Hey there!

If ever there were a time for an update, it’s now.

Recent federal funding shifts are creating challenges for organizations like ours. While The DOVE Project does not receive direct federal support, many larger nonprofits that do are now turning to the same local and state resources we depend on making access more competitive for small, rural organizations like ours.

We’ve also made the intentional decision to forgo certain federal funds that require agreeing to terms that conflict with our values of equity, inclusion, and evidence-based care. We will not compromise the principles that guide our work or the trust we’ve built in the Vashon community.

And yet, it is in these times that we demonstrate our resiliency as an organization within a community that shows its unwavering commitment. We are incredibly grateful to our donors—both new and longtime supporters, who make it possible for us to continue offering vital services, from advocacy and prevention to mental health and holistic wellness programs.

With your support, we will continue to show up for survivors—boldly, compassionately, and without compromise.

With deep gratitude,

Heidi Jackson
Executive Director 
 

On August 19, The DOVE Project launched its first-ever Hope Lives Here Giving Day, and in just 24 hours, our community came together to raise more than $6,500 in support of survivors, prevention education, and community programs on Vashon Island. Thank you to every donor who supported this day as a part of DOVE's history. 

This new annual tradition is about more than fundraising. It’s about uniting our island community around the belief that home should be safe for everyone and that together, we can help create spaces of safety, healing, and hope.

“Hope Lives Here Giving Day showed the power of this community. In just 24 hours, neighbors came together to say survivors are not alone and that healing and safety matter here on Vashon,” shared Heidi Jackson, Executive Director. “That generosity fuels everything we do.”

We are already looking ahead to next year’s Giving Day — and we can’t wait to see how much more we can achieve together. 

Congratulations to DOVE team member Rashaun on being named the 2025 Purple Ribbon Team Member of the Year!
 
This national award, presented by DomesticShelters.org in collaboration with Alliance for HOPE and national experts in the domestic violence field, honors the countless unsung heroes of the movement to end domestic violence. Rashaun was selected by judges across the country and domestic violence field.
 
Thank you, Rashaun, for your unwavering dedication to those we serve and to our entire community! 
 

This summer, DOVE’s CIRCLE program came alive with creativity, laughter, and connection through our Bubbles and Blossoms Camp. From games and crafts to thoughtful circle discussions, we loved watching young people discover what matters most to them — their values, passions, and unique strengths.

There is something truly magical about seeing a camper light up when they recognize a skill they didn’t know they had, or when they speak with confidence about what’s important to them. Their joy and fun are contagious, and in those moments, we see empowerment in action.

Bubbles and Blossoms Camp is part of DOVE’s CIRCLE program — Creating Inclusive Relationships through Compassion, Leadership, and Empowerment. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and shared experiences, CIRCLE helps youth build strong relationships, develop leadership skills, and connect deeply with themselves and their community.

To learn more about CIRCLE and how it is shaping the next generation of compassionate leaders, visit our website. 

 

We honor three incredible seniors whose leadership, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on DOVE’s Teen Council and the Vashon community. Over the past three years, each of them has given nearly 300 hours of their time to teaching, organizing, advocating, and building a culture of respect and care among their peers. Their commitment to comprehensive health education, healthy relationships, and youth empowerment has inspired hundreds of students—and set the stage for a safer, healthier future.

Meet our seniors:

Sloane Overdorf brought kindness, compassion and fun to Teen Council for close to 300 hours over her 3 years involved. She is a natural educator with amazing classroom management skills, fantastic lesson planning and PowerPoint making abilities, and the ability to really see people and meet them where they are. Sloane's fierce passion for bringing comprehensive health education to the students of Vashon is only the beginning of the amazing things she will accomplish in life.
 
Raena Joyce shined as a leader in Teen Council for 3 years, accruing close to 300 hours between meetings, classroom teaching, social media, fundraising, and lobbying at the capitol. Raena's bright and fun personality engaged students at McMurray and Harbor school, creating a warm and welcoming learning environment for hundreds of students on Vashon.
 
Stephanie Blower worked tirelessly for 3 years in Teen Council, amassing around 300 hours between teaching, organizing, advocating, and even creating a new Gender and Sexuality lesson and helping create a new lesson on Consent. Stephanie's tenacity and passion for comprehensive and accessible education for sexual health, relationships, and body safety was a massive asset for our group and Vashon Island.
 
Learn more about our Vashon Teen Council program by visiting our website. 
 

What an incredible evening we shared at the 4th Annual Pride Street Dance on Friday, June 6! The street came alive with vibrant energy, music, dancing, and a powerful sense of community. Thank you to everyone who showed up, showed out, and helped make this event a joyful celebration of PRIDE.

We’re already counting down the days until next year!

 

 

After five unforgettable seasons as Susie on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, 444 episodes as Lois on Family Guy, a critically acclaimed role on HBO’s Getting On, and an iconic appearance as Ms. Ungermeyer in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, three-time Emmy winner Alex Borstein is bringing her latest solo show Thirsty to Vashon Island!

In Thirsty, Borstein hilariously explores life “sandwiched” between raising kids and caring for aging parents—finding humor in growing up, growing old, and staying thirsty for joy. You may also recognize her from her Critics Choice-nominated special Corsets & Clown Suits on Amazon Prime.

This special performance isn’t just entertainment—it’s impact. Every ticket purchased supports The DOVE Project’s mission to provide safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic violence and to build a stronger, safer Vashon community.

Come for the laughs. Leave knowing you’ve made a difference.

Purchase Tickets

Mark your calendars! The DOVE Project’s Share Hope Fundraising Gala returns on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, community, and impact.

More details to come—but for now, save the date and plan to be part of this meaningful celebration and fundraising event.

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DOVE PROJECT
PO BOX 1341, VASHON, WA 98070, USA