Press Release

September 19, 2024

 

The Devereux Center Acknowledges City Council’s Business License Revocation and Outlines Steps Toward Compliance

 

Coos Bay, OR – The Devereux Center acknowledges the recent decision by the Coos Bay City Council on September 17, 2024, to revoke its business license and understands the concerns that led to this outcome. The center is committed to taking immediate and decisive action to address the city’s requirements in order to continue serving the community.

On August 14, 2024, the center received formal notification from the City of Coos Bay outlining several areas for improvement, including better management of clients on the property after hours, addressing community concerns, and exploring relocation options. The Devereux Center responded with a detailed plan, but we recognize that further efforts are necessary to meet the city’s standards.

The Devereux Center will keep the public and city officials informed with regular updates as progress continues, and we remain hopeful about the future as we work to rebuild and strengthen our relationship with the community.

 

Contact:
The Devereux Center
Phone: (541) 888-3202
Email:  info@learningtodream.org
Website: www.thedevereuxcenter.org

THE DEVEREUX CENTER

Who We Are

The Devereux Center offers support systems and advocacy for the homeless, those suffering from mental illness, and veterans. We serve an average of 80 people a day. Also known as the Nancy Devereux Center, we are a 501(C)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 1979. The Center is a day facility that is open from 9 am to 2 pm every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

A waffle brunch is served in collaboration with the Coos Waffle Project on Thursdays from 10-Noon.

We offer our clients and community members free hot breakfast and lunch, as well as laundry and showers. The food for these meals is largely provided through the generosity of the Oregon Coast Community Action’s “Food Share Program”, as well as generous donations from various local businesses and private individuals.

The Devereux Center works on a limited budget and utilizes both paid and volunteer staff. We have about 30 dedicated volunteers each month. Our volunteers have working relationships with local social, health, and legal services to ensure help for our clients and residents as needed.

Some volunteers cook and serve food, clean the building, assist clients with basic services and help maintain the property. Others reach out in the community to help people find work while others apply for grants to continue and expand our services. We are strengthening our local network to help people find affordable housing, work and food.

We strive to put a positive view on the abilities of our people and dispel the stigma associated with homelessness and mental illness. At the Devereux Center, we encourage education and provide advocacy and support. A key part of our mission is helping people “Learn to Dream Again.” If you would like to be involved, please call 541-888-3202 and ask about volunteer opportunities.

Diamond in the Rough

Jennifer Barton came to the Devereux Center with her mother and two children seeking showers and food. She was using methamphetamine and living recklessly. Her mother, Sandy, was taking care of the kids and trying to keep the family together. Jenn was loud, feisty and pushy. Scott, one of our volunteers, connected with Jennifer and put her in touch with local services. Through a series of traumatic events, including a fire, Jennifer saw that her life was spiraling out of control. She began her journey towards sobriety, occasionally losing a step, but always moving another two steps forward.

In July 2016, Jennifer, Sandy, and the kids found stable housing: this was a huge step for the family. It was also a vital component of the final step for Jennifer’s sobriety. She no longer had to worry about where she would find safe shelter or if she would be safe while sleeping. With this newfound stability, Jennifer found several part-time jobs and worked hard to learn new skills to become more marketable. In 2017, Jenn started the GED program through Southwestern Oregon Community College. About the same time, Jennifer completed her recovery program through ADAPT and became passionate about a recovery counselor. We are pleased that Jennifer celebrated two years of sobriety from all drugs and alcohol in August 2018 and started her third term at SOCC in September of 2018. Her two beautiful children are now enrolled in school and thriving.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

CONTACT INFO

1200 Newmark Avenue. Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

541-888-3202

info@learningtodream.org

Client Hours

Mon. Tues, Wed & Fri. 9AM TO 2PM.

Business Hours

Monday -Thursday 7:30 – 3:30 

Friday 7:30 – 3:00