DOVES Awarded Funds to Invest in Art Empowerment

As a Window Between Worlds partner agency, DOVES recently applied for and received a $500 art supply scholarship to purchase art supplies for our A Window Between World art workshops. The AWBW philosophy is grounded in the idea that the art workshops are a “Window of Time” - a safe, non-judgmental space where participants can authentically express their identity, hopes, dreams, experiences and truths. DOVES advocate Dawn Hull solicited feedback from clients to see what type of art activities they would most like to participate in during the weekly workshops and set out with a clear objective in mind. DOVES art cabinet is now fully stocked with quality materials and survivors will have the opportunity to express themselves using a myriad of new supplies including acrylic paint, canvas panels, watercolor pencils, and clay. The AWBW group is currently held every Monday from 10:30 – noon.

DOVES is also pleased to announce the debut of a new weekly AWBW group for our Spanish speaking clients. This group will be held on Wednesday mornings, time TBD. 

Community Generosity Shown During the Holidays

The last two months has been simply amazing when it comes to the kindness of this community. The

holiday season always begins with our shelter client’s “Breakfast with Santa,” at the Barnstorm Café. Renee Wagner put on a wonderful breakfast for both our clients and their children, but also the staff that

joined them. Santa made an appearance, and everyone came home full of holiday cheer. This was

followed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s, “Gift of Love”. Everyone was treated to a day of fun,

games and a terrific meal, down the hill. We were driven by our favorite Citizen’s Patrol and joined by

several local officers. There were gifts for everyone, including the shelter. This lovely event was followed

by the Big Bear Disposal Party, held at Sonora Cantina. Maria was a fabulous hostess and provided us

with her amazing food. Gino Scopesi, once again out did himself and made sure all our client’s wishes

came true. The look on our children’s faces when Santa came in will never be forgotten by

anyone at that party. Special thanks to Rebecca Hinton, who works so hard to make this happen

every year. Also, thank you to t he Rotary Santa Program for having Santa stop by and visit with children at the shelter. We would also like to the Women of the Moose, who make Christmas morning

such a lovely time for our clients. Thank you to the Big Bear High School POTUS Club and students, and the Moose Riders for their toy drives. With their donations we were able to have a "Santa Shop" where clients selected toys for their loved ones. And finally, thank you to Big Bear Middle School for putting on a food drive that was used to keep our pantry full. We sincerely thank you all for your kindness and giving.

Toys donated from BBHS students

A Survivor's Perspective

We asked our clients what are th ree things you have learned here that you feel will help you in the future:

Survivor:

"1-There are good people in this world.

2-Take life one day at a time.

3-There's help if you want it."

Register Online Now! Internet Predators - Are Innocent Behaviors Putting Your Child a Risk?

We are pleased to be co-sponsoring this event with many of our collaborative community organizations!

Take an honest look at how technology can groom and seduce unsuspecting young people, even while the parent is watching. Register online at:

http://predatorprevention.eventbrite.com