DOVES Newsletter

April 2018

Your monthly news & updates

DOVES Receives $10,000 San Manuel Grant

For the second year in a row, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have supported our organization with a generous grant award. This year we received $10,000, which will be used to directly assist clients in our Transitional Living Program. This program helps clients live independently and free from an abusive partner by helping provide them with rent and utility assistance. The support of organizations like San Manuel makes it possible to combat homelessness related to domestic violence. We are forever grateful for their support and acknowledge that they are a part of our client's lives too.

DOVES Client Cuts off 12 Inches of Hair; Haircut Donated by Debbie O'Hara

Debbie O'Hara of Perfect 10 Salon

Debbie O'Hara, Stylist at Perfect 10 informed DOVES that she would like to donate a free haircut. The client who wanted her haircut was in an abusive relationship for 17 years. Her husband was very controlling and would not allow her or their daughter to have anything other than long, basic hairstyle - rarely even allowed a hair trim.

Once at the salon, the client made the bold decision to cut off more than 12 inches of her hair. Debbie helped this client to reinvent herself. It was a whole new style. The client's daughter was there for the haircut and cheered her on; the experience helped them to bond (the daughter has also cut her hair). The new hairstyle really empowered the client to rebuild her life - she looks and feels like a whole new person. The haircut is an outer display of the change that is occurring inside of her.

Debbie's donation of a free haircut made a huge difference to this woman and her daughter!

Board Member Feature - Michael Natzic, Chairman of the Board

Tell us a little about yourself:

As the youngest of 9 children, I had a good upbringing. With 8 sibling you are bound to have a great deal of diversity and our house was just that. I always loved being part of a big family which is something that still embrace today. After high school, I worked hard to find my way and gradually found my way into the world of finance. I started my career in the mortgage business and over the years transitioned into a Financial Advisor. Today I am a Senior Vice President with DA Davidson and head our Community Bank & Wealth Management Group.

Why did you choose to join the DOVES board?

Well quite simply, I was asked! As the father and husband of a young and growing family I looked to find a way to give back to the community and DOVES was just that. Little did I know that over 14 years later, I would still be here.

What is your favorite part about working with the DOVES organization?

The People. At DOVES I find that we are so blessed by those around us. Whether it is a staff member or a client everyone is here for some reason. Our staff is so convicted it is so inspiring to see the passion they have for their jobs. Then we have the clients that want to make that change in their lives and we are here for them ready and willing to help! At DOVES we make the ultimate difference in that we save lives! Also, I can't forget my fellow Board Members who make all of this possible with their love and support for the organization.

What do you do for fun?

My number one pastime is spending time with my family. Having four children you can guarantee that there is always something happening around the house. When not with the kids I enjoy those weekend getaways with my wife, Nicole.

What is your favorite quote?

“You can say anything you want in life, but it all depends on how you say it”

Mountain Transit Announces Summer Promotion to Encourage Locals to Try Transit for Free

This summer Mountain Transit will launch a promotional campaign that will give RIM and Big Bear residents a chance to try local and Off the Mountain transit services for free.

The campaign is sponsored by the San Bernardino County Transit Authority with grant funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). The objective is to educate more people about what Mountain Transit has to offer and give them the opportunity to experience it for free.

The theme of the campaign is “BE DRIVEN.” Assistant General Manager, Sandy Benson said, “We are hoping locals who have never ridden the bus in the mountains before will use this opportunity to see where they can “be driven” to save money, to avoid parking hassles, or to simply get where they need to go without having to drive on the mountain roads.”

The summer campaign will include two key components:

In late May a large postcard will be mailed to every postal customer in the communities of Big Bear, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. The post card will include a map for the transit route(s) which serve their locale, instructions for using Google Maps to get complete and easy transit directions and a limited time coupon good for five free day passes good on Mountain Transit’s local routes.

In July, Mountain Transit will implement TAKE TRANSIT TUESDAYS. All Mountain Transit routes will be fare-free on the five Tuesdays in July. Riders will be able to ride local routes in the Big Bear and RIM areas, and Off-the-Mountain routes to San Bernardino and Victorville free of charge.

In addition, the campaign will include more targeted promotional efforts to build awareness for Mountain Transit’s new route from Big Bear to Victorville; to encourage ridership among service workers in the Big Bear area; and to promote weekend Trolley routes to visitors.

The campaign is part of an effort to get more people to try transit throughout San Bernardino County. Similar campaigns are being launched by Victor Valley Transit Authority, Morongo Basin Transit Authority and Needles Area Transit.

For more information about Mountain Transit, go to www.mountaintransit.org.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Follow our collaborating agency, Big Bear Mental Health Alliance on Facebook to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month and ways you can support someone who needs help.

Big Bear Mental Health Alliance

Assistance Given in April

Individual Counseling Sessions - 138

Crisis Calls - 54

New Clients - 7

Temporary Restraining Orders Issued - 4

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DOVES of Big Bear Valley, Inc. | 909-866-1546 | info@doves4help.org | www.doves4help.org