COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters)

Mission: To provide shelter, protection and advocacy for all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as to educate the community on the root causes of violence.

Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE) was founded to provide shelter, protection, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, while also educating the community about the root causes of violence. Established in 1978, it began as a volunteer organization in Oceana County and quickly grew to offer a 24-hour crisis line and a “safe homes” network for survivors. The first official shelter opened in 1981, and by 1985, COVE expanded its outreach to Ludington, eventually relocating its shelter to Ludington in 1988. Over the years, COVE has continually evolved, adding services like a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) unit in 2017 and expanding counseling services. In February 2015, COVE moved to a new, purpose-built facility that doubled its residential capacity and enabled the expansion of all services. Today, COVE continues to serve survivors in Mason, Lake, Oceana, and Manistee counties with a comprehensive range of services.

Our programs and services include:

• 24/7 – 365 Crisis Support: Crisis Intervention and Emergency Response and a 24-hour Crisis Helpline
• General Advocacy: Emotional Support, Safety Planning, Housing, Employment, Transportation, and Financial Assistance
• Emergency Shelter: 23-bed Shelter, Food Pantry, Laundry Room, Courtyard, Meditation Garden
• Legal Advocacy: Support with criminal or civil legal issues, Assistance with paperwork, Court support and advocacy with legal system, Legal Clinic attorneys providing pro-bono support
• Children’s Advocacy: Crisis Intervention, Emotional Support, Advocacy, Parenting Skills, Kid’s Club
• S.A.N.E Nurses: COVE Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of the patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse. The COVE Nurse examiners will work alongside a COVE Sexual Assault Crisis Advocate and with other disciplines in the community to ensure that the response to a patient who has been sexually assaulted is victim-centered and compassionate, resulting in a successful criminal justice response. SANE exams are free, confidential and the survivor has the right to determine if they want to report to law enforcement. Exams are available for ages 13 and above.