John B. Averitt, PhD
Licensed Psychologist/Health Service Provider

"When Dave asked me to join his advisory board, I was honored to do so. Over several trips to the lodge and meetings in my office, we created a plan to make his ideas work in the recovery community. I also had the honor of working with several residents of the program and their families in therapy. I have observed significant changes in the lives of those individuals who joined Dave in the journey of Black Cat Lodge. In my 25 years of recovery work, I have never seen anything like this experience. It is a place to move beyond treatment into that complex and total transition to day-to-day life in a safe and individual space for growth."

Ken Hughes
Recovering Addict
Living & Working at Black Cat Lodge

"After seven years of addiction to crack cocaine and heroin, ten rehabs and thousands of lies later, I found myself completely alone. I kept trying to get sober and stay sober, but no one truly understood the pain I was going through. More importantly, no one devoted themselves 100% to me and got down on the ground in the pain with me. Then I met Dave. Nine months later, we transformed my world. Now I can offer my experience to others. At Black Cat Lodge you learn to live life again and strive to be better people today than we were yesterday."

Karen Hughes
Parent of Recovering Addict

"From the day Dave picked up my son at the airport, I have been able to stop living a life of fear and dread as most parents of addicts get accustomed to. Apart from what Dave has done for my son, he has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, guidance and strength that has enabled me to be a more positive and productive caregiver and parent to my son. So while Dave worked with my son, he also worked with me. The level of communication was outstanding. Many times it was daily. And at any given time, I always felt part of the process as if we were recovering together."

Gracie
Parent of Recovering Addict

"At first my husband and I were apprehensive about Michelle’s decision to go to Black Cat Lodge. We thought she was running away…again. We questioned the so-called lack of mandatory meetings and rules. Then I spoke with Dave. What he said affected me deeply. He said, “My whole goal is to bring the family back together.” This still grabs my heart and brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it because that is exactly what has happened. After staying there for only three months, Michelle has turned her life around. Our lives have changed forever. Dave is now part of our family forever."

Sarah Ramsey
Recovering Addict
Living & Working at Black Cat Lodge

"I was jobless, hopeless and friendless when I met Dave. He showed me, through his actions and the way he is living life with a purpose, that I can too. He gave me a job that allowed me to start feeling like a productive member of society. I believe, as addicts, all we need is a fresh start and someone behind us telling us that we can do it. That’s what Black Cat does. In order for me to live life free of alcohol and drugs, I have to be around people who have walked in my shoes. At Black Cat Lodge, I never feel like I'm being judged or blamed. Instead, I have a support system that keeps me away from drugs and alcohol, living a purpose-filled life with my two beautiful children."