Volunteer Spotlight: Dale

“The Café accepts every human, no matter where they are in their recovery – this community recognizes that defining these things is tough, but that no matter where you are in life, or what your creed, culture, or history has been, you have a place here.”

Dale is a man who wears many hats – doctor, musician, author – and for the past few years, Ambassador of Hospitality at Recovery Café Longmont. Bringing warmth, familiarity, and engaging conversation, his presence has become a pillar of support for the members, volunteers, and staff.

For much of his adult life, Dale has been fascinated by the social dynamics of alcohol use, even having written a book challenging the normalizing of casual and social drinking. “It’s a delicate subject. I haven’t pleased everyone in writing it, but it’s a concern I’ve had since my early twenties,” he shared. Despite his ongoing interest in the subject, what brought him down the stairs to the Café was the people inside.

Compelled to visit the Café after hearing about the mission and experiencing the humility and knowledge of the staff, Dale was dazzled by the work being done to support all folks in recovery. Whether it be from substance use, divorce, mental health issues, or housing insecurity, in RCL, he saw a space that gave everyone a chance.

His background as an OB/GYN means Dale has seen plenty of people through challenging times and life transitions, giving him unique insight and knowledge. “In my time as a physician, I felt I was serving humanity. Here at the Café, I get the same feeling – it’s a place where I can help people.” Both in the Café and his career, he has supported and worked alongside people from all walks of life, an experience he appreciates deeply.

“What makes this community so valuable is that we have all kinds of folks, of all identities, and they’re only defined by the fact that they are human when they’re here,” he shared, reminiscing on the various conversations he’s had over the years, “Everyone is so open with each other, no matter their position at the Café.”

Outside the Café, many in Longmont know Dale for his fundraiser concerts. A lifelong pianist, he sees music as a way to spread joy and build community. In his 60 years living in Longmont and his three years at Recovery Café, Dale has continued to serve, connect, and make a lasting impact.