When you first meet Barbara Coates, Executive Director of Dan’s Legacy Foundation, her warmth and drive are unmistakable. But it’s the story behind the organization that truly moves people.

Dan’s Legacy was founded in memory of a young man named Dan, who died of a drug overdose after struggling with trauma that no one around him knew how to address. After a horrific assault, Dan tried to numb his pain with drugs, but the recovery options available to him were neither age-appropriate nor trauma-informed. He was just 17.

“They kept asking him why he was using,” Barbara shares. “But the question should have been, ‘What happened to you?’”

That one shift in perspective has become the heart of Dan’s Legacy.

Meeting Youth Where They Are

Dan’s Legacy provides trauma-informed mental health support to youth aged 15 to 25, completely free of charge. Their unique approach includes not only long-term therapy, but also essential support like food hampers, clothing, and even cell phones and phone plans—small tools that help stabilize a young person’s life so real healing can begin.

The numbers speak for themselves: 16 one-on-one sessions over four months can be enough to help a young person understand their trauma, regulate emotions, and begin setting personal and career goals.

“A lot of these kids grew up in foster care. They’ve bounced around, experienced abuse, and left the system with zero life skills,” says Barbara. “We give them the tools to stop surviving and start living.”

Photo via Dan’s Legacy

From Soup to Social Enterprise

In 2023, Dan’s Legacy took its impact to the next level with the launch of Dan’s Diner—a social enterprise in New Westminster that teaches youth cooking skills while serving delicious, affordable meals to the community.

The ingredients? Donated surplus food from local grocery stores, rescued and repurposed into hearty soups, stews, and sandwiches by youth working alongside Red Seal chefs.

“The food’s amazing, and the mission behind it is even better,” Barbara says with a smile. “You’re not just getting a great meal—you’re supporting young people who are building real futures.”

Dan’s Diner is also a gang diversion program, part of the city’s broader effort to build safer communities. It’s a win-win: reducing food waste, providing affordable meals, and changing lives.

Interested in how they invest all the funding they receive? Check out the latest Financial Report.

How You Can Help

So what can New West Spotlight readers do?

“The number one thing is simple—just let people know we exist,” Barbara urges. “Chances are you know someone whose child or grandchild is struggling with mental health. We’re here for them, and it’s all free.”

Photo via Dan’s Legacy

Beyond that, Dan’s Legacy welcomes donations, volunteer advisors, and local businesses interested in getting involved through financial support or catering partnerships.

Dan’s Diner also takes orders for affordable event catering. Holiday office lunches, corporate meetings, and even weddings are on the menu, and you’ll be helping fund job skills training. Contact them at [email protected] to discuss your catering needs.

A Community That Connects

Barbara shared a touching story about a Christmas party where local seniors and youth came together at the Legion. At first, both groups sat apart, unsure how to interact. But a little nudge turned awkwardness into connection. Pool games broke the ice. Conversations flowed.

“The elders needed grandkids, and the youth needed grandparents,” Barbara said. “By the end, everyone wanted to do it again.”

It’s this kind of connection—between generations, between businesses and nonprofits, between neighbours—that Dan’s Legacy is all about.

So the next time you're craving a warm bowl of soup or wondering how to make a difference, remember Dan’s Legacy. They’re not just changing lives—they're rebuilding community, one meal, one conversation, and one young person at a time.

Learn more at DansLegacy.com. Or better yet, stop by Dan’s Diner and taste the difference yourself.

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Address: 131 11th St #250, New Westminster, BC V3M 4C7

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