Dora C. Howard Centre is a tribute to the parents of the founder, Lori Kirkwood. Dora met Howard while she was struggling to operate a boarding home for the elderly, in which Howard's mother resided. While frequently visiting his mother, Howard began to fall in love with Dora. For the next year he courted Dora and she, too, fell in love. They were married and moved out of the state, where Howard promised to provide Dora, her family and his mother everything they would ever need.

Howard continued to work and provide for Dora until he suffered a debilitating accident. Dora decided to care for him at their home, struggling to live off the income the couple had accumulated over the years. Dora's health eventually began to fail as well, due to the strain of caring for Howard and their family; as a result they were forced to place Howard in a nursing home.

After six months of Howard's admittance into the nursing home, half the couple's assets were gone. As a result, Howard was moved into a state facility. As time went on, Dora's health began to deteriorate. She passed away in a hospital six months prior to Howard's death in the nursing home.

Lori Kirkwood opened Dora C. Howard Centre, Ltd. in 1985 in honor of her parents, and in recognition of the help that caregivers in this type of situation need.