A Second Chance
Our newest staff member, Dennis, was a graduate of Rehrersburg, PA Teen Challenge in 2020. He also served as an intern there.
After falling back into addiction, he spent some time at Pittsburgh Teen Challenge. He arrived at ATCOV in April 2023. He knew that he needed to get his life in order again through structure, counseling and a renewed relationship with Jesus. Knowing that, Dennis decided to complete the full year in the program again. He graduated in April 2024.
Upon graduation, Dennis became a very dependable intern. He was humble, teachable and willing to pitch in wherever there was a need. Those traits are always important earmarks of an ATCOV staff member.
In December, Dennis became the Direct Client Care first shift supervisor of our male clients. Besides meeting the daily needs of our men, Dennis has a heart for the clients. He gives them the same care and compassion that was afforded to him while he was in the program. “I try and remain humble. I encourage clients that I am here to help them in their everyday journey to recovery. I am sympathetic and compassionate without being a pushover,” he said. When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, Dennis replied, “I get to do it the next day. I love giving back. Some say I wear my heart on my sleeve and that it’s a disadvantage. However, I look at it as compassion and remembering that I was where they are now.”
Dennis looks forward to growing here at ATCOV – being a servant and following Jesus closely. His favorite scripture will empower him to fulfill that mission: Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
Dennis is a father of four grown children. He also became a grandfather for the first time in December 2024 to his grandson, Micah.
