News: What's happening on “the Hill?” | Spring 2012
From the Executive Director
Boys’ Home
tries to visit area churches whenever it is possible, especially during
Lent. The founding principles of this place mirror the lessons of Lent.
Since this season is meant for one to reflect on the example we received
from Christ, it is a good time to share this ministry with others.
In
March, a group of boys, staff and alumni were privileged to attend the
services at St. John’s in Hampton. It had all the elements one could
wish for in such an event.
A former
Trustee, Erma Bockoven, worked with the rector and vestry to set up the
visit. Time was made available to present the Boys’ Home story and
answer questions. We were blessed that one of our alumni, Jerimia
Fritcher and his family, joined us during the adult education period and
for the late service.
It was a
pleasure to get some catch up with Ann and Jim Tormey. Darling Cottage
is named for Ann’s grandfather, who was a strong trustee in the early
years of this ministry and is in the Boys’ Home Hall of Fame.
Our
residents who attended had a great time and talked a lot about the
abundance of good food and great people they met. Staying in a hotel in
the harbor area was particularly exciting. The goodie bags they received
hardly made it out of the parking lot following lunch.
What a
grand example of many things coming together! We would love to do the
same at your church. Just let us know. Most of the guys spent Easter
with family members. Upon their return, the big push to complete the
school year began. Everyone on the “Hill” is already thinking of
summer! Please include a stop to see us if you are out this way.
We are
expecting a “Staymission” group from St. John’s, Chester in June. If
your church wants to explore such a trip, give us a holler.
Take
care and God bless.
No…We Haven’t Moved
We are still at the same location,
but we do have a different street
For all mail addressed to
Boys’ Home, Inc., please use:
414 Boys’
The First Seniors Experience ELA Living
Henok,
Detron and Matthew were the first three high school seniors this year
who were given the opportunity to learn how to live on their own. At
Boys’ Home, moving into the ELA cottage is a big step. This cottage is
only for those who show that they are ready to make this transition.
Here, young men are learning how to shop for groceries, manage a
bank account and cook for themselves.
Henok
said that he has learned about being responsible for himself. Matthew
said that he has enjoyed learning how to shop and cook for himself and
even learned how to plan meals and bake. The skills that they learned
will be important as they make future plans to seek higher education or
join the workforce once they graduate from Boys’ Home. Julian also
joined this select group.
Looking for Boys’ Home?
If
you are looking for Boys’ Home news or wanting to donate to our mission,
there are a variety of ways to stay in touch. Do you want to receive the
Boys’ Home newsletter by email instead? Then just send your current
email address to jjohnson@boyshomeinc.org or sfscruggs@boyshomeinc.org
and we will begin sending you our latest news electronically. The
newsletter is “published” 3 times a year, spring, summer and fall.
We’ve
also include on this page our Facebook and YouTube information and our
QR (Quick Reader) for those Smartphone users.
It is
easier than ever to find information about Boys’ Home! Thanks.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bhi1906
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/user/BHI1906
Christmas Sponsor Program 2011
Thanks to all of our
thoughtful and generous Christmas Sponsors who came together and
provided a wonderful Christmas for the boys. As usual, the season was a
whirlwind of activity that included a number of visits from Christmas
Sponsors.
A few of
the highlights were:
·
A visit from the Natural
Bridge Speedway Auxiliary, who not only sponsored an entire cottage,
they also spent a Saturday evening in December with the boys and
participated in the 51st annual Cottage Decorating Competition.
·
A sponsor in
Charlottesville took the wish list for Greene Cottage and provided most
everything they wished for!
·
Manakin Church in
Midlothian provided the funds that allowed us to purchase some much
needed furniture for one of our cottages. The boys were amazed at the
difference in their “home” when they returned to campus from Christmas
break.
·
St. John’s, Waynesboro
visited campus and made a “Santa” delivery to Darling Cottage.
·
St. John’s, Wytheville and
St. Paul’s, Suffolk visited and brought much needed items for all of the
cottages.
·
Cars Unlimited (Covington)
joined the sponsorship program.
I
have already received calls from several sponsors who are
interested in following “their boy” throughout the coming year.
If you
are interested in learning more about the Christmas Sponsor Program,
please give me a call at 540-965-7705 or e-mail to
cmcallister@boyshomeinc.org.
Again,
thanks to everyone who contributed to make Christmas 2011 a very
successful and memorable time.
Carrie McAllister
Another Successful Christmas Season
The Boys’ Home
Christmas Tree Farm wrapped up another successful season this past
December. Many trees, wreaths and other decorations were sold at the
tree farm, which is under the management of Mike Nicholas.
A constant at the
tree farm is that Boys’ Home residents help to make sure the farm
thrives and stays successful. As resident Logan said of his experience,
“It was fun coming up here as a resident in the Wheatley Center.
Hopefully I can come to work there again.”
A
highlight of the season was when Tim Slack of NBC 29, a local news
station out of Charlottesville, visited the farm. During the interview,
Associate Director Greg Lemmer told NBC 29, “When we’re back on our main
campus in Covington, it’s chores. When we get the boys off that main
campus and bring them up here, they’ve got a job.”
The tree
farm is located off of Rt. 688 at 1118 Bear Wallow Flat, West Augusta,
VA 24485. For information and directions, visit the Boys’ Home website,
www.boyshomeinc.org.
Spring
planting started in April. If you are interested in touring the farm
this spring or summer, please call 540/939-4106 or 540/965-7708 to
arrange a visit.
The Boys’ Home Christmas Tree Farm has great trees and great kids!
Notes and Quotes
If
you like the idea of earning money while you browse the Internet,
consider using the search engine
GoodSearch.
Boys’ Home participates in this program and also
GoodShop.
Penny Power for Boys’ Home reminds everyone that even
saving spare pennies, dimes, quarters or even dollars, adds up. Sunday
school classes, men's groups or entire churches may join together. So
count your blessings and your pennies and change a life.
Boys’
Home participates in NAP (Neighborhood Assistance Program).
Unrestricted contributions may qualify for additional tax incentives.
Donations must be made by June 30, 2012 to qualify for this program.
If you
are a member of My Coke Rewards program, enter codes
you get from any of the participating Coke products at
www.mycokerewards.com and
select the Boys’ Home School to donate your points.
Of
course, we continue to participate in the Box Tops for Education
and the Campbell’s Labels for Education programs.
Recently we
“purchased” several items through the Box Tops for Education, Labels for
Education and My Coke Rewards redemption programs. The supplies help
supplement the Boys’ Home School budget
with office and art supplies, recreation equipment and classroom
aids.
Thank
you to every group or individual who participates in this program. Do
you need more information on how to help? Contact Sandra or Jerome at
540/965-7714.
Charitable Gift Annuity — A Good Investment
If you are looking for a way to increase your cash flow, have the security of guaranteed payments and would like to save on taxes, then a charitable gift annuity may be just right for you.
With declining interest rates on certificates of deposits and savings accounts, it might be a good time to check into funding a charitable gift annuity that benefits both you and a favorite charity, Boys’ Home.
In today’s world, sometimes it is comforting to be able to count on fixed payments which are not affected by interest rates and stock prices.
If any of these scenarios echo your feelings, then contact Janet Lemmer at 540/965-7715 for a discussion about charitable gift annuities. And as always, check with your financial advisor before making any long-term decisions.