buddy osborn

Buddy Osborn is a Kensington native and a prize-winning boxer who served five years in federal prison for racketeering charges. He first heard about Jesus while behind bars and a couple years later Buddy said, “I gave my life to Christ.” With his new-found faith, he started Rock Ministries of Philadelphia. In his hometown, he’s created a safe haven to help youth who are plagued with hunger and the temptation to deal drugs and join gangs. Several nights a week, up to 100 boys and girls are provided the opportunity to learn boxing and grappling, receive homework help, be tutored, and hear from Scripture. What’s most rewarding to Buddy is helping kids understand that God has a purpose for each of them. The ministry has expanded to offer church services for youth and their families, a women’s crisis center, a wellness center, missionary homes and shelters for young men.

John Burke

John Burke, a 17-year-old junior and varsity basketball player at Holy Ghost Prep, has always been close with his younger brother Tony who has autism. When a camp Tony enjoyed attending closed, it was disappointing to the family, however, John saw an opportunity. In a few weeks, he created and presented a plan to the school president, director of college guidance and principal to hold a five-week basketball program at Holy Ghost Prep. He knew the program would offer kids with disabilities a chance to have fun and learn, but that it would also be a way to get his teammates involved in helping others. While taking four advanced placement classes and two honors classes, he was able to coordinate all program logistics, register 40 kids with special needs to participate and recruit 40 classmates to volunteer. Given its success, he has plans to expand and continue the basketball program.