Dove, Inc.

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson declared a War on Poverty in his State of the Union address. Fifty years later, how have American families advanced? We are not too much altered 50 years later in 2014. When you visit your local stores I’m sure you have noticed everything is rising except our pay. Most of us have had to learn to get by on less, and tight budgets are a necessity to make ends meet. Well, what happens to the families that are already  getting by on less? These days, families have to persevere. Not to build moral character but in order to survive. Research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice the federal poverty level to meet their most basic needs  I n some households they are not meeting those basic needs. Christmas especially is a time when my heart goes out to those families, and the homeless. It’s a hard lesson to learn to count the blessings you have, and not dwell on the blessings you don’t. Many families are discouraged whe...

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I’m actually pretty sure it’s in my genetic makeup to love the season. My grandma has always decorated her house and yard from high to low, bright lights and plastic Santa’s and multiple Christmas trees shine from Thanksgiving night til New Year’s in her neighborhood. Some of my earliest memories involve listening to my mom’s Elvis Presley Christmas decorations as I sat amidst our own house’s decorations in progress. Ten years ago it took on a very different meaning for me. I started working at Dove in August of 2004, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that in addition to all of its other programs, Dove, along with Northeast Community Fund, did an annual Christmas basket drive for those who need it. I still remember showing up in the basement of First United Methodist Church, where the baskets are organized and put together, that first year. Some tables were piled high with hats, gloves and scarves. Others were piled with ...

Hello, My name is Cynthia Farrington and I have been employed at Dove since 2005, in which I was hired on 2nd shift as Shelter Specialist, in this position it has lots on duties to the shelter itself. One that I like was being advocate to single women and women with children who came into shelter.  I really enjoy working with the clients because it challenged me to empower them to take their life back, and to learn more about the cycle of abuse. It also helps me to encourage clients to face their fears with staff's help  and to set goals that they thought was lost. It also challenged me in where I couldn't be judgmental to the abuser but to be more empowering to the victims of Domestic Violence. So with this said I do miss 2nd shirt and all the challenges it brings, however, I am no longer on this shift.   I work the Overnight shift which is 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday.  It is a quieter shift and less active with client interactions at times and I ...

This past week and this upcoming weekend, we have been hosting extra events as our local part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.  We have called our local campaign #END, looking to END hunger and Homelessness in our neighborhoods and cities.  The Macon County Continuum of Care, Advisory Committee spearheaded the planning of this year's events. November 14 was Box City on the Campus of Millikin University.  Millkin Students and members of area congregation's youth groups joined together to learn and in a small way, experience a night of homelessness. November 19, individuals were taken on a different type of trolley tour of the city, heading past many of the agencies which work with hunger and homelessness issues on a daily basis.  Members of our community who had been homeless and now are successfully on the other side shared their stories. This weekend, a young man as put together a food drive on the west side of town to serve as his Eagle Sco...

Coats for Kids is collecting coats, gently used and new,  to get into the hands of families in need – warm winter coats for their children.   This is the 23rd  annual drive, cosponsored by Dove, Inc., and WAND-TV.  We want to make it as easy as possible for people to make a donation of a coat.   Coats of all sizes may be dropped off at the following locations, through November 30: Changing Images Salon and Spa and D&D Custom Woodworking, 1960 S. Taylorville Road, Decatur Classic Cleaners,  2474 N. Main, Decatur Corner Cleaning Connection,  1154 E. Prairie Ave., Decatur CVS,  Monroe & Pershing, Eldorado and Fairview, 16th & Cantrell in Decatur Decatur Earthmover Credit Union  2600 Dividend Dr., 4855 Aldi Dr., 260 W. Marion Ave in Forsyth Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin Street, Decatur Decatur Township, 1620 Taylorville Road, Decatur GT Church, 500 S. 27th Street, Decatur Jane’s Cleaners, 664 W. Eldorado, ...

