PART OF THE CREW

In the small town of Nebo, North Carolina, a young boy with a dark past and a passion for mechanics and cars had a lifechanging NASCAR experience thanks to Youth Villages and the Joey Logano Foundation.

Joey Logano, with Jeremy at Bristol Motor Speedway

Jeremy, 12, has been a NASCAR fan and auto enthusiast for as long as he can remember. His grandfather, Sam, has had an uphill battle to provide a stable environment for his grandson. Those years of challenges, however, faded for a moment they’ll never forget, as Jeremy became a JL Kids Crew member and received the NASCAR experience most racing fans never get to experience.

Jeremy’s early life was full of neglect and abuse due to his parents’ battle with addiction. Due to trauma, Jeremy spent time in-and-out of residential psychiatric facilities and therapeutic placements. Jeremy and his grandfather fought hard to overcome the behavioral health challenges associated with that trauma.

Now, Jeremy is living with Sam, but recently lost his grandmother to COVID-19. After this loss, Sam also suffered a stroke that left him partially blind and with physical challenges, leaving him unable to work. Nothing stopped Sam from striving to keep his grandson home.

After Jeremy started living with Sam full time, Youth Villages’ Family Support Partners stepped in. Family Support Partners go into underserved populations, providing support to families and helping them navigate many different systems. In

April of 2021, they met support partner Catherine, who has advocated and supported the two ever since.

It was then that Youth Villages learned of the passion Jeremy has for NASCAR and Joey Logano. Most impressively, Jeremy is extremely knowledgeable about NASCAR and its drivers. It was fitting to advocate for Jeremy to be a part of his favorite driver’s JL Kids Crew program when the opportunity presented itself.

The Joey Logano Foundation selected Jeremy for a special experience at the Bass Pro Shop Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in September 2022. Catherine, along with the Joey Logano Foundation, worked tirelessly with Jeremy and Sam to make this day happen. The Joey Logano Foundation hooked Jeremy up with special souvenirs, including a custom-fitted fire suit to wear on the day of the race.

Jeremy and his grandfather were so excited for the special day they showed up several hours early. Jeremy said, “getting to meet Joey is what had me going.”

Jeremy’s day with Joey was jam-packed, with exploring the Speedway, walking out on stage with Joey when he was announced for the race, meeting crew members and watching the race from a suite.

“One of my favorite memories with Jeremy was going to the Driver’s Meeting together, where he was able to meet almost all my competitors and then we both walked out together on the

main stage for the Driver Introductions in front of 100,000 race fans,” said Joey Logano, twotime NASCAR Champion. “Jeremy had such a great positive, contagious attitude and I’m so glad he, and his grandfather Sam were able to come to Bristol.”

Catherine says all these efforts were worth it for just one simple reward: “Just to see the smile on Jeremy’s face was everything!”

Now, Jeremy says his dream to become a NASCAR mechanic is even stronger. He collects Hot Wheels and paints them like his favorite race cars, but number 22 will hold a special place in his heart.

“It’s always enjoyable to spend time with new JL Kids Crew members and watch them soak in such a special day,” said Michael Fawley, Marketing Manager of the Joey Logano Foundation. “The JL Kids Crew is a forever club and on behalf of the Joey Logano Foundation, it was an honor to welcome Jeremy into the group.”

Thanks to Youth Villages and the Joey Logano Foundation, these efforts gave one young man another shot at finding direction—all while keeping the child’s dreams at the forefront.

Over the next two years through our Growing Stronger campaign, we will focus on growing our sustainable community support by raising $2 million in critical, statewide funds. You can join us in this endeavor by becoming a part of our Champions for Children Circle in North Carolina. As a Champion for Children, you have an opportunity to invest in proven programs that showcase a high return on impact. With a three-year commitment, you ensure that every child and young adult served in North Carolina is taken care of by North Carolina now—and well into the future. Together, we will grow a stronger North Carolina.