Ann is in her mid-50s, was married for nearly 30 years to an alcoholic who beat her repeatedly.  At the end of her rope, Ann was aided by a former employer who helped her escape; she left her home empty-handed, with only the clothes she was wearing.  She acquired enough furnishings to survive in a small apartment but her abuser found her and repeatedly threatened her. 

To once again flee from her abuser, Ann moved to Arizona to live with a relative.  This relative and spouse also became controlling and abusive.  Ann began sleeping in her car just to find some relief.  About to lose all hope, Ann heard about and attended a DOVES® support group, where she learned more about the DOVES® late-life domestic violence program.  She continued to attend group meetings and was admitted into the DOVES® transitional housing program. 

Finally free from her abusive situation, Ann was anxious to start a new life and through the DOVES® program.  She attended a job fair, where she heard about truck-driving opportunities and applied to a driving school and received a full scholarship from a trucking company. 

Ann worked hard to achieve her goal. She continued to attend support group meetings and met regularly with her DOVES® case manager, receiving the support and encouragement she needed when times got tough. After completing the training and a six-week internship, Ann was hired full-time by the trucking company who had given her the scholarship.  Ann has graduated from the DOVES® program, is earning a good income, and is now self-sufficient.

The above story is just one of the many successes the DOVES® program has produced, but there are still countless victims of late-life domestic violence and elder abuse who need the services and support provided by the program.  To become a part of the solution and to help these victims re-enter society and live self-sustaining lives, donate to the DOVES®  program on-line at aaaphx.org/donations or mail your donation, payable to DOVES, to: DOVES, 1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Editor’s Note: For more information about the DOVES® program call our 24-Hour Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-HELP (264-4357).