Hi, my name is Patty Plato and my position at Dove, Inc. is the Domestic Violence Shelter Coordinator. I have been an employee since October 1985. I started out as a Vista volunteer and got a permanent position after nine months into my five year assignment.  Working at Dove has opened my mind and heart. I went from being the Resource Specialist who coordinated volunteers and staff for shelter coverage and on-call, to the Shelter Coordinator in 1987 when the domestic violence program moved from a four unit apartment house to the ten bedrooms at the old St. James convent where I became in charge of non-direct services and oversaw the daily running of the building, as well as filling in where needed to assist co-workers. In 1985 rarely would we get a call from a male victim admitting to being abused.  Nowadays it is part of the norm.  The female victims long ago came to Dove with abuse being their primary issue. Housing and financial assistance was available.  ...

In September I attended my second Regional Neighborhood Network Conference. For those who are unfamiliar with it, the RNNC is a three day conference where community organizers, neighborhood group members, and many others attend workshops together and exchange ideas to bring back to our respective cities, neighborhoods, and communities. This year, many individuals from Decatur attended the event, including myself and the director of Dove’s Community Services program, Francie Johnson. Seventeen neighborhood volunteers from seven local neighborhood groups joined us on our voyage to Richmond, Indiana. For those who’ve never been there, Richmond, Indiana, is a city of about 38,000 people. There are many successful individually owned businesses and individuals that rolled out the metaphorical red carpet for the 300 some attendees, offering discounted meals and welcoming us with signs and friendly smiles. This year’s conference offered a wide variety of workshops for people to attend -...

After attending the Courtney Queeney lecture: As a relatively long-time DOVE volunteer, I was going to write a blog from the angle of what touches me most about my experiences interacting with clients, and why I took that first step to take the training sessions and become active at the shelter.  The answer is simple - the children.  They are the most vulnerable, helpless, and potentially scarred for life due to circumstances they did not create, and are powerless to change.  The upcoming Candlelight service will highlight that in a very touching, poignant way.  However, after hearing Courtney speak, her words all too familiar (DV scenarios usually have strikingly similar patterns), I felt a need to expand on a point she made about what "the children" and budding young adults are (and are not) taught in school and society in general.  Courtney rattled off a list of things, starting with Elementary school topics - fire drills, don't talk to strangers, et...

If you are a sports fan, and especially a fan of the NFL, you probably knew before February 15, 2014, that Ray Rice was a running back for the Baltimore Ravens.  If you follow sports through various media outlets, you probably knew that on that date Ray Rice and his fiancée, Janay Palmer, were arrested for domestic battery at an Atlantic City, New Jersey casino.  Video surfaced of Rice dragging the mother of his child from an elevator; she was face down and obviously unconscious. Charges against Ms. Palmer were dropped.  Rice was indicted on felony domestic battery  charges by a grand jury on March 27.  He was subsequently offered a diversion program for first-time offenders which enabled him to attend counseling and avoid having the case on his record if he did not re-offend.   During this time, he was supported by his coach and team as a “fine young man who made a mistake”.  On March 28, one day after the grand jury indictment, Ray Rice and Jan...

In April of this year, Alison Elsea (Macon Co. Child Advocacy Ctr) wrote on Child Abuse Awareness month.  In light of the recent child abuse indictment against NFL player Adrian Peterson and the other domestic violence issues surrounding the NFL it has brought the problem more attention and discussion as we go into October for Domestic Violence Awareness month.  I think most people do not give domestic violence much thought during their daily routines, but the media coverage of high profile athletes have made it impossible to ignore.   Among my own social circle I’ve heard people express outrage and sadness while feeling helpless.  But there is always something you can do.  If you are dissatisfied with the penalties imposed on the players by the NFL make your voice heard to the league.  You can make your voice heard to your representatives on the legislation covering abuse and vote accordingly.  And most importantly you can educate yourself on ...

