Dove, Inc.

(The Point in Time Survey is required by  Continuums  of Care that  receive  funding from HUD.  A 24 hour period of time during the last week of January, volunteers and staff memberss go out into the county to administer the survey and to get the most accurate count possible of the homeless in the area.  Below are reflections of two Millikin University Students who volunteered.) Tamica Hatchett – Point in Time Count Reflection Recently, I participated in the Point-In-Time homeless count for Macon County. I volunteered to help with counting the homeless in our community for many reasons but most of all because I have experienced homelessness and I realize how important it is to get this information and ensure continued funding and services for people who are homeless.  I was not exactly sure what to expect. Initially, I just thought we would be going to shelters in the community and gather information from them. I learned from the coordinator of the homeless count that we would b

It is the start of a new school semester and that means the BABES puppets and Volunteers are back n the classroom!  The Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies program combines puppets, stories and discussions designed to help school children develop positive living skills.  Volunteers bring the six week prevention program to K-3rd grade students in area public and parochial schools. The BABES program is imaginative and interactive, using colorful hand puppets and volunteers to teach positive ways to cope with a wide variety of issues that today’s children face.  BABES reaches the youngest children whose attitudes are still being formed. Children open up to the puppets in a way they may not with someone else.  This program allows for intervention at an early age.  Children are making choices which will form a foundation for the critical adolescent years ahead. The BABES program is still seeking volunteer and could really use your help!  At the beginning of this school year 12

Have you have always wanted to learn more about domestic violence, and/or wanted to work with domestic violence victims and their children?  If so, please consider taking the Spring Domestic Violence Education and Volunteer Training.  It is required for anyone wanting to volunteer in any of the programs -- facilitation of support groups for adults and children, assisting with orders of protection, answering the hot-line, shelter coverage and more.  It is a worthwhile training for many professionals to gain knowledge and to be able to safely refer individuals to the Domestic Violence Program. The training will take place in May in Decatur at Dove, 302 S. Union, Dean Simcox Conference Center.  This 40 hour training is approved by ICADV (Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence) and facilitated by Dove and other community agencies’ staff members. There is a $150 fee for the training and some scholarships available. Individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of the

A huge THANK YOU is in order for all the people that helped with the 2014 Christmas Basket Drive. We could not do it without the various volunteering elves that helped us bring Christmas to those that might not have had a Christmas. The elves included a range from those that made Christmas Stockings, sorted, counted the gifts, and construction of the bags, to just being a bright shiny Christmas face that week. We appreciate everything you did to make Christmas brighter for others! Francie Johnson More than 355 baskets were made to support 1200 plus individuals.