Who We Are….

Dewey Yates, CPRS-J, CRC, Executive Director

Dewey had his last drink March 17, 1988. Went out with a bang on St Pat’s. “For the last 3 years I drank I knew I had a problem. I wouldn’t drink on Tuesdays to prove I was in control”. Yeah, right. After serving 10 days in the Orange County (FL) Jail for his 3rd DUI, Dewey was still drinking. But it was desperation, driven by the wish to deny what was obvious to all- he was an alcoholic. Finally, that St Patrick’s Day, a final, disastrous binge. But the next morning, finally, a cry for help. He left his bed that morning sick, sweating, and shaking like a scared puppy. He looked down at his wife, Dawn (secretary treasurer of We Care) and said, “This is killing me- I have to find a way to be a non-drinker.” That night, Dewey attended his first AA meeting, got a sponsor, and started the journey of recovery that led Dewey and Dawn to East Tennessee. “I tried to run from the calling that God placed on me when I got sober, for 33 plus years.” They came here to retire. God had a better plan, as usual. Dewey and Dawn started Life Recovery meetings at Hope Community Church, later moving them to the (former) Veterans Center of East Tennessee. Along the way, Dewey became a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, (later adding the Justice Involved endorsement), and a Recovery Coach. After a stint with a for profit treatment facility, Dewey and Dawn, alongside Dan Stevens and Raysha Cowan, opened We Care Hawkins County on May 1, 2025. Board member Mitchell Young prayed for us that sunny morning to keep in mind Psalm 127:1- “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain”. Our prayer is to never labor in vain, but to keep one thing the main thing- to TAKE ADDICTION HEAD ON!

Thanks to our Donors and Grantors! (FY 2025)

Walmart #5734, Kingsport, TN

The Rota Foundation

East Tennessee Foundation-Marilyn M. Dick Fund for People Experiencing Poverty

Daniel Stevens, Veterans in Recovery Director

Marine Corps Veteran Daniel Stevens is We Care’s Veterans in Recovery Director. Dan also serves as the Chairman of our Board of Directors. Dan has been a part of We Care from our first breath; he was the first among us to see the availability of 124 S Church St., We Care’s office. Dan serves Veterans with a passion and compassion that only a brother in arms can show to another brother or sister in arms. Dan’s USMC service included an overseas tour in Okinawa, Japan, and a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dan demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership, as evidenced by the awarding of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct medal. His military experiences shaped his understanding of the physical and emotional toll that military service sometimes exacts from servicemen. Dan draws on those experiences to be a solid foundation for Vets and others seeking a journey to recovery, wellness, and healing. After being diagnosed with Charcot arthropathy in 2020, Dan’s life was altered by the inability to walk for almost 2 years. In 2022, he underwent a below-the-knee amputation. What could have been the end, became the beginning. Through physical pain, depression, and suicidal ideation, he discovered new purpose- helping others find hope and healing-like Dan did. He’s been a vital part of We Care since before Day 1- using his story to give hope to others. It’s not a job, it is a calling. If he’s relaxing, Dan’s probably outside. He also operates Tactical Bass Lures, making and selling his own line of fishing lures.

Laura Dalton, Women in Crisis Director

“By the overwhelming Grace of God I am redeemed, restored, and set free”- Laura starts her story putting credit where it’s due- her Savior, Jesus Christ. Laura lived for years in bondage to drugs, tormented by depression, and bipolar disorder, and shattered by physical abuse. “I lost everything in 2015- including custody of my daughters.” She believed a lie- that she was too broken for hope. But Psalm 40:2 became Laura’s fight song. “He found me in a miry pit and set my feet upon the Rock”. Through Jesus’ strength alone Laura walked out of jail after almost 2 years. She allowed Jesus to renew her mind, one day at a time, while the medications and therapy became tools of God’s Grace. And all along, God had another gift for Laura- her soulmate, her husband Brandon. With his support, they’ve built a new life, not only for the two of them, but for Laura’s daughters, as she has regained custody of Allison and Gracie. “I have a full house, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” Today, Laura is years clean, mentally stable, and raising her kids alongside the love of her life. Her family knows a Savior who turns messes into message. But it’s not about Laura, Brandon, or the kids. It’s not about what Laura’s survived. “It’s about who lives in me. Jesus did it all, and He’s still writing redemption stories, today. Will you let yours begin now?” Laura is our newest staff member, our Women in Crisis director. God willing, she’ll be taking the “message that overcomes mess” into our institutions, and will be a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, but most of all someone who’s been where you are- and lived to tell of the One who, as the Psalmist said, “pulled her out of the pit”. We Care is blessed to have Laura!