RSVP of Macon and DeWitt Counties has paired up with Cell Phones for Soldiers for our 9-11 Day of Service Event.  We are asking residents to help troops call home by donating gently-used cellular phones. Although the military landscape is ever changing, as many as 200,000 troops are serving in the United States military overseas around the world. By donating to Cell Phones For Soldiers, area residents can provide a lifeline for America’s bravest. RSVP will be holding a collection drive from 10am to 2pm on September 11, 2014 at 302 S. Union St. (Lower level parking lot) RSVP Staff and Volunteers will be on site to collect your donated cellular phones, and for your convenience we will collect right from your car window!! If you are unable to pass through on September 11, 2014 from 10am to 2pm please feel free to stop by the RSVP office to donate by the end of the month. Donation receipts will be available on site.  For more information contact Charlie Gillaspie R...

BABES, Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies, is a program of Dove, Inc., which brings worthwhile life skill lessons to children in grades K-3rd. BABES is seeking additional volunteers to cover all of the classrooms requesting this valuable program for the Fall Semester. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of 6 to 10 year olds, please attend the BABES Volunteer Training: Saturday, September 6, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or Thursday, September 18, 10:00 to 1:00 K - 2nd grade presentation Thursday, September 18, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 3rd grade presentations 302 S. Union, Decatur Training is free but registration is required. This volunteer commitment is usually an hour a week for six weeks and that covers two classrooms. The presentations are made in pairs. Bring a friend who can be your partner or be teamed with a person during the training.  For more information, to register your attendance, or to find out about other training opportunities, please c...

Make plans now to attend one of or all of these events for Dove, part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in October.  Check our website to see other ways to advocate, volunteer, learn about and support the program. "A Night of Awareness" preview event to National Domestic Violence Awareness Month sponsored by Domestic Violence Program's CADV Thursday, September 25, 6:00 p.m.  Decatur Public Library Courtney Queeney, guest speaker This event will bring awareness of the services of the Domestic Violence Program,  to let the public know of other upcoming events as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Speaker will share from her personal experiences. Candlelighting Ceremonies Shelby County, Thursday, October 2 Macon County, Thursday,  October 16   DeWitt County,  Monday, October 13 Moultrie County, Thursday, October 23 Domestic Violence Education and Volunteer Training Monday - Thu...

As Dove reaches its 44th  anniversary this year, I’m approaching my ten year anniversary with the agency. I began working in the domestic violence program in August of 2004, as the administrative specialist. I was fresh out of college, and eager to work at a place that had such a good reputation for helping people. It’s not a choice I’ve ever regretted making. Last October I resigned from my position in the domestic violence program in order to take a full time position with Dove’s Community Services Program. I’d heard things about what the community services program did for years at staff meetings, and helped out with the Christmas Baskets program in December each year since I began working here, but as I imagine is true with any new job, I had no clue the scope of the work that was done until I got started. Since starting my position as Community Organizer, I have seen firsthand the amount of work that goes into organizing and maintaining a neighborhood group. I’ve also be...

When many of us hear the word “poor”, negative images come to our minds.  We think of the aggressive panhandler that interrupted or scared us.  We think of the stereotypical addict and the criminal.  While those persons have their own desperate needs, they are only a small percentage of the persons who come to the MAX program each day for assistance.  Most of the faces who come in are pleasant, caring and appreciative.  They are often the strong women who are taking care of the children and grandchildren of others.  They are the responsible men who are trying to handle things well in difficult times.  As I pass them by in the hallway, they often greet me warmly and ask how I am.  After they talk with the volunteers and Shane Hartman, they often they leave with a thank you and a relief that they will be able to obtain the medicine or other help they need for themselves or for others.  I often wonder if I would be so pleasant if I had been bor...

