Dove, Inc.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. This is often a topic that is ignored and considered to be a “personal” matter that should not be discussed publicly. Many people believe that if it doesn’t affect them personally then there isn’t a problem. Domestic Violence should not be ignored, in fact, domestic violence affects everyone is some form, whether you are a victim directly or a member of a community. Domestic Violence costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies. In the United States one in every four women will experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. Over 10 million children witness violence in their homes each year. With alarming statistics like this, odds are, you likely know someone who is experiencing domestic violence. It could be a sibling, parent, friend, co-worker, congregation member, or student....

(below is the address from Rev. Jason Butterick, President of the Dove Board of Directors given to the Delegates at the Fall Meeting) Dove Fall Delegates Meeting Monday, October 26, 2015 7 pm Prairie Avenue Christian Church – Decatur, Illinois   Good evening. As pastor of Prairie Avenue Christian Church, I welcome you to our fellowship hall, and warmly invite you to feel free to explore our space following my presentation. You might need my assistance in figuring out exactly which staircase takes you to your vehicle.   Tonight, I also am privileged to welcome you as president of the board of directors of Dove, Inc. My work as president is made easier by the dutiful work of the other board officers as well as those who volunteer their time and talents faithfully through our regular meetings and Dove’s many events.   To say this year has been unusual is perhaps an understatement. In June issues involving the professionalism of our executive...

Through my eyes Dove Domestic Violence is a haven in the storm for many women and children.　They find themselves in a situation they never thought they would be in…alone, scared, beaten, abused, ridiculed, talked-down to.　 Sometimes their spirits are broken, they literally don’t feel anything.　Sometimes, just the break of coming into shelter gives them the time, space and security to think again.　To stop.　To regroup.　 Whatever their needs and the needs of their children are, our staff tries to meet them where they’re at and offer hope in one of their most desolate times. Through my eyes I have seen women with fear, pain and hopelessness in their eyes, trusting no one when they came into shelter.　But after spending time here, learning coping skills, learning that they are far more precious than to be in an abusive relationship, they realize we really do care.　 They realize that more than a job, we are here to comfort, console, build-up and share what we know about the cycle of dom...

2015 Coats for Kids drive is going on now and will be collecting good, used coats for families in need through November 30.  In the past 23 years, more than 67,000 coats have been donated, cleaned and taken to participating clothing rooms for families in need.  Join us this year in making this program a success. Participating Cleaners will make sure the coats are clean and fresh and ready for the clothing rooms to distribute. Classic Cleaners, 2474 N. Main Corner Cleaning Connections, 1154 E. Prairie Ave. Janes Cleaners, 664 W. Eldorado Peerless Cleaners, 519 N. Monroe Pride Cleaners and Launderers - 2553 N. Main, 1804 E. Eldorado, 912 W. Eldorado, & 2056 Mt. Zion Road Waite's Dry Cleaners and Launderers, 1004 S. Main &  115 Magnolia, Forsyth and coats can be donated at any of the sites below: CVS 2990 N. Monroe 570 N. Fairview 1595 E. Cantrell Rd. Decatur Public Library 130 N. Franklin ...

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.   In his proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, President Barack Obama said, among other things: “Though we have made great progress in bringing awareness to and providing protection against domestic violence, much more needs to be done.”   It is imperative that we all take a stand against domestic violence.   For far too long, domestic violence was treated as a “problem in the home”.   If friends and neighbors were aware it was happening, they might have gossiped about it among themselves, but they were happy to join the victim and the perpetrator in denying that there was a problem.   Slowly, society began to realize that domestic violence was a crim...

Once again, as we start the month of October, we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.   So as I mull over in my mind what to write about and what I want to say in this blog, I am faced with many over-riding thoughts and questions.   Have YOU been affected by domestic violence?   Have YOU ever witnessed domestic violence?   Do YOU know someone who has been abused?    Do YOU know someone who is the abuser?   Do YOU know of children who have been affected by this terrible crime??   What are YOU willing to do?   Will YOU ignore it and hope it just goes away?   Will YOU support your local Dove Domestic Violence Program?   Will YOU call law enforcement if there is an incident that you personally witness or hear?     Over the past 25 years, I have spoken to many victims of domestic violence – both men and women.   I have listened as they share with me their unending stories of abuse they have been su...

45 years have brought many changes to the agency.  One employee has been here 30 years and a few in the 25 range to one who just started yesterday.  But talking to volunteers and many who have been in Decatur for awhile, you can run into someone who was there at the beginning meetings, helped to start a program, their church was a site for the first office and more.  It is always fun to speak to those whose dedication started this amazing agency and has kept it going for 45 years. Next week, during our regular staff meeting, we are going to start dreaming about our 50th Anniversary, not so much what we will do to celebrate but what we hope Dove will look like in 5 more years.  Of course, needs will emerge that aren't here now, funding shapes programs too.  But with the dedication of current volunteers and supporters, the Board of Directors and staff, we bet Dove will be thriving at 50!