October 30, 2002
Wall of Hope honors Dakoske director
Friends, colleagues and family members recall Dawn Slater
By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
When friends, colleagues and family members of Dawn Slater gathered at Dakoske Hall on Monday, they were there to remember Slater and the impact she made on the lives of those she came into contact with as director of the drug and alcohol detox center. Slater, who was killed in an accident in April, was honored with the unveiling of the Dawn Slater Wall of Hope.
"She taught me how to be a better therapist and a stronger woman," said current director, Barbara Wallace before revealing the tile wall made by current and former clients.
The wall, made of ceramic tiles featuring images relating to substance abuse and recovery issues drawn or painted by clients, will also feature a portrait of Slater.
"She was all about integrity and hope. That is what is so special about tonight, that this wall is all about hope. She could always turn a negative into a positive," said staff member, Neil Guttenberg.
Colleague Pam Kinny also shared high praise for Slater. "She turned confidence building into a fine art. She had an ability to make you believe in yourself and let you know you could soar."
Niki Elhart recalled the day she met with Slater about a possible job at Dakoske Hall. "She told me, 'We see miracles every day here,' that's when I knew I was in."
While each person shared a personal rememberance of their experience with Slater, they all agreed that she had a profound impact on the client's served by Addiction Treatment Services and Dakoske Hall.
"People don't care what you know, until they know that you care," said Richard Crowe, chief executive officer of ATS. "She truly cared."