Well, the excitement was building…a little nervous but mostly excited!  I got a new job as Shelter Specialist at Dove Domestic Violence!  I was so excited!! It sounded like something I had always wanted to do!  My first day of work was supposed to have been January 6 th , 2014, but it ended up being a snow day.  So, the excitement and nervousness would be put off for another day.  I was pretty nervous not having worked full time for about five plus years, but knew this was going to be something special!  I was ready for a challenge, and a challenge, indeed, it was!  Let’s fast forward to today, July 22nd,  2014, and see if I’m still that nervous and excited!  Nervous…no, thank goodness!  Excited…yes!  Going back to work full time at the age of 58 was a little scary, to say the least.  Of course, all of the questions flooded my mind, “What if I can’t catch on?”  “What if I’m too old?”  “What if I can’t rememb...

Not long ago on a hot and wringingly humid Saturday afternoon, I was outside, door-knocking for a political party (I’ve leave you to guess which one). Ambling down a shady sidewalk on South Illinois Street, I greeted a couple lounging on their front porch. The woman called out, “Fred? Is that you?” I recognized the voice immediately as that of Earlestine Dandy. I hurried up the steps and we hugged. Later, we sat on lawn chairs and reminisced of the days when she was a VISTA Volunteer. Back in the 1970s Earlestine was a low-income mother eking out a meager existence. But she is as responsible as anyone for the creation of the Community Health Improvement Center (CHIC). One key piece of Dove’s past is the organization’s fling with the VISTA Volunteer program. Forty years ago, I was at the center of it. In 1974, the Torrence Park Citizens Committee, a neighborhood group that employed me as its community organizer, was going out of business. The TPCC (as it was known) had deve...

Each summer, we start preparations for our Annual Report.  It contains pie charts with numbers, listing of donors and tons and tons of information about Dove.  It also contains comments from clients and volunteers.  Clients are asked the question:  "What has this help meant to your or your family?  and then it asks which program or their location and the date, no names of course.  Below is just one from someone who stayed at the Domestic Violence Shelter. "Beginning a new life, taking care of a lot of issues I have, that I’ve never dealt with before.  New Me New Life!"

•  In 1990, a satellite office, to better serve the needs of the women with domestic violence issues, was opened in DeWitt County.  The program grew from a one-room shared facility to opening their own offices which additionally houses the BABES program, RSVP, Friends in Action,  a food pantry, and DAX. •  In 1991 the adjacent structure to the current shelter, 800 E. Clay was purchased for additional administrative offices.  This allowed more space for clients at the shelter. •  In 1994, Dove spearheaded an inter-agency coalition to combat homelessness.  The program was named Homeward Bound was located at 903 W. Decatur, a property donated by Decatur Community Church.  Homeward Bound is now in the former shelter at 788 E. Clay.  Homeward Bound offices are in the front and SRO occupies the back.   Dove Preschool closed; resources redirected into fighting prejudices. •  In 1996, three adjacent lots on East Clay  were purcha...

As Dove marked its tenth anniversary in 1980, staff and volunteers began their response to battered women.  Beginning with a hotline, the program grew to include support groups, advocacy and emergency shelter. In the ‘80's RSVP grew rapidly and initiated the aluminum can recycling center, now called the Community Recycling Center, which is still a fund raiser for Dove. Volunteers at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church opened our Clothing Room to serve children.  Now the Prairie Avenue Christian houses the Children’s Clothing Room. ‘84-85 two projects were added to Dove.  BABES- Beginning Awareness Basic Educations Studies) brought a message of good self image and making good choices to K-3rd grade classrooms.   MAX- Macon County Assistance eXchange, a church-based financial assistance network to screen and fill requests for emergency help started and has been hosted at First United Methodist Church. By 1987, Dove’s need for physical facilities was painfully e...

