Dale House staff, residents wonder what they'd do without director

After nearly 40 years at the Dale House, director George Sheffer is the closest thing to family for many of the people who have passed through the doors. He’s a “rock in a storm,” a listening ear, a support system.

“If you just think about your own life, the people that were important, that really made the difference for you, whether it’s your mom or dad, aunt or whatever … I mean, George Sheffer made the difference for me,” said Troy Bosco, a Dale House resident in the 1980s.

But at 64, Sheffer is approaching retirement age. What happens when he leaves is “a big question,” said Kevin Comiskey, who supervises the training staff at the Dale House and has been working with the organization for about 22 years.

Comiskey said he “would sure hope” it stays the same.

“And I think that would be his hope as well,” he said, referring to Sheffer.

Sheffer has been a constant presence at the Dale House since its inception in 1971.

A history major at Wake Forest University, he initially wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his life. After spending a couple of years in the Army, he and his wife, Jane, joined his father and mother in founding the Dale House Project. He had worked with kids before, grown up around gang kids.

When the program began, Sheffer was 25. His children — a son and a daughter — grew up with the Dale House. When Sheffer replaced his father as director, a tearful son, then about 9 years old, asked if he’d one day have to take over.

“I said no, and he didn’t go that route,” Sheffer said, smiling.

The kids grew up and left the Dale House — the son is now a monk and the daughter is a mother of three.

Over the years, Sheffer’s had an impact on many of the Dale House kids.

“George Sheffer is an angel,” Bosco said. “He’s the best man I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

“George is freaking awesome,” said Lucas Lancaster, a former resident. “I love George. He’s a great man.”

Sheffer said he’ll probably hang in at the Dale House for a couple of years and see what happens.

“I don’t really believe, I guess, in retiring and hanging out, going golfing,” he said. “There are too many needs in this world.”