Prospectors are a colorful part of American history. They would search and search, not    getting discouraged. Instead, they would rejoice in any hint that precious metals might be close by. Then, when they struck pay dirt, they would celebrate for days.

Now why would I even be thinking of prospecting? One of our mid-term graduates told the staff that he really appreciated folks at Boys’ Home sticking with him when it would have been easy to give up. He recognized that even though  at times he made things difficult, there were indications of “success” showing through. The staff and teachers working with him saw these signs and kept searching for that elusive “precious metal.”

 The teachers and staff at the Boys’ Home on-campus school are always searching for ways to bring out the potential of each and every student. They don’t get locked into doing things “one way”, but keep trying to find a way to get past the difficulties and bring out the potential.

The table below shows the results of their prospecting. When they strike pay dirt, they celebrate as they did at the reception for the mid-term graduates.

**The Gains Shown are Grade Levels Attained**

 While we are feeling the impact of the recent economic issues, we know that the supporters of the ministry will keep providing the “grub stake” that makes it possible to continue searching for the potential of each and every boy here.

            Thanks from all of them for your generosity and continued support.

            Take care and God bless.

Donnie E. Wheatley

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Connie Jackson: Two Roles, One Mission
 
The Rev. Connie W. Jackson has been the Boys’ Home Chaplain for 7 years. Watching her move comfortably at lunch from one cottage table of boys and staff to another, gives the impression she has always been a spiritual person. 
 
But actually, when growing up in  Portsmouth, Virginia, her background did not place particular value on spirituality. Through the help of her church and its community, she came to realize how important spirituality is in a person’s life.
     
Now she uses those lessons she learned as a child with the young men at Boys’ Home. Connie explained, “We must give to each of our young people a deep, spiritual foundation because they will need those roots to endure the storms of life.”
    
In addition to her duties as Boys’ Home Chaplain, she has also added
the title and responsibilities of Acting Assistant Director, Program. These two jobs intertwine as she holds up the Holy in the midst of the unholy, intercedes in life, and seeks out justice and righteousness for the boys and staff. Some days she counsels more Boys’ Home staff members than residents.
 
Residents also have houseparents or other staff members to guide and help them.
 
She often leads nightly devotions. The younger group takes part in a Bible story before bed or storytelling. The  older group shares a Psalms, scripture, or movie and applies it to aspects of their everyday lives.
    
In between seeking and giving counsel, Connie may also be seen on campus conversing with a new resident at the Wheatley Intake and Evaluation Center or visiting with priests from churches all over the area. 
    
She believes that the religious life program at Boys’ Home is not just about going to the chapel. “Any setting involving food and hospitality can be a part of religious life. The mere act of sitting together at a table and sharing with persons from different ages, cultures, localities, and experiences is a learning experience.”
    
Hospitality ties in very well to the mission at Boys’ Home.
    
To Connie, when others are invited to join in a meal at the dining hall with the boys and staff, that’s when the Boys’ Home mission shines.