• On July 7, 1970, Dove opened its first office with Ray Batman serving as coordinator with support of seven Christian Churches. The objectives were serving the poor and assisting church volunteers in education and training for service. • In 1972, Dove went ecumenical as other congregations joined. The organization incorporated and became tax-exempt. Dove purchased a run-down empty house at 1112 E. Locust and after some volunteer driven renovations, it remained the office for 15 years. • Mother-to-Mother, a now national program, was started by one of the first volunteers, Sue Simcox. Other activities were the preschool, cooking classes and helping to form CHIC (Community Health Improvement Center). • In 1975, Dove assumed sponsorship of the VISTA project. The RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) was initiated. Two additional staff members joined Ray, Fred Spannaus as a VISTA volunteer and Sue Simcox, a founder and volunteer became the Program Director. ...

In recognition of Dove's 44th Anniversary (7/71970), we will be posting more often and with a few guests authors.  Staff member Teri shares with us on this first day.   As I look over the almost 24 years that I’ve been at Dove, I feel so blessed.  When I think all the way back to the first month I worked here, I learned early on just how special the Dove Family really is.  I had only been employed for about a month when I returned to work from lunch on November 1 st , 1990 to see an emergency phone message for me to call Decatur Memorial Hospital Emergency Room *(of course, this was before cell phones – which is why I didn’t receive the message until I returned to Dove)  I quickly learned that my only 4 ½ old baby nephew had died!!  We learned it was probably SIDS that took his life so early from us.  The support I received from everyone was unbelievable – so many staff who I barely knew since I had only been employed for such a short ...

We are looking for a few inspiring people to serve on our RSVP Advisory Council. What is RSVP?  Retired & Senior Volunteer Program! Sponsored by Dove, Inc. since 1976, RSVP offers individuals 55+ opportunities to match their skills and talents with not for profit organizations, health care facilities and public agencies, to meet a variety of community needs through various volunteer services.   You choose how and where you want to serve. You choose the amount of time you want to give. You choose whether you want to draw on your skills or develop new ones. We help you find the opportunity that is right for you! To assist in the operation of many of the programs at Dove, Advisory Councils are formed.  The councils assist staff with awareness activities, planning events and some fundraising, along with being a great sounding board to the staff to talk about issues surrounding their programs. The RSVP Council members meet the third Thursday of th...

These beautiful irises, outside our shelter, were donated and planted by a group of volunteers  in seasons past.  Although fading now, they were amazing and many of us enjoyed them as we walked or drove by, especially on the day this picture was taken.  I wondered if the volunteers drove back by to see their work this year.  Probably not.  But that is probably the case with most of our volunteers, not getting to see the benefits of their hard work. We have volunteers who find clothing for children they will never meet, volunteers who work with people when vulnerable and never see when their strength has returned.  Volunteers who step into someone life and help in that moment, but cannot witness how that help truly made a difference. Thanks to all the volunteers who invest their time and talents in the many programs at Dove.  Volunteers who give a kind word of encouragement and a smile.  Volunteers who do the dirty work behind the scenes, ...

Almost 2,000 children benefitted from the BABES, BABES Bridge, and BE YOUR BEST programs this school year! The BABES Program was presented at 21 schools in Macon and DeWitt Counties. Three schools were added in DeWitt County this year. These K-3rd grade presentations were made by 33 BABES Volunteers whose volunteer hours totaled about 230 hours. The BABES Bridge and BE YOUR BEST Programs reached 384 students at 6 schools in Macon and DeWitt Counties. While we can share many numbers, we cannot begin to share the fun it is to go into the classrooms and watch as the children learn these valuable lessons. Many lessons are shared, but one, "Stop, Think, before you Decide" is a good foundation for most of the lessons. If you’d like be learn more about the BABES programs, please check our website at www.doveinc.org. To seek information about summer training opportunities, please contact Sandy Laesch at dove@doveinc.org . The training is about 5 hours followe...

Every May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans, who are the roots from which our community grows, who bestow gifts of wisdom and insight upon younger generations, and strengthen the bonds between neighbors to create a better place to live. Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and support to our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. This year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is focusing on injury prevention with the theme "Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow @ . By taking control of their safety, older Americans can live longer, healthier lives. RSVP is focused on making sure our volunteers are happy and healthy year round. Many studies show that volunteering helps you live longer, stay healthier, and promotes a positive outlook on life. Help us celebrate Older Americans Month! Join your neighbors not only to reco...

