At Evans Training Center, recovery is more than saying no to drugs and alcohol - it’s saying yes to a transformed life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

About Us

Who We Are

Evans Training Center (ETC) is a 40-week residential, Christ-centered recovery program for men who are ready to make radical and lasting changes in their lives.

 

We call ourselves a regeneration ministry because recovery is more than adjusting old habits, it’s the start of an entirely new life, built on the hope and freedom found in Christ.

 

Our program is led by ordained Christian ministers and staffed primarily by men who have overcome addiction themselves. They now live in the freedom of Christ and walk alongside participants as mentors and guides.

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Our Heritage

ETC was named in honor of Brother Mickey Evans, founder of Dunklin Memorial Church in Okeechobee, FL, a 70-bed residential recovery facility that has operated for over 50 years.

 

Our current Executive Director and Program Director, both graduates of Dunklin and ordained recovery ministers, bring a combined 12 years of training and experience from Dunklin.

 

Before his passing, Brother Mickey dreamed of planting “Cities of Refuge” across the world to combat the growing epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction. Today, dozens of recovery programs across the U.S. and abroad carry out that vision. Evans Training Center is a humble continuation of this mission here in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Our Overall Approach

Evans Training Center is more than a rehab program, it’s a Christ-centered community of transformation. Through discipleship, vocational training, and accountability, men are equipped with the tools they need for lifelong freedom and restoration.

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Our Team

Senior Leadership

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Dave Crooks
Executive Director

Dave Crooks
Executive Director

Dave Crooks has been serving in Christian recovery ministry for more than twenty years. His journey began in 2003 when he sought freedom from chemical addiction at Dunklin Memorial Church, a Christ-centered recovery program in Florida. There he found transformation, stayed to serve and train, and was ordained as a minister in 2011.

Since becoming Executive Director of Evans Training Center in 2021, Dave has led the ministry through a season of exciting growth, including the opening of a new facility that now serves dozens of men and families each year with the support of a passionate and dedicated team.

A U.S. Army Reserves veteran, lifelong learner, and avid reader, Dave has continued to sharpen his leadership through programs with Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy, Citygate Network, Miracle Hill, ACBC, Mission Increase, AACC, the Cape Cod Institute, and more.

Dave’s ministry and leadership philosophy is anchored in Jeremiah 6:16, a reminder to walk in the “ancient paths” of faith, discipleship, and brotherhood. He and his wife, Lacey, are raising their four children in Inman, SC. Outside of ministry, Dave can often be found rock climbing - or tracking down the best Indian food in town.

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Ben Dismukes
Program Director, Co-Founder

Ben Dismukes
Program Director, Co-Founder

 

Benjamin has served as Program Director for 15 years, drawing on his experience in leadership, staff training, and discipleship at Dunklin Memorial Church. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Old and New Testament History from Freedom Seminary. Having experienced God’s process of deliverance from addiction, he has devoted his life to helping other men discover the same freedom Christ offers.

 

He believes deeply in the power of relationships and the New Testament church model, where accountability and truth spoken in love bring growth and transformation. Outside of ministry, Benjamin enjoys deer hunting with his oldest daughter, motorcycle rides with his youngest, and workouts with his son, while cherishing the love and support of his wife. His life verse is Isaiah 41:10, and he lives with the assurance: “I’m going to live forever!”

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Robby Dismukes
Chaplain, Co-Founder

Robby Dismukes
Chaplain, Co-Founder

 

Robby joined ETC staff as Chaplain in 2017 after years of serving in technical support, leading work crews, and supporting other leaders. He has more than 40 years of ministry experience as a Choir Leader, Youth Pastor, and Associate Pastor, where he used his vocal and teaching gifts for evangelism and discipleship. Alongside his wife Vida, Robby has a heart for seeing families restored, a calling shaped by their own experience of healing and hope.

 

He finds joy in teaching, watching men experience redemption, and seeing families transformed by God’s grace. He also enjoys bird watching, cooking, and sharing meals with both his family and the men of ETC. His life verse, Psalm 112:1–2, reflects his legacy of faith among his children and the spiritual sons and daughters who become part of the ETC family. Married to Vida for 53 years, Robby treasures their partnership as one of God’s greatest gifts.

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Josh Stanley
Director of Operations

Josh Stanley
Director of Operations

 

Josh has been with ETC for nearly nine years, serving the last five as Operations Director. A graduate of the Regeneration Program at ETC and North Greenville University, he brings both personal experience and academic preparation to his role. His own journey of healing empowers his passion to help others find purpose and freedom through Christ.

 

He enjoys building relationships with the men in the program and with the broader community, describing his role as something he never feels he “has to” do. Josh is committed to serving with excellence, especially among those often overlooked, and sees each opportunity as a way to share the work God is doing at ETC. A former college basketball player and devoted Clemson Tigers fan, Josh also brings a love for sports and fellowship. His guiding scripture is Matthew 7:3, reminding him to walk with humility and grace.

