"Be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves"... Matthew 10:16

This scripture reference is beautifully hand stenciled on the wall above the windows in the turreted breakfast nook of the DOVE HOUSE in Statesville, NC.

To appreciate its meaning you will need a little history. The DOVE HOUSE is a children's advocacy center that provides a centralized, safe and child friendly facility that supports the investigation and successful prosecution of child abuse cases. Its mission is to enhance the legal process towards achieving criminal prosecution, while minimizing further trauma to the child victim and non-offending family members.

There are Children's Advocacy Centers across the nation and the time had come for one to be established in NC. The Dove House originally opened their doors in 2002 in a 3,000 square foot 1891 two story victorian style home in the historic district of downtown Statesville. In 2007 plans were unveiled for a a new facility which was built by Spivey Construction with over $1.5 million donated in labor and materials. The new Dove House opened their doors in December of 2009. This momentous event was marked with a reception in January, 2010 for all the volunteers and companies that had donated their time, labor and materials. WCAA-Charlotte Chapter Fabricators were among the guests graciously received by Brenda Deal, Executive Director, that afternoon.

When asked how did the "Dove House " come about, Brenda shared a moving account of the events that led to its founding, leaving us in no doubt about the power of divine providence playing out in her life and those who work closely with her. And how does the scripture verse fit into the picture? "Be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves"; In Brenda words: "This verse is actually the origin of the name of Dove House. A women's bible study group from my church discussed helping our steering committee come up with a name for the Children's Advocacy Center, and came up with "Dove House" from this verse. The first part of the verse is Christ telling his disciples that He is sending them out as "sheep among wolves" (to spread the gospel) - child victims are definitely "sheep among wolves". Those of us who intervene when children are harmed must "be as wise as serpents" in protecting children who are "as innocent as doves".... Thus, DOVE HOUSE!

The Charlotte Chapter was more than proud to have been able to participate in creating custom window treatments for the Dove House, we were graced with the honor of being invited to participate.

Visit the Dove House: http://www.dovehouse.us/

Charlotte Chapter Businesses that participated:

Sharon Coppede Custom Window Treatments, Inc.
Marilyn Croteau Croteau Window Coverings, Inc.
Pam Dawes Interior Couture of the Carolinas, Inc.
Elaine Mitchell Interior Couture of the Carolinas, Inc.
Margaret Fergusson House of Andrachelle
Sam Grande Four Directions Installation
Kathleen Hynoski Studio 138
Brenda Lewis Workroom Innovations
Rita Morrison Morrison's Classic Windows
Carolyn Rushing Fineline Designs
Carolyn & Martin Todd Sew Elegant Interiors
Lurene Ulrich New Outlook Interiors, Inc.

Lori Woodall United Supply Co

Join Us for the Charlotte WCAA and AIDP Spring Window and Interior Design Fashion Event

Join us on March 26, 2010 for an all day vendor exhibit and two fabulous workshops with nationally known speaker Jackie Von Tobel. Jackie is one of the country's top experts in the field of interior design and soft treatment construction. She is the author and illustrator of the definitive series of illustrated encyclopedias and comprehensive design manuals for the trade, students and consumers. Her books include The Design Directory of Window Treatments, The Design Directory of Bedding, and the soon-to-be released, The Directory of Soft Furnishings. Jackie has a new line of eco friendly fabrics and pillow covers, the Jackie Von Tobel Collection.

The day will begin with breakfast and vendor exhibits, we will have a morning workshop with Jackie entitled The Latest and Greatest in Window Fashion, then we will spend some time with our exhibitors and enjoy a catered lunch. In the afternoon, we will have another session with Jackie entitled Achieving a High End Look for Less. We will wrap up the day with our vendor and the awarding of our door prizes.

The price at the door is $85.00 for WCAA and AIDP members and $100.00 for non members and guests.

The January WCAA Chapter Meeting

The WCAA Charlotte Chapter held its first meeting of the new year on Tues, January 7th at United Supply. Cheryl Short of Profit Management Services, LLC was the speaker. She held a great session on Quick Books and shared tips and tricks that will make the software much easier to navigate. The Charlotte Chapter offers informative meetings designed to help members develope their business savvy, find out the latest information on our industry, and get a broad picture of the marketplace. Cheryl Short's teaching was timely as we prepare for tax returns and gearing our businesses back up after the holidays. She covered what we need to do with regard to Federal and State taxes, and answered questions about contract labor and 1099 forms. She shared ways to customize the Quick Book programs for our individual needs and gave short cuts to navigate the program. There were lots of questions and everyone received an answer. It was a great start to the new year!