HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Support re Dove House Advocacy Services _c jKate Dean, Commissioner District 1
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November 20, 2023
RE: Dove House Advocacy Services Application Washington Justice Assistance Grant Priority Area
Funding
To Whom This May Concern,
I fully recommend Dove House Advocacy Services for crime victim advocacy services funding. Dove
House is a critical partner to Jefferson County in delivering Advocacy Service and well as other
essential services countywide. They offer victims of crime a spectrum of services encompassing
emotional support and practical resources to help our vulnerable residents navigate the legal system and
healing and rebuilding their lives. Dove House staff are well trained and represent many years of
experience in crime victim advocacy. Their unique resources respond directly to victims' needs and
supplement what is available from governmental and other non-profit agencies in our County.
Sheriff's Department deputies at a crime scene contact a Dove House advocate via their Crisis Line and
the advocate will meet with the victim of the crime immediately. In this way, victims get the support
they need, and the deputy can focus on investigation protocols. The advocate offers emotional support
and can go with the victim to Jefferson Healthcare. The advocate can also offer an emergency hotel
room, hygiene supplies, food, clothing, and other personal necessities.
Dove House's Crisis Line, staffed 24-hours every day/night, offers a trauma-informed response for
people whose emergency is not medical (requiring 911). County residents can talk to a Dove House
Advocate which mitigates the volume of calls to our 911 dispatcher.
Dove House's services are there for crime victims in the immediate and long term and address emotional
as well as practical needs. Advocates help victims understand how the criminal justice and court systems
work. Dove House offers help with transportation, court-related expenses, and other needs so that
victims are able to access required documentation and prepare for legal meetings. The emotional
support that Dove House offers includes weekly meetings with their advocate as well as referrals to
therapy (with funding available from Dove House). Without this kind of support, victims are more apt to
rely on our Jefferson Healthcare emergency room and/or call County offices with questions and
concerns.
We are proud to be working with Dove House on the CCR(Community Coordination Response Team)
and on the Multi-Disciplinary Team. The MDT is working on establishing a Children's Advocacy
Center(CAC).
Phone(360) 385-9100 Fax(360) 385-9382 kdean@co.jefferson.wa.us
As a small, rural County, we struggle to find funding and service providers who can meet the unique
needs and challenging financial realities of this critical work. For more than 40 years, Dove House has
been a key and valued partner to Jefferson County in this work. They have an excellent reputation for
meeting client needs and being a strong community partner. When victims feel their views are
represented, can minimize financial loss during the legal process, can access to resources, gain an
understanding of their legal options, and feel support by the whole community, the relationship with law
enforcement is improved. Together we are helping all residents of the County to live safe, healthy, and
meaningful lives. I highly recommend Dove House Advocacy Services for additional crime victim
advocacy services funding.
Sincerel
Kate Dean
Jefferson County Commissioner
1820 Jefferson St./Pob1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-385-9157 kdean@co.jefferson.wa.us
Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax(360) 385-9382 kdean@coiefferson.wa.us