Established in 1969, Harmony Foundation was conceived through the collaborative efforts of Bob Dean and a divine calling. Bob Dean managed two world-class hotels in the late 1960s as a hotelier and general manager: the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, and the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Within less than a year, both the Willard Hotel closed its doors, and the Stanley was sold and came under new management, marking the start of his transformative journey. Driven by an abiding call to provide a sanctuary for individuals like himself seeking to overcome alcoholism, Bob turned his sights to establishing a center for recovery.
After exploring various prospects for Harmony’s home, Bob’s dream became a reality thanks to a fortuitous meeting with John and Kathy Marks and a timely offer from Dave Hart, owner of Harmony Guest Ranch. On July 18, 1969, Bob signed an agreement to rent Harmony with an option to buy within five years. Guided by AA principles, Bob assembled a team of professionals, including nurses, doctors, and support staff, to create Harmony’s signature approach to recovery.
Under Bob’s leadership, Harmony Foundation opened its doors on November 15, 1969. Bob dedicated four years to nurturing the center, but the demands took a toll. In 1973, he accepted a new challenge at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, passing the reins to his capable friend Dennis Grady.
Bob Dean’s journey came to an end on December 26, 1977, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family. Bob Dean left behind a legacy of hope and recovery. Today, Harmony Foundation stands as a testament to his vision, continuing to offer a place of solace and support to those on their path to healing.
Beginning in 2008, Harmony expanded detox facilities and approaches to include Subutex detox methods for opioid addicts. We have found this to be very helpful in assisting addicts through the very painful physical process of detoxing from these drugs.
Harmony has an outstanding program spanning five decades of providing successful treatment for alcoholics and drug addicts. Throughout its history, Harmony has shown itself to be adaptable to social, economic, and moral trends within both the community at large and the treatment community specifically. Harmony continues to provide the tools needed for successful, ongoing recovery, utilizing evidence-based best practices in an unparalleled mountain setting at a moderate cost.
Harmony is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and continues to be a state-of-the-art, affordable treatment program utilizing a time-tested, evidence-based, 12-step treatment model that addresses mind, body, and spirit.