Dove, Inc.

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” - United States Department of Labor la·bor   noun \ lā-b ə r\ a : expenditure of physical or mental effort especially when difficult or compulsory b: (1) : human activity that provides the goods or services in an economy (2) : the services performed by workers for wages Today I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what this upcoming holiday weekend is all about:   LABOR.   Most of us will get the day off on Monday and are thankful for the break.   On any given day around here, you’ll see staff and volunteers laboring away for the greater good.   And our volunteers are providing FREE labor- let’s give them a mental round of applause, shall we? Here...

Here at Dove, Inc., we get a lot of calls from people wanting to help: help the homeless or domestic violence clients, help with our children's clothing room, someone wanting to volunteer to help with Christmas baskets, or become an RSVP volunteer, or even by donating needed items or money. Help comes in so many forms it's truly impossible to list all of them.   Many people, however, have the mistaken belief that unless they are able to do something they consider huge, there's nothing they can do to help those who are hurting, or who need comfort. But that is so untrue! This quote sums it up beautifully:   Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia It's something we should all keep in mind because you never know how deeply you could change someone's life with the simplest act of k...

The Dove Children’s Clothing Room is a place where families may select free, good quality clothing for infants and children.The Clothing Room is located at Prairie Avenue Christian Church, 2201 E. Prairie Avenue in Decatur. It is open Monday through Thursday 1-4 p.m. Families can shop for their children once every 30 days and are allowed 3 outfits per child, as well as 2 new pairs of new underwear and socks. The Clothing Room serves children and young adults from infants to age 18. We do not require referrals, but we do ask for each child’s age and gender for our records. The Dove Children’s Clothing Room is operated by volunteers who are members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at Dove, Inc. The RSVP program is for people 55 and better who are looking for volunteer opportunities in the Decatur and Macon County area. It does not cost anything to be a member and there are several benefits such as mileage reimbursement, a supplemental insurance policy, and an annual Voluntee...

I'd like to share with you a short, simple yet powerful quote: At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread -- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing -- but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks -- but homeless because of rejection. ~Mother Teresa This quote is right in line with one of Dove’s Shared Values- that we care people, especially those who are powerless and hurt.   Even when suffering is so great that caring is all we can do, still we stand ready to share the burden and to suffer. We could all learn from these powerful words.  We hope you enjoy this upcoming weekend!

The effects of Physical abuse are often very noticeable. They are marked with bruises, broken bones, cuts and in very extreme cases, death. Emotional abuse is the silent abuse because the effects cannot be seen therefore no one can gage just how severe the abuse really is.  The victims often suffer severe emotional distress   because they themselves are not aware they are being abused verbally. They will try harder to make the abuser happy not realizing this is a form of brain washing.  Over a long period of time, the abuser chips away at the victims’ self esteem thus breaking them down as a person. After hearing the phrases “you’re stupid” or “you can’t do anything right” ,  “you’re fat or ugly”,  they not only begin to believe it but they further enforce this thought by telling themselves the same ugly words,   causing them to be prisoners to their own minds. By suffering this abuse it makes it very difficult to leave the abuser beca...

Have you ever wondered what makes you have pride in your community, a sense of belonging, a moment when you think this is my community, and I am proud of this community?  One of my ah ha moments and favorite events of the year happens the first Tuesday in August each year, National Night Out.  On that night, as we pull up to each of the neighborhoods on the caravan, and meet the individuals that live and support that community, my goose bumps form, and I see the pride that each of these individuals have for their neighborhood.  You see the pride that they have for their neighborhoods on their faces and in their actions, and you see them passing the importance of giving back to their community to the youth.  It is so much fun to see young and old, greet and meet the caravan, and show the pride that they have for their neighborhood with all of us.  You find that food, fun, and games, break down the barriers, and allow everyone to co-exist for the greater good of ...