Alumni

2023 Boys Home New Alumni Recognition Dinