Dan DeVaul has left his home but will never be forgotten. Thanks to him (and his dedicated team), hundreds of men and women came walking down that road to go through his unconventional program and came out with a new lease on life.
We would be walking downtown in SLO and some guy would come up and ask: “Dan, do you remember me? You saved my life.” When we went to Costco, it was like he was holding court—everybody wanted to come talk with him and pay their respects.
Dan took in folks no one else could help—not TMHA, the sheriff, drug and alcohol, parole, probation, nor mental health. They all brought folks to him. He ran his program without a dime of government funds. He knew people needed to be needed so everyone worked. His heart was in the right place, he just had a different delivery. I called it tough love.
We will forever be grateful to Dan, who saw to it that others had what they needed to thrive and survive and stay clean and sober. And no one could do it as he did. He gave of his home, funds, time, energy and blood, sweat, and tears for over two decades.
Thank you, Dan, for your humble service to this community. You will never be forgotten.
Becky Jorgeson
Hopes Village of SLO
This article appears in Jul 20-30, 2023.
Tough love seems to work better the namby pamby approach that costs millions in lives and dollars. The lessons learned in self healing are more sustaining than “identifying as a victim” waiting for your next hand out.
Thank you Becky for recognizing Dan and his simplistic approach to building self esteem in despondent souls.
You beat me to it Becky. Could not have said it better myself. To me, Dan represented one of two men I have encountered in my life that lived and projected true Christian principles. I remember asking Dan why he did what he did for others. He wasn’t exactly sure. That’s true humility. He was obviously moved by the spirit in a way that was mystical and misunderstood by many (sound familiar?)
I spoke with Dan recently. His life has become very simple. I’m sure if his health allowed he would still be on the ranch channeling that healing energy. God bless Dan DeVaul and all of those like him that truly dedicate their lives to the welfare of others.
You beat me to it Becky. Could not have said it better myself. To me, Dan represented one of two men I have encountered in my life that lived and projected true Christian principles. I remember asking Dan why he did what he did for others. He wasn’t exactly sure. That’s true humility. He was obviously moved by the spirit in a way that was mystical and misunderstood by many (sound familiar?) I
I spoke with Dan recently. His life has become very simple. I’m sure if his health allowed he would still be on the ranch channeling that healing energy. God bless Dan DeVaul and all of those like him that truly dedicate their lives to the welfare of others.