SCwSG, Gracie and Diane Support Animal Cruelty Awareness Month!

Spring is early in the Colorado mountains. We are so thankful to see the birth of new life all around us. April is a great month to bring awareness to animal cruelty.
There is some confusion to me if the ribbon color is orange or purple but whichever you decide to go with wear it and talk to people to increase compassion, awareness and action to prevent unthinkable atrocities that occur everyday around the world! Animals bring unconditional love and joy into our lives and they deserve to be treated with respect and honor.

Did you know, petting an animal can lower blood pressure; lift your spirits; their companionship and antics can make you laugh; and improve your overall life?   

Many animal welfare sites offer important information to help you make informed decisions when buying, adopting or trying to help animals. Here are a few points that have helped us. 

1. Adopt before you shop! If a store sells puppies be careful! Most pet store puppies come from puppy mills. Don't buy ANYTHING in a store that supports the cruel raising of animals in puppy mills.

2. Know who to contact when reporting animal cruelty.

3. Get to know the animals in your neighborhood and if you suspect cruelty or neglect-call 911.

4. Set a good example by properly training and caring for you pet and be sure to educate children on how to treat animals with kindness and respect.

5. Volunteer with SCwSG animal rescue, education and awareness team. 

Let's help ourselves by helping animals. It's the right thing to do.

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
- Mark Twain

Why we want to adopt and provide foster care. By Dr. Diane Dike

Adoption means you grew in your mommy’s heart instead of her tummy. –Author unknown 

To be "mother" to someone who needs me means more now than ever. On February 18, 2010, my mother passed away and I realized how much I 'd lost. As I review memories one thing rings true, she loved me. 

Although I have no children of my own, I've never let that stop me from helping as many as possible especially during my twelve years of teaching severely disabled, juvenile delinquents, special and physical education, and coaching sports. I continue reaching out with hope and encouragement through our book's, speaking events, singing, leading our team of international volunteers through our nonprofit, Second Chance with Saving Grace that helps hurting people and animals. I've babysat since I was eleven and earned a Ph.D. in Human Services and Counseling Psychology while growing through difficult times that included chronic illness, divorce and almost having my legs amputated. These experiences continue to motivate me to have a significant and lasting relationship with children.

My husband, Paul, and I were certified to be foster parents 11 years ago, but with moving, travel plans, and life commitments, the timing didn’t line up. I spoke to Paul about my remaining desire to provide a safe place for broken children to heal and about adopting if the opportunity arose in November of 2010. Paul gave a long list about why this wasn’t a good idea. Most of the reasons were based on fear: fear that I wasn’t healthy enough; fear of the financial burden; and most significantly, fear of the lifestyle changes required to be a parent. I wasn’t deterred and did what I always do when confronted with the unknown: I prayed.

One day Paul came home and said, “Okay, go for it! I can see it will be more harmful for you not to try than any of my reasons why we shouldn’t.” He’d talked to friends and it was obvious that God had worked on his heart. He was now excited to share his love of the outdoors with hurting kids. 

The process has been time-intensive, costly and emotion-filled, but we are ready. Our faith will keep us strong, courageous and able to work through the ups and downs. Our hearts and loving arms are open to a home bursting with healthy family memories that will offer a lifetime of faith, hope, joy and love. And one day when I’m gone, my children will know THEIR Mom loved them, and they will be sure to pass that love on.

Every child will have a Love Kit, Blanket and Bear

waiting to welcome them home!

Drop off donations at the Eagle Headquarters ANYTIME. 
Mail items to: 

SCwSG 

PO 673 

Eagle, CO 81631 

THANK YOU! We have many items on our wish list. Most importantly, we hope to find a Vehicle - to fit 8 or more, (Minivan, SUV, Van ~ type) ...  Help collecting used or new items is appreciated!!

Stay Strong & Courageous!

Paul, Gracie, Diane & the SCwSG Volunteer Team

Enjoy pictures on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeDike

Eagle Colorado Adoption/Foster Home Needs a Vehicle

Our mission is to help hurting people and animals and provide opportunities for volunteers to do the same while using their gifts and talents to live a life of impact and purpose. We offer a safe place for all to be a part of a family that cares and is making a difference.

We've added fostering and adopting children to our outreach efforts. We are a safe place for little hearts to heal! When Paul and Diane found out that there are approx. 6,800 foster children in Colorado and 550 needing adoption AND that there was not a Foster Home available in Eagle County they immediately made plans to get re-certified, ready to open their hearts and home.  

Duties and Responsibilities  There are nearly half a million young people living in foster care in America. The goal is to return the children to their homes but when that is not possible they need long term care and/or adoption. 
It's been an intense process but the Dikes are ready. Duties include: parental guidance, upkeep of CPR + First Aid training, Love & Logic training, they've passed several background checks, have a bed and dresser for every child; they are prepared for: face to face time with birth parents, addressing medical and dental needs, transportation to and from activities, school, medical or therapeutic appointments, participation in treatment decisions, creating clear and consistent behavioral boundaries, providing financial, emotional and educational support, providing meals, clothing... and a stable, consistent, culturally sensitive and nurturing home environment. 

Outreach Wish List

* 3 Twin Mattresses 
* 4+ Twin Sheet Sets/Comforters
* Clothing (Slippers, Shoes, Undies, Socks) all sizes  
* Face Cloths, Shampoo, Tissue, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes...
* Boxes of SNACKS

* Doorway Rugs/Mats
* Bean Bag Chairs

* Small Veggie Chopper

* Backpacks - School Supplies
* Lap-Top Computer
* Lg. Flat Screen TV for Family movie night
* Tents-Camping Stuff

* A Whiteboard 
* A Fire & Carbon Dioxide Alarm
* Gift Cards or Monthly Donors
* Patio Furniture 
* Surge Protector Multi-Plug & Safety Outlet Plugs
* Christmas Stuff - Dress Up Costumes
* Twister, Bibles, Christian/Educational videos/books
* Musical Instruments
* Big Wheels-outside bikes, chalk, balls, toys 
* Discovery Swing Set (backyard)  
*** Vehicle - to fit 8 or more, wheelchair room, (Minivan, SUV, Van ~ type) ...  

Help collecting used or new items is appreciated!! (This list updated 5-04-12)

Every child will have a Love Kit, Blanket and Bear
waiting to welcome them home!

Mail items to: 

SCwSG 

PO 673 

Eagle, CO 81631 

or drop off at Eagle Headquarters ANYTIME! 

Tax donation receipt form:

THANK YOU! If you are interested in being a part of the team, please contact: Diane@SCwSG.com


Stay Strong & Courageous!

Your SCwSG Volunteer Team

Enjoy pictures on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeDikee

www.DianeDike.org

http://www.youtube.com/user/DianeDike

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." -Eph. 3:20