Boys Appeal | Fall 2022 by BHofVADevelopment

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DONATE DONATE TODAY TODAY Newsfrom fromBoys BoysHome Home of of Virginia Virginia News 414 Boys Home Road Covington, Virginia 24426 (540) 965-7700 www.boyshomeofva.org

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Boys Appeal | Fall 2022 A successful man has to start somewhere...

Chris Doyle

Executive Director

BOYS HOME OF VIRGINIA

Phone Number | 540.965.7700

Greetings from The Hill!

Mr. Chris Doyle, M.Ed., MBA Executive Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: President: Mr. John Williams Vice President: Mr. Perry Williams The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas Bishop Diocese of Southwestern Virginia The Rev. Canon Mark Furlow Bishop Representative Diocese of Southwestern Virginia The Rt. Rev. Susan Haynes Bishop Diocese of Southern Virginia The Rev. Canon Roy Hoffman Representative Diocese of Southern Virginia Dr. Demetria Bates Mr. Matthew Compher The Hon. Philip DiStanislao, Jr. The Rev. Emily Edmondson Ms. Kathy Ingram Mr. Robert Miller Mr. Bob Mills Ms. Ann Patterson Mr. Dale Reed

I continue to be inspired daily by the mission-driven staff of Boys Home. They continuously work to transform the lives of the young men whom we serve. Over the past few months, several staff members have moved into key leadership roles including Kenny Bess Program Director, Jason Bush - Facilities Director and Aaron Smith - Campus Life Manager. I have also witnessed many staff members volunteering for duties above and beyond their job descriptions including directing a play, coaching soccer, teaching character education, leading Bible studies, tutoring, teaching life skills, leading outdoor adventures and mentoring. Boys Home is truly blessed to have a team of such dedicated and caring individuals. I am also amazed and energized by the students we serve. I had the opportunity to speak to them at an assembly in the chapel on the first day of school. My message outlined all that Boys Home has to offer, thanks to the support and generosity of people like you. I then challenged them to take full advantage of that opportunity. Each student was tasked with writing down one thing they would commit to doing this year to get the most out of the program. Here are a few of their responses. ·Make A/B honor roll for the first time ·Improve my behavior in school and the cottage ·Work on my left footwork and score at least five goals this soccer season ·Become stronger physically and mentally ·Improve my math and reading skills ·Grow closer to God and be helpful to other students It was inspiring to see the Boys Home mission come to life in the words of the students. Our staff spent the summer planning, improving existing programs and introducing new initiatives. One of the goals this year is to develop the older students into strong leaders on campus. To achieve this goal, Boys Home is introducing a new program: The Leader’s Journey. It is a faith-based servant leadership program designed to encourage students to think carefully about themselves, their community and the people around them. The juniors and seniors will have weekly sessions to learn leadership skills and to be compelled by the unshakeable desire to serve. The following verse will serve as inspiration: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 I am grateful for all who support Boys Home and partner with us to fulfill our mission to develop the full potential of the young men we serve, transform lives and thus transform the world.

The Rev. Chris Roussell Mr. Bernard Syme

Onward,

Mr. Ramon Williams Mr. Bobby Trice Alumni Representative

Chris Doyle

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Our Mission | To help each student strive toward becoming a productive member of society by developing his potential - spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. Our Vision | A community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them.

MULU SLAWTA

DERRICK CASH A L U M N I

S t o r y

o f

C O R N E R

R e d e m p t i o n

A chapel full of students and staff attentively waited to hear Derrick’s testimony. There is great power in an alumnus sharing a firsthand account of their experience in the Boys Home program.

S T U D E N T

C o l l e g e

S P O T L I G H T

O r i e n t a t i o n

W o r k s h o p

Boys Home is excited to celebrate senior Mulu Slawta, a recent graduate of the College Orientation Workshop (COW). COW is a four-week educational enrichment program at Virginia Military Institute. The goal of COW is to successfully prepare rising upperclassmen for life after high school graduation. The classroom portion involved SAT preparation,

Derrick initially enrolled in the early 2000s. After three enrollments and departures, his journey at Boys Home ended, or so he thought. Although Derrick did not succeed while here, a seed was planted. Derrick’s future was met with struggle. After years of difficulties, he reached a turning point. He decided to redirect his life in a major way. He committed his life to PROFILE Christ and his life began to change. During his testimony, Derrick stated, “God can, God does and God will. I am no speaker, pastor or counselor. I am you. I sat in that same seat. Take advantage of the Boys Home program. The staff is ready and willing to help you. You can choose the harder path in life or listen to what I am saying to you today. Put your faith first. Christ will take you where you are now. He is not asking for perfection. He wants commitment.”

financial literacy, public speaking and exploring paths available after graduation. Mulu received an award for “Best

His return to campus was prompted by a social media post. Alumnus and Director of Athletics and Recreation, Donnie Costigan, was requesting new bikes for current students. Derrick saw the post and the rest is history. Derrick’s philosophy is “Go big or go home.” He raised $10,000 with the support of his wife Heather, children Bryson and Josie, Terry Martin from the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office, the Rockbridge community and residents in Rockingham County. He used the money to purchase bikes, hygiene products, athletic equipment, school supplies, tools, an Amazon Fire TV, laptops and more for Boys Home. The donation was a complete surprise to the students. He stated, “What happened is a gift from God. I did not make this happen, God did. I was merely the vessel. All the items are waiting for you in the gym. Enjoy!”

to help support my family in Ethiopia. Second, to become a professional soccer player. The program taught me that

At the conclusion of Derrick’s testimony, Executive Director Chris Doyle awarded two students with the “Cash Go Big or Go Home Award.” Chris Silvas and Cody Payne received the awards. Beginning in spring 2023, the award will be issued annually to a graduating senior. The award will commemorate Derrick’s positive transformation and that of the award recipient. Derrick currently lives in Broadway, Virginia. He is married to Heather Cash and has three children. His testimony offered the current students a real-life example of redemption and exemplifies the Boys Home vision. Derrick positively influenced his local community as well as the Boys Home community. Boys Home is truly grateful to Derrick for sharing his story and for the generous donations.

Chris, Derrick and Cody

Bryson, Derrick, Heather and Josie

Donnie, Derrick and Terry

Financial Literacy Student.” Mulu, a self-described introvert, was enormously challenged by the COW experience.

PROFILE

In the program, each day begins with a wake-up call at 5:00 a.m. Once the classroom portion was complete, a series of physical challenges began. One challenge required climbing a forty-foot telephone phone pole and rappelling from the top while harnessed. While releasing from the top, students were asked to visualize their dreams and reach out toward those dreams. Mulu stated, “As I was reaching out, two goals came to mind. First, to become financially stable my potential is limitless. Dream big!” After returning to Boys Home, Mulu has been challenged to use his new leadership skills to positively impact the campus. Mulu spoke about COW at the opening school convocation to all current students and staff. He stated, “I am a quiet leader. My best skill is to lead by example.” Mulu arrived at Boys Home in January 2018 at the age of 13 and is now beginning his senior year. In the upcoming school year, he will participate in student council, Key Club and play for the Hilltoppers soccer team. Through his life at Boys Home and COW, Mulu is on his way to fulfilling the mission of growing physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.

Back to School 2022-2023