30, 2026
Time: Check-in: 8-8:30
Program: 8:30-3:20
Closing/Door Prizes/Shop the Closet/Vendors: : 3:20-4
Location: Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.

Participants will be treated to light breakfast refreshments as well as boxed lunches. We are also excited to again offer Shop the Closet, a free, on-site boutique of gently used, quality clothing.

08/31/2026

BIG thanks to Community Works Garrett County for doing this amazing supply drive for us! These items are so helpful and we go through them so fast! Thank you for all the good you are doing in our County!

08/29/2026

It's a beautiful thing to witness an abuse survivor finally feeling safe enough to take a breath. It is an honor for us to be a part of that transformation.

Priscilla, our Wellness Coordinator, recently spent a day at the beach with our residents. She really enjoyed watching them relax and have fun, especially the kids. She certainly finds her job very fulfilling. ♡ 🐾

301-334-9000, 24/7

08/27/2026

The dragon boats have moved out, and the giant pumpkins, corn stalks and sunflowers have moved in, because Spookley the Square Pumpkin Fall Festival & Musical Performance is just around the corner!

We hope you'll join the Dove Center and Our Town Theatre as we celebrate the start of the new school year by pledging to be kind, to be a friend to all, and to say no to bullying!

📙Free Spookley books to up to 200 families!

🎃What: Spookley the Square Pumpkin Fall Festival & Musical Performance
🎃When: Sept 4: 5-7pm: 5-6 pm: Fall Fun Fair, 6pm: Spookley the Musical
🎃Where: The Daniel Offutt Amphitheater in Broadford Park,
FREE ADMISSION, Bring your own blanket or chairs!
🎃Details:
Fall Fun Fair: 5-6pm Spookley the Musical: 6 pm

Vendors: Trenton’s Promise, Judy Center Early Learning Hub, Kindness for Keira - 3 Kisses and a Hug, and Play Out Loud will join us to share hope, kindness and the value of play!

Be sure to visit Dove Center's on-line safety tip/activity table, featuring the Kidsmartz and Netsmartz curriculums!

Games:
Cake Walk: Grand prize: A Spookley cake by Paula C Browning!
Bean Bag Toss
Dunking for Apples the safe way!
Sensory Activities
Kindness Pledge Table
Photo Booth
Snacks: Kettle corn, apples & caramel, cider, water,

6 pm:
🎃Spookley the Square Pumpkin, The Musical, featuring this incredible local cast! 🎃

Spookley the Square Pumpkin - Sawyer Crawford
Jack Scarecrow - Joshua Vose
Big Tom - Sawyer Trimble
Little Tom - Jazzi Vose
Bobo - Jubi Vose
Mimi - Charley Virts
Lala - Caroline Rembold
Edgar - Mox Kave
Allen - Terah Crawford
Poe - Georgia Carter
Farmer Hill - Lane Duda

This event is made possible by generous support from Community Trust Foundation and Garrett County Arts Council.

08/26/2026

Come and join Dove Center , Garrett County Commission for Women and AAUW- Garrett Branch at the Women's Equality Day 2026 at the Tamarack Pavilion at DCL State Park! We are marking 80 years of AAUW-Garrett Branch with an 80s celebration!

08/23/2026

We can't thank you enough! We are so grateful for the support of this event! We can't wait until next year! 🚣‍♂️🚣‍♂️

08/19/2026

Who is joining the Dove Center and Our Town Theatre as we celebrate the start of the new school year by pledging to be kind, to be a friend to all, and to say no to bullying!

🎃What: Spookley the Square Pumpkin Fall Festival & Musical Performance
🎃When: Sept 4: 5-6 pm: Fall Fun Fair, 6pm: Spookley the Musical
🎃Where: The Daniel Offutt Amphitheater in Broadford Park,
FREE ADMISSION, Bring your own blanket or chairs!
🎃Details:
Fall Fun Fair: 5-6pm Spookley the Musical: 6 pm
Vendors: Trenton’s Promise, Judy Center Early Learning Hub, Kindness for Keira - 3 Kisses and a Hug, and Play Out Loud will join us to share hope, kindness and the value of play!

Be sure to visit Dove Center's on-line safety tip/activity table, featuring the Kidsmartz and Netsmartz curriculums!

Games:
Cake Walk: Grand prize: A Spookley cake by Paula C Browning!
Bean Bag Toss
Dunking for Apples the safe way!
Sensory Activities
Kindness Pledge Table
Photo Booth

Snacks: Popcorn, apples & caramel, cider, water,

6 pm:
🎃Spookley the Square Pumpkin, The Musical, featuring this incredible local cast! 🎃
Spookley the Square Pumpkin - Sawyer Crawford
Jack Scarecrow - Joshua Vose
Big Tom - Sawyer Trimble
Little Tom - Jazzi Vose
Bobo - Jubi Vose
Mimi - Charley Virts
Lala - Caroline Rembold
Edgar - Mox Kave
Allen - Terah Crawford
Poe - Georgia Carter
Farmer Hill - Lane Duda

This event is made possible by generous support from Community Trust Foundation and Garrett County Arts Council.

08/18/2026

Thank you so much, Community Works Garrett County! Your support means so much to us. These items help us stretch our budget, and better serve families. Thank you for all of the good you do in our community!

Please help if you can! Thank you! And if you’d like to be on our list to learn about volunteer opportunities, please email us at [email protected].