COVE launches capital campaign

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE) announced this morning that it is kicking off a $2.4 million capital campaign. COVE representatives announced they are focusing on gaining financial support from residents throughout Mason, Lake and Oceana counties. The purpose of the campaign is to build a new facility on East Ludington Avenue, replacing the 110-year-old house that serves as the COVE shelter and the small modular office building, located over a mile away from the shelter.

“Donations of any size are important to secure the matching dollars pledged by foundations and major donors,” said Executive Director Marie Waite. “The support of this project is needed from all of the agencies and the entire community. We need your support to make this a reality.”

“Only with your gifts can this facility become a reality.”

“This is a great organization that really helps those in dire need really rebuild their lives,” said Ludington Mayor John Henderson.

The effort to build a new facility began a year ago when COVE received two anonymous donations totaling $1.1 million. “Combined with our property on Ludington Avenue, this provided us with the opportunity to build a new facility,” said Debra Goodwin, capital campaign chairwoman.

Some donors have made pledges that will be matched with the help of individual contributions.

COVE began with a shelter in Hart in 1979. The shelter moved to Ludington in 1987. The agency has seen the need for most of its services triple since 2006. The current facility is no longer cost effective.

The new facility is designed as a secure environment that enhances confidentiality for COVE clients. It will feature six separate living units for privacy, common areas for companionship and offices for immediate access to staff for guidance and support. The new facility will also include a sexual assault nurse examiner suite with space including interview and examination rooms.

The mission of COVE is to provide shelter, protection and advocacy to victims of domestic and sexual violence and/or homelessness and to educate the community about the root causes of violence.

For more information see www.callcove.com.