Dove, Inc.

Sammy, Dove Inc.'s unofficial official mascot. One of the best things for me about moving into the Anna B. Millikin home in 2007, was that my office window looks out into the garden area. Over the past few years I've grown fonder of watching the birds flit around--something my mother has done for years. One day in the summer of 2009, I was sitting at my desk working on data entry when I heard a tiny thud. I looked over to see that a squirrel had landed on my windowsill and was peeking in at me. He walked all along the sill, and then moved back to where he'd started, and peered in again. This is probably where I should stop and tell you that I have an affinity for rodents of all kinds. I've had guinea pigs since 2004, and at one point, fostered a hamster for a client who was in shelter. I love them. They're fuzzy and cute and squirrels are no exception. That day I went to Wal-Mart and bought a bag of mixed bird seed. The day after, I sprinkled the seed

I have noticed a trend on Facebook.   Many people are posting what they are thankful for each day in November.   I have greatly enjoyed reading friends’ “thankful” posts.   The lighthearted ones make me laugh and the serious ones make me reflect on what I’m thankful for in my own life.   Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to shout how blessed we are from the rooftops! Here at Dove, we do our best to say “thank you” all year long, but it never seems like enough.   Our volunteers, staff, donors, religious organizations, and all of our supporters give so much of themselves all year long.   We are thankful for each and every person who is involved with Dove.   We are thankful for the agencies we collaborate with, the opportunity to serve the community, and those who give us the means to do so. As you sit down with your families, friends, and neighbors this Thanksgiving you might be thinking of what you are thankful for.   We’d like you to remember that Dove is thankful for YOU

You’ve probably heard the saying that domestic violence is everyone’s business . It is our business, and our responsibility to get involved when someone we know is being abused or terrorized in their home, or anywhere else. It is our business because domestic violence affects us all in some way, shape or form. Often times, however, people don’t have a clear understanding of what domestic violence looks like. So if you’re interested in reading some personal accounts of domestic violence to see how people are affected, I’ve gathered some links for suggested reading, and will add to this post when I find more, so keep checking back! I am not a victim, I am a survivor Actor Speaks Against Domestic Violence at Fundraiser Candice's Story

Next week, November 11 th – 17 th is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and the Continuum of Care will be participating in several events throughout the week to bring awareness to these two vital issues in our community. Two of the largest events will take place on the same day, Friday November 16 th , Box City and the Community Service Day and Veteran’s Stand Down. The Coalition for Veterans Concerns and Dove, Inc. are co-sponsoring the Community Service Day and Veteran’s Stand Down. This event will include providers from social services, healthcare, employment, housing and other fields coming together in one place to provide those in need with the services they are seeking. The event will take place at Old King’s Orchard, 815 N. Church here in Decatur from 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. Anyone needing further information should contact Joan Meeder at Dove, Inc. 217-428-6616 or Lucy Brownlee, 217-875-1006. The second event that will take place on Friday, November 16 th w