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.   The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement.   Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital each year.   The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Me...

April is now here and everyone is beginning to think spring! Spring is a time of rebirth, with tulips beginning to peek their way up through the cool ground. Birds begin to chirp and are busily building their nests for their new generation that are on the way. It is also time for the rebirth of our souls. Easter is April 20 th and it is then that we celebrate His resurrection and the birth of eternal life. I feel every one of us here at Dove is called here for a special purpose and reason. Let us all at Dove during this month of rebirth break the cycle of violence and help bring forth the birth of survivors. As the grass changes from that dried out brown, to a beautiful green, let us help victims burn off the dead weeds of the past and bloom where they are planted.   For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. -Song of Solomon 2:11-12 M...

Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in and was first held on April 22, 1970, according to Wikipedia. Locally the recycling center hosted by Dove has been celebrating Earth Day since at least 2001. It’s a day to bring in your aluminum beverage cans to recycle and get a little bonus for the cans. In turn, you are supporting the many programs of Dove and helping the environment. This year, you can join us in celebrating Earth Day by bringing your cans to the Community Recycling Center, 130 W. Cerro Gordo, in downtown Decatur. Friday, April 25 th hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon and on Saturday the 26 th , it will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thanks to all the volunteers who make these special days happen! You can get 50cents per pound for your cans on those two special days. The regular hours are Thursdays afternoons from noon to 5:00 p.m and Friday and Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Make it a habit ...

Each April, many different social service agencies come together to spread awareness about child abuse in our communities.   Talking about child abuse and the prevention of abuse and neglect isn’t easy and thus far, the focus has been on putting a number out to let everyone know how many children have suffered in our community.   Although these numbers are climbing locally every year, funding for programs to help these children keeps decreasing.   In this tough economic climate as we see the breakdown of families and individuals, we have to start spreading the word about how dangerous it is if we do not invest in the safety and well being of our children...   If we want our community, our country, and our world to be better places in which to live we have to find ways to engage the decision makers and give them the numbers in dollar amounts.   The breakdown of the family, the intentional harming of children, results in unhealthy adults, unhealthy communit...

1)  Get registered for the Domestic Violence Education and Volunteer Training.  Registration begins on April 7 and the training will be held the end of May and first of June.  2)  Get trained for the BABES, Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies presentations for K-3rd graders.  You can help finish this school year and be ready for Fall 2014! 3)  We are celebrating Earth Day at the Recycling Center on April 25 and 26, 8:00 a.m. to noon.  You can cash in your aluminum cans and help out Dove!  4)  Get a small group together and help us with some yard work / landscaping.  We have beautiful garden areas that will need some attention soon! 5)  Donate any children clothing that your family no longer needs to the Dove's Children's Clothing Room.  6)  This weekend you can dine at Bob Evan's Restaurant and a portion of the ticket will be donated to the MAX, Macon County Assistance eXchange program. 7)  Like us on F...

Today's Affordable Housing Breakfast was hosted by Good Samaritan Inn, a 365 days a year soup-kitchen serving lunch to about 350+ individuals each day.  Those gathered for this event were asked to take part at breakfast, much in the same way clients would in a few short hours for lunch.  We gathered in a large circle, linking arms for the blessing.  We also got in line with our numbered ticket and received a wonderful breakfast prepared by the cooking crew at GSI and served with the help of a few Homeward Bound staff members.  Great, hot food, served in a respectful way.  Director Stacey Brohard spoke about the mission of GSI and a new training initiative in cooperation with Richland Community College.  The program is called Mercy Kitchen where trainees learn from the culinary arts instructors at RCC.  The first group of about 15 will begin in May. Darsonya Switzer, Homeward Bound Program Director shared with participants ways to be ...