October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one non-profit organization in Central Illinois is using the time to promote their services along with stories of survival.  Dove, Inc. takes their title from the bird species because it is considered a symbol of peace.  The word also is used as an acronym, Disciples On Volunteer Experiences, as a reference of how the organization came to be.  Dove operates in DeWitt, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, and Shelby Counties.  The general public will soon have the opportunity to hear powerful stories of how survivors who came through Dove not only left their unsafe situations, but also are thriving thereafter.

Susie Kensil is the Shelby County Coordinator of Dove, Inc.  She says Dove offers assistance to those escaping unsafe situations at all stages of the process. 

Dove’s Shelbyville office is located at 1200 South Hickory.  Their crisis phone number, available 24 hours a day, is (217) 774-4888.  They are also available by email at skensil@doveinc.org.  Kensil says with the sensitivity of the matter, communicating via email can be more effective than by phone if no one is available to pick up.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Dove offices – with the exception of that of Piatt County – hold a “candlelight service.”  Shelbyville’s service will take place on Thursday, October 2 at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church.  The purpose is to remember those who have died from domestic violence and celebrate the successful stories of those who could escape.  The stories of both kinds are powerful.

For Kensil and Dove, compassion is key.  It’s what has helped them assist so many people, who can then lead happy lives which may have at one point not seemed possible. 

More information on Dove, Inc. is available at www.doveinc.org. 

Susie Kensil appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.