For over a decade DOVES has hosted its signature event, "Starry Starry Night". In 2015 we decided to take a break and revisit the event in the future...in 2016 we did just that. We decided to bring back our much anticipated event but with a lot of changes. Our biggest change involved us seeking a more suitable location because in the past we were experiencing difficulty with the limited amount of venues that are available in Big Bear.
Despite the heavy snow, we have still managed to get a lot done at the outreach center in the month of January. Our big focus on the month has been preparing for February, which is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. Quinton, Maria, Tonya, and Laura will be going to Big Bear High School for five days to talk to Freshman Studies classes. In addition to this, Quinton and Maria have continued their work with the students at Chautauqua High School.
We were pleased to join CASE (Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation) for their 7th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk. The sad reality is that some clients we work with have also experienced human trafficking, so we've made it a point to have certified human trafficking counselors at our outreach office, shelter and thrift store. It is our goal to assist clients in every way possible.
Lorrie's House Resident Moves Forward With the Help of DOVES
"I will always be very grateful to the staff for their encouragement and support during my stay at the shelter. I was able to find a full time job and in a few days I will have housing. The staff at DOVES really cares about me and they are doing everything they can to ensure my success. I had no warm winter clothes when I came here and very little money. The staff made sure I got warm clothes. Ms. Jeanette helped me get my food handlers license so that I could work. I have tried to do my best to let the staff know how much I have appreciated their help."
For Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, show your support for healthy relationships and wear orange on Feb. 14!
Stand out from the traditional pinks and reds on Valentine's Day and wear orange while raising awareness about dating abuse. Email your photos to info@doves4help.org or share them on your own social media channels and tag DOVES.
Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Looking Ahead
The Polar Plunge is on March 4th
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
DOVES of Big Bear Valley, Inc. | 909-866-1546 | info@doves4help.org | www.doves4help.org
