Dove, Inc.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior which is designed to keep the victim, or victims, of the abuser under the power and control of the abuser.     The word pattern is a crucial word in the definition.   The word pattern indicates that this is a long-term problem, not an isolated incidence of anger which erupts in a verbal or even physical altercation.   The words power and control indicate that during this long-term process, the victim is robbed of his or her ability to make their own decisions and choices and to control the direction of their lives.   Children ask their parents for permission to do thing; adults should not require “permission” to make phone calls, go to the store, etc.   This is the norm in most domestic violence relationships, however.   Permission must be requested and for the most part it is never granted.    Victims who have lived this way for a long time have no idea how to make choices or decisions, let...

As we continue to examine what it means to love ourselves better in light of healing from domestic violence and moving forward with a more positive sense of self, there are some more practical tools to be implemented that will make a world of difference.   Let’s take a look a few more tangible ways that we can love ourselves better that will hopefully result in a more meaningful life and circle of relationships. To begin with, we need to begin forgiving our past selves.   Were you born this morning by chance?   If not, CONGRATULATIONS!   You have a past.   With that out of the way, is there any chance that you are perfect in every way?   Still no?   Congrats!   You also have dirt in your past, just like everyone else.   We ALL have a past and those pasts are riddled with good choices, bad choices, successes, failures, wins, losses, mistakes, etc.   You get the point.   Living in the past can only keep you living in your mess....

It sure does when you are talking about the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program or (RSVP). Many of our volunteers simply do not fit in the retired or senior category at all. In fact, many volunteers we work with do not fit in society’s view of what it means to be retired or senior.   Volunteers live active lifestyles that happen to include volunteering on top of their own hobbies, families, and friends.   I have had the pleasure of learning so much from some of our RSVP volunteers and I am thankful every day that I get to have contact with such fantastic human beings!!! RSVP volunteers are everywhere from our local hospitals, thrift stores, libraries, and museums, to the senior center, NorthEast Community Fund, and even   Meals on Wheels and that is just to name a few. You must be 55 years of age or older to enroll in our Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.   Which makes RSVP an exclusive club with lots of talent and experience that is being shared throughout ou...

Dove was established in 1970 and we are taking this month to look back at some of our history, reported in the newsletter "DoveTales."  This article is from the December 1980 edition. "DV Project Trains Advocates A new type of volunteer work is available in the DOVE Domestic Violence project -- Friendly Advocates for battered women.  Friendly Advocates work with victims of domestic Violence over a period of several weeks to assist in dealing with the crisis ..." We still are seeking volunteers to assist with the Domestic Violence Program.  This September will be the next offering of the needed 40 hour training.  With this training, certified by the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, volunteers have many opportunities to help, such as:  answering the hotline, assisting with support groups, parenting groups etc.;  helping with orders of protections and helping out in the Shelter.  The registration process begins with a phone i...

Charlie Gillaspie RSVP Program Director Many seniors who have spent most of their lives working wonder why they should now volunteer after retirement. Here are a few great reasons to join the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) with Dove Inc. Volunteering is essential to Illinois Especially during this budget crisis, now more than ever before your time is needed. Local area not- for- profits are struggling to continue to offer the services our communities desperately need.   The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Dove Inc. has provided senior volunteers for forty years and is a great way to get started with National Service.   Seniors are needed now, more than ever before Just imagine how many people could get jobs if more seniors volunteered to teach what they have learned over a lifetime, including helping to bridge the generation gap between the young and old.     Seniors have choices As a senior voluntee...