Dove, Inc.

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 ...