Where every individual is seen, supported, and celebrated
Ascending Dove Care Facility provides Residential, Respite, and Community Engagement services for adults with intellectual disabilities — built on dignity, consistency, and genuine compassion by a team with over 25 years of combined experience.
We provide Residential, Respite, and Community Engagement services for adults with intellectual disabilities — built on dignity, consistency, and genuine compassion.
How We Support Individuals & Families
Four core services, each built around consistent, individualized care and a deep respect for every person we serve.
Congregate Residential
A safe, family-like environment supporting individuals in building a personally satisfying life with dignity and consistency.
Respite Services
Temporary support that gives primary caregivers the time to rest and recharge — delivered with full care and compassion.
Consumer Directed Services
Individuals and caregivers direct their own support through the CCC Plus Waiver — independence with professional guidance.
Community Engagement
Fostering connection in an inclusive space where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated within the community.
Built on dignity, choice, and a genuine commitment to care
It is our mission to provide a home-like residential program to adults with intellectual disabilities, promoting quality of life in the community through training, support, and care.
Dignity
Every person we serve is treated with the deep respect they deserve — always, in every interaction.
Choice
We honor personal preferences and empower individuals to direct their own lives and daily experiences.
Consistency
Reliable, compassionate care delivered day after day by a dedicated team that truly knows each person.
Community
We foster connection, participation, and belonging — building a life that extends beyond our walls.
A family's calling, built into a program
Ascending Dove Care Facility was founded on a simple but powerful belief: every adult with an intellectual disability deserves a true home — not just a placement, but a place where they are known, loved, and supported to grow.
Led by Program Administrator Nichelle Cooper and Director Eva Rufus, our team brings over 25 years of combined direct-care experience — from the classroom to the community. Nichelle spent years as a Special Educator with Henrico County Public Schools; Eva served as an Instructional Assistant. Together, they took that foundation of education and human connection and built a residential program rooted in dignity, structure, and genuine care.
We are a licensed provider under the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), and we participate in the Commonwealth's Medicaid Waivers to ensure the individuals we serve can access the support they are entitled to — without unnecessary barriers.
What makes Ascending Dove different is the family-oriented model at the heart of everything we do. Our homes feel like homes — because we believe that's exactly what they should be.
The people behind the care
Our leadership team brings decades of firsthand experience in education, direct care, and behavioral health services.
Nichelle Cooper
Program Administrator and founder of Ascending Dove Care Facility. Nichelle has spent over 15 years serving individuals with intellectual disabilities — including a formative career as a Special Educator with Henrico County Public Schools. Her qualifications include QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) and QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) certifications, reflecting both her expertise and her commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care. She leads Ascending Dove's programs and sets the standard for individualized, person-centered support.
Eva Rufus
Director and Co-Owner of Ascending Dove alongside her daughter Nichelle. Eva brings over 10 years of direct service experience working with individuals with disabilities, rooted in her career as an Instructional Assistant with Henrico County Public Schools. Her dedication to building genuine relationships with individuals and families forms the heart of Ascending Dove's family-first culture. Eva oversees day-to-day operations and ensures every person in our care receives the consistent, compassionate support they deserve.
Our philosophy and values
Our Philosophy
It is the philosophy of Ascending Dove Care Facility, Inc. to treat each individual with dignity, respecting choice, encouraging independence, and providing opportunities for growth through consistent, individualized programming. We believe that every person — regardless of ability — has the right to a meaningful, self-directed life within their community.
Our Mission
To provide a home-like residential program to adults with intellectual disabilities, promoting quality of life in the community through training, support, and care. We are committed to building a program that puts the individual first — always — and that adapts to meet each person's evolving needs, preferences, and aspirations.
Our Commitment
We are committed to ongoing staff training, DBHDS compliance, and continuous improvement in the quality of care we provide. Our team undergoes regular in-service training, CPR/First Aid certification, medication management training, and crisis intervention — because the people we serve deserve a team that is prepared, present, and professional.
Our Community Role
We believe our responsibility extends beyond the walls of our homes. Through Community Engagement services, we actively connect the individuals we support with local resources, activities, and relationships — fostering inclusion and participation so that every person in our care feels a true sense of belonging in the broader Richmond community.
Join a team that treats caregiving as a calling
We're looking for compassionate, reliable people who want to make a real difference in someone's daily life. View our current openings and apply today.
Congregate Residential
Residential services for individuals with intellectual disabilities in a safe, family-like environment. Support is provided with care and compassion, helping each person maintain and develop a personally satisfying life — treated always with dignity and respect. Our staff work directly with each individual's Plan for Supports to ensure every need, preference, and goal is honored day to day.
Ask about a referralRespite Services
Respite services are provided for individuals with intellectual disabilities in one of our residential facilities. We support individuals with daily living skills, community integration, medication management, nutrition, and personal care — provided temporarily to give the individual's primary caregiver the opportunity to rest, travel, or attend to other responsibilities without worry.
Ask about availabilityConsumer Directed Services
Through the CCC Plus Waiver, caregivers and individuals who are elderly or disabled can direct their own services with professional support. Individuals can be on a wait list for other waivers and still receive CCC Plus Waiver services — meaning there is no need to wait to access the support you're entitled to right now.
Check eligibilityCommunity Engagement
Designed to foster connection and promote active participation among community members, our Community Engagement program creates an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration, dialogue, and shared experiences. We facilitate access to community activities, social opportunities, and natural supports — building a vibrant life where every voice is heard and every person belongs.
Learn moreArticles & Helpful Links
Helpful reference resources for individuals, families, and caregivers navigating services in Virginia.
Current Openings
Residential Counselor
Residential Counselors provide direct care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities living in Ascending Dove's residential facilities. They assist with daily living activities, personal care, medication management, and community integration — all within a dignified, home-like environment guided by each individual's Plan for Supports.
- Assist individuals with daily living activities including personal hygiene, dressing, and meal preparation
- Administer medications in accordance with Medication Aide training and facility protocols
- Provide positive behavioral supports and follow each individual's behavioral support plan
- Complete accurate and timely documentation of daily activities, incidents, and progress notes
- Transport individuals to community activities, medical appointments, and social events
- Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable home environment
- Follow each individual's Plan for Supports and report any changes to the supervisor immediately
- Work cooperatively with individuals, families, co-workers, and healthcare professionals
- Observe and report changes in behavioral or health conditions immediately and to the correct person
- Full-time and part-time shifts available
- Day, evening, and overnight options
- Weekend availability required
Community Counselor
Reports to: Director / Program Administrator
Community Counselors provide individuals with disabilities meaningful experiences and greater access to, and participation within, their local communities. Using a wide variety of community opportunities, they facilitate and build relationships and natural supports. Activities are provided in ratios no larger than 1:3 for Community Engagement services, and 1:1 for Community Coaching services. The goal is to facilitate self-development, social environmental awareness, problem solving, interdependence, and meaningful integration.
- Offers individuals real choices in a variety of ways
- Facilitates interactions with others in natural settings with persons without disabilities
- Supports individuals to locate and participate in community activities that reflect their personal preference
- Tailors support according to the unique needs and preferences of the individual being supported
- Records new learning about individuals supported through daily documentation
- Listens to individuals and co-plans community events and experiences
- Communicates respectfully; interprets both words and actions as communication
- Works with others as needed to enhance the provision of positive behavioral supports
- Assists individuals with money management (budgeting and independent purchasing opportunities)
- Provides transportation and engagement during community experiences
- Can describe the focus of the service being provided
- Can describe outcomes, support activities, and instructions on Plan for Supports, including all protocols for individuals being supported
- Completes accurate and timely documentation
- Works cooperatively and collaboratively with individuals, families, co-workers, professionals, and community members
- Provides feedback to supervisor about effectiveness of support plans
- Seeks support from supervisors if a change in an individual's state is outside the scope of service
- Is aware of allergies of all individuals supported and can state emergency response in case of severe reaction
- Maintains privacy and confidentiality around health issues consistent with HIPAA training
- Provides health-related supports correctly, including medication delivery, in accordance with Medication Aide training
- Physically assists and uses lifts, wedges, and other devices safely when repositioning
- Uses augmentative communication devices in accordance with training for individuals who need this support
- Correctly follows diet plans and meal prep guidelines as directed by physicians or specialists
- Observes and reports changes in behavioral or health conditions immediately and to the correct person
- Provides accurate information related to critical incidents
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Our Community
A glimpse into the moments, milestones, and everyday joys our residents experience together in Richmond and beyond.
Highlights from the Community
Community Moments
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