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Chelsea Hall
Office Manager

Chelsea Hall
Office Manager

 

Chelsea has served as Office Manager at ETC since 2023, bringing both organizational expertise and a heart for ministry. She holds a Biology and Psychology degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Teaching Science from North Greenville University. Before joining ETC, Chelsea taught high school science for seven years until the Lord called her into a new season of service.

 

Though originally hired for bookkeeping, Chelsea’s role has grown far beyond numbers. She now serves as a “Dorm Big Sister,” helping with everything from scheduling appointments and advocating for men in probation to menu planning and daily encouragement. She is passionate about reminding each man that the past does not define his future and loves witnessing their wholehearted pursuit of the Lord.

 

Chelsea enjoys traveling, playing guitar, and spending time with her husband, Zach, and their Great Dane, Theodore. Her guiding verse is John 3:30: “He must become greater; I must become less.”

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James Abbott
Director of Development

James Abbott
Director of Development


James has spent more than 17 years serving in nonprofit leadership while walking closely with Christ. His experience includes leading Greer Community Ministries as Executive Director, directing The Salvation Army Service Center in Pickens County for five years, and serving for a decade as Human Resources Director at The Salvation Army’s Greenville, SC Area Command.


James’s passion for ministry is deeply personal. Having experienced the shame and guilt of addiction himself, he found hope and purpose in Jesus Christ. That transformation is what drew him to ETC—believing fully in the Holy Spirit’s power to change lives. He loves seeing how the staff surround men in the program with accountability, grace, and real, active love.


Married to his high school sweetheart, Debi, since 2020, James and Debi live in Moore, SC. Together they enjoy hiking, reading, the beach, and time with family. His life verse is 1 John 3:18: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

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Brittany Barbrey
Development Officer

Brittany Barbrey
Development Officer

 

Brittany began serving as a Development Officer at ETC in 2023, bringing years of experience in nonprofit leadership and a heart for ministry. Since 2000, she has been actively involved in her family’s nonprofit, Dominion Family Services, which provides housing and support for abused and neglected youth in Spartanburg, SC, and Eldoret, Kenya. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2012 and a Master’s in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Film and Screenwriting from UNC Wilmington in 2014.

 

Her personal connection to ETC began when she met her husband during his time in the Servanthood Leadership Training program, and her background naturally led her to serve here. Brittany loves being part of a community of participants, graduates, families, churches, and businesses all working together toward the same goal: eradicating drug addiction by the power of God.

 

She is passionate about establishing the Kingdom of God in her life and encouraging others to do the same. Her guiding verse is Psalm 40:2, a reminder of God’s power to redeem and restore. Outside of ministry, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband and raising her three beautiful children.

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Chloe Rogers
Chloe Rogers
Communications Coordinator

Chloe Rogers
Communications Coordinator

Chloe Rogers joined Evans Training Center in July 2025 as an intern. After graduating high school in November 2024, she completed a technical internship at Lifesong Church, where she was first introduced to ETC.

Originally planning to study marketing in college, Chloe felt the Lord leading her in a new direction. Through prayer and reflection, she realized she was being called to ministry and was later connected with the team at Evans Training Center.

Chloe enjoys the warm, home-like atmosphere at ETC and loves getting to know the men and staff. She is passionate about spreading the Word and growing in her faith. In her free time, Chloe enjoys learning photo, video, and graphic design. She has three cats and three dogs, who she lovingly calls her “furry friends.” Her life verse is Ruth 1:16 — “Where you go, I’ll go, and where you stay, I’ll stay.”

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Lucas Kearse
Vocational Training Supervisor – Paint

Lucas Kearse
Vocational Training Supervisor – Paint


Lucas has been serving at ETC for seven years as both a teacher and paint supervisor. A graduate of the Regeneration Program, he continued his journey through Servanthood Leadership Training and On-the-Job Training before stepping into staff leadership. Lucas has a Bachelors degree from Limestone University in Criminal Justice.


Having completed his own recovery at ETC in 2019, Lucas clearly felt the Lord’s call to give back what had been freely given to him. He finds joy in seeing men restored and reborn, walking in a freedom once thought impossible, and being set on a Godly path for success.


Passionate about discipleship, Lucas loves encouraging men as they grow in their faith, teaching, and working alongside them in the paint program. Outside of ETC, he enjoys fatherhood, caring for his three unique children, working in his yard, and studying U.S. and world history. His life verse is Matthew 5:16, a reminder to let his light shine for God’s glory.

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Matt White
Vocational Training Supervisor – Landscape

Matt White
Vocational Training Supervisor – Landscape

 

Matt has served at ETC for six years, teaching, leading job sites, and speaking at events while investing in the lives of the men in the program. He brings extensive training in tree work, construction, and landscape design, along with Biblical counseling studies through AACC and Phase 1 of ACBC’s counseling training.

 

After completing recovery at Dunklin Memorial Church, Matt faced setbacks but knew the Lord was calling him to ministry. Through prayer and guidance, he came to ETC to begin a new life and step into his calling. Today, he counts it a joy to witness men come to know the Lord, watch their lives transformed, and take part in what he describes as “daily miracles.”

 

Passionate about teaching and studying Scripture, Matt loves to see prodigals return home and to give others the same second chance he was given. Originally from Seminole County, Florida. Matt and his wife, Monica, enjoy hiking, volleyball, skateboarding, and collecting sneakers. His guiding scripture is 1 John 4:20, a reminder of love in action.

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Thomas Wakefield
Vocational Training Supervisor – Landscape

Thomas Wakefield
Vocational Training Supervisor – Landscape

 

Thomas has been serving at ETC for over three years, working with the lawn maintenance crew and teaching in the classrooms before stepping into his current role as crew leader. He also serves faithfully in his home church as a Greeter, Armor Bearer, and discipleship group leader.

 

Drawn by God’s call to help others the way he was helped, Thomas finds joy in watching men change as the light of Christ begins to shine through their lives. He is passionate about faith, recovery, and sharing conversations about God while walking alongside men in their journey.

 

In his free time, Thomas enjoys the outdoors, especially the mountains and hiking, where he feels closest to the Lord. His life verse, Romans 8:28, reminds him of God’s faithfulness to work all things together for good.

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Teresa Lehman
Kitchen Manager

Teresa Lehman
Kitchen Manager

Teresa joined ETC in 2023, bringing with her seventeen years of experience teaching high school English and History, along with a background in food service, sales, and shipping and receiving. She values being part of a ministry that honors the Lord and uses imperfect people to accomplish His purpose.

 

In her role, Teresa enjoys serving creatively in the kitchen, providing physical nourishment for the men while her teammates supply spiritual food. She is passionate about the truth that God works through our scars and stories to bring glory to Himself and good to His people in His timing. 
Teresa's husband, Daryl, works in the Corrections Department and has pre-relationships with many of the men we serve.

 

Outside of ETC, Teresa drives a tie-dyed van and sells her hand-painted art, signs, and furniture at local festivals and fairs. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, a reminder of God’s plans and promises.

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Noah Wicks
Noah Wicks
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor

Noah Wicks
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor


Noah and his wife Maria are beneficiaries of the Family Development Program here at Evans Training Center. Noah has been serving at ETC for five years and brings a background in industrial maintenance to his work. He came to ETC knowing he needed growth to become the man his family needs and has since found both purpose and strength in serving here.


He enjoys working outdoors each day, building relationships with the men around him, and being challenged by the ministry in ways that help him grow daily. Passionate about his faith, Noah is committed to following Jesus Christ and encouraging others to do the same.


In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He also likes fixing things and problem-solving as a hobby. His favorite scriptures, Romans 8:18 and Genesis 6:8, remind him of God’s promises of hope and grace.

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Travis Painter
Travis Painter
Assistant Program Director

Travis Painter
Assistant Program Director


Travis has been serving at ETC since 2024 as Assistant to the Program Director, as well as property manager and teacher. He previously worked as a Maintenance Technician for Grace Church before following God’s call into ministry at ETC.


Motivated by a desire to give back what was given to him, Travis is passionate about helping men in need and pointing them toward the hope found in Christ. He loves witnessing the Lord transform hopelessness into hope and learning daily how God’s Word applies to his own life.


Outside of ministry, Travis enjoys old trucks, especially his favorite, a 1963 Chevy. Travis and his wife Cindy enjoy spending time in the mountains of Western North Carolina. His life verse, Romans 7:18, reminds him of his constant dependence on Christ.

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Kyle Haight
Kyle Haight
Vocational Training Supervisor – Paint

Kyle Haight
Vocational Training Supervisor – Paint

 

Kyle has been serving at ETC for two years, having first completed the Regeneration Program, Servanthood Leadership Training, and On-the-Job Training. He has also served as a Paint Supervisor Assistant. A graduate of Riverside High School, Kyle studied at Greenville Technical College and holds certifications in welding, blueprint reading, OSHA 10, and has experience in remodeling and construction. 

 

Drawn to ETC by a desire to be part of something bigger than himself, Kyle sees his role as an opportunity to grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally while helping others do the same. He enjoys teaching the men new skills, watching them succeed, and seeing the transformation at the completion of a project.

 

Passionate about serving on the front lines of ministry, Kyle is committed to walking in faith and living out God’s calling on his life. Outside of ETC, he enjoys sports and outdoor activities. His life verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, reminds him that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

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Board Members

Ben Dismukes
Program Director, Evans Training Center
Wellford, SC
Robby Dismukes
Chaplain, Evans Training Center
Wellford, SC
Sharon Stanley
Retired
Inman, SC
John Fravel
Board Vice-Chairman, Owner Fravel Real Estate
Moore, SC
Ken Apple
Spartanburg County Jail Chaplain
Greenville, SC
Tommy Harvey
Board Chairman, Executive Pastor, Praise Cathedral
Taylors, SC
Susan High
Board Secretary/Treasurer, Wellspring SC
Spartanburg, SC
Frank Jackson
Owner, Crossroads South Automotive LLC
Spartanburg, SC
Rhonda Burns
Care & Connections Pastor,
Hope Church
Spartanburg, SC
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