Dove, Inc.

Ever wondered how you can really make a difference in somebody’s life?   While some in this world have all the confidence in the world that they can move mountains, others might find themselves pacing back and forth or paralyzed at the thought of how they can really change somebody’s circumstances.   I mean, you’re only one person right.   Sure you might be able to brighten somebody’s day by being nice to them, and if you have money to spare, maybe your checkbook could make an impact in how somebody else changes somebody’s life.   But what if I told you that you had everything that it takes to truly alter someone else’s situation, and maybe even save a life. Dove’s Domestic Violence Program offers a host of services to victims of domestic violence on a daily basis, 24/7.   Our crisis domestic violence shelter takes victims and their children out of harm’s way, and brings them into a sanctuary where they can begin to heal and put the pieces of their liv...

Looking back through the DoveTale from days past, the February 9, 1973 issue had this little article DOVE ALWAYS NEEDS: ... children's clothing ... good furniture ... volunteers ... $ to meet expenses Yep, 3 of the 4 - still a need today in 2017. (The good furniture, we'd refer you to Central Illinois Christians in Mission to donate to and when we need furniture, we check with them first.)

The holiday season Comes just once a year, Bringing in family From far and from near. So we cook and we clean ‘til we think we may drop, An the we clean more, Could it be we can’t stop? Then right in the middle Of all we must do, We stop! And we gather With friends, old and new. For today is the day To pretend it’s all done, And to sit back and relax and just have some fun. This day is the day We will celebrate you. It’s our way to say thanks for all that you do. So fill up your plate With a lot of good food. Then pull up a seat And let us set the mood. Some things we will do You may have done before, But rest assured there are a few surprises in store. We shall start with a speaker Ans some music sublime Play a few games And just have a good time. And our wish is that by Time we are through, you will know we are thankful for each one of you! Thank you so much...

"Dove's Christmas Drive is underway!  We ask your help in making the 1986 Holiday Season a Happy one in homes throughout Decatur and Macon County.  As in the past Dove will be conducting Food and Toy Drive during this Christmas Season..."  November 1986 DoveTales Newsletter "DOVE will work again this year with the Prince of Peace program from St. John's Lutheran Church to provide Christmas baskets for people that we work with during the year.  If your family, Sunday School class or group would like to provide a basket or donate money for the project, please call..."  December 1972 DoveTales Newsletter "DOVE is participating with the Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation, DARE and St. John's Northeast Center to provide Christmas baskets to low-income families in Decatur.  If you would like to contribute either food or money, please call the DOVE house, 428-6616.  Someone could use your caring." December 1975 DoveTales Newsletter ...

It’s hard to believe, and some of my co-workers will want to throttle me for saying this, but there are only 58 days left until Christmas. I know, I know. It’s not even Halloween yet and I keep bringing up Christmas. Yes, I’m one of THOSE people. Ask anyone who knows me at all and they’ll probably say something about what a Christmas crazed person I am (hi, Susie and Charlie!). They’re not wrong. I love basically everything about Christmas. The decorations, the baked goods, shopping for gifts for people, the music, sending out Christmas cards. Yes, I even love cold weather and snow.  I blame my grandma, who loves Christmas about as much as it’s possible to love a holiday.   Of course when I was younger, Christmas was all about the latest toy or book I wanted, if my cousins got more stuff than I did from “Santa,” the various Christmas parties with family and at school. It wasn’t until I started getting a bit older that it became more than a time when I got gifts and w...

In October, the winds of change blow as summer gives way to fall.   Trees change colors as the browns and oranges of fall replace the lush green of summer.   October also brings the color purple, as the nation remembers victims and survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For too many years, people made jokes about domestic violence.   They too often laughed at the victim and empowered the abuser by just going along with what he or she did.   Even if they heard or saw violence happening in their neighborhoods they “didn’t want to be involved”.    For far too long it was believed that what happened in the home needed to stay in the home.   Victims and children who lived in homes where violence occurred were told not to talk about it for fear of “what the neighbors would think.”   Many times some of the people who acted in this way were the officials who were supposed to support the victim and stop the violence and hold the perpetr...

Just the facts!   The 2016 Coats for Kids drive will begin October 12.  We will be collecting good, used coats for families in need through November 30.  And of course, we'll accept new coats for kids!   It's simple, look in your closets for coats you no longer need -- (all sizes accepted, it's a coat drive focusing on kids, but we are happy to help out adults too).  Take them to one of the places listed below and  place in the collection barrel.  We'll take it from there!   Participating Cleaners will make sure the coats are clean and fresh and ready for the clothing rooms to distribute. (All addresses Decatur unless noted otherwise.)  WAND is and has been the cosponsor for the event all 25 year!  Thanks for that support!   Below is a confirmed participation list as of today:   Participating Cleaners   Classic Cleaner, 2474 N. Main Corner Cleaning Connections, 1154 E. Prairie Ave. Peerl...