Every student has something inside that can be ignited to fuel a new beginning
The DeVan Group has been coaching, motivating, and inspiring children, youth, and university students for over 30 years. Our team consists of educators, students, parents, community leaders, pastors, authors, editors, and concerned citizens in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
We are committed to providing game changing opportunities for all communities and academic institution in order to give students maximum opportunity to express who they are and how they plan to impact their world.
People are saying...
Writing is essential to learning, growth and communication and my students had the awesome opportunity to participate in a writing initiative sponsored by the DeVan Group. As a result of this unique writing experience “Believe In Me Because”, each student, at a young age is now an author. Each student received an authorship certificate for participating in this project. The quality, design and layout of the book was outstanding and we are so proud to share it with others. Maxine Black, President of DeVan Group was professional, resourceful and supportive in the production of this book. The quality of the product was outstanding and it was delivered according to schedule. Our students and parents were ecstatic with the outcome of our first book and are now anxiously awaiting Book #2. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, it’s a 10!
Dr. Helen C. Bryant - Lake Region Conference Education Superintendent
If you are a person of purpose and vision who believes that all things are possible, then you will love partnering with the DeVan Group. They helped us bring our vision to fruition. The DeVan Group is spirit-led and very open to the many possibilities that make your project unique. Instead of stifling your dream, they inspire you to dream big and encourage you with the tools to make it happen. I highly recommend them to any group looking for innovating ways to bring your team together and raise funds.
Shirley Scott - Prayer Coordinator for the South Central Conference
I watched them beam with pride as they held up their TDG Registered Certificates of Authorship, signifying that they had accomplished something major in their lives.
Believe in Me Because…, a project that incorporated the writing process, provided our students the steps to successful writing. Oh, what a golden keepsake and a testimony of your commitment to excellence. Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of both our parents and our students.
Louise Golden - Former / Interim Principal / Teacher (2018-2019) Ramah Junior Academy
My name is Ms. Norma Mann from Newport News, VA. The DeVan Group Project allowed each of our scholars to actually publish a piece of their own writing in “My Life as a Beacon” book. I would recommend this project for all schools anywhere.”
Norma Mann - Lead Teacher, Calvary Adventist School
Tell Your Story
Our Creative Book Writing Pride Projects offer an opportunity for every child, regardless of their academic, socio-economic or behavioral status, to make a positive impact on their own life now. Students get to see their own names and positive thoughts immortalized in a published book they will co-author. This will give them the tools to start a new and inspiring chapter for themselves and their families.
James & Maxine Black are the founders and owners of The DeVan Group, LLC. For the past 37 years they have traveled the world serving youth and young adults in the areas of leadership training and community engagement. They are committed to providing support initiatives for encouraging students to perform at optimum levels academically and socially. James has written more than 13 books and resources, and Maxine has served as editor and manager for publishing. Together they have used their experience to set up the Creative Book Writing Initiative for students to become authors. They have been married for 36 years, and have 3 grown children and 6 busy grandchildren. James and Maxine enjoy traveling, horses, motorcycles, boating, gardening, working with youth, and spending time with family.
Where young writers become authors
The DeVan Group has been coaching, motivating, and inspiring children, youth, and university students for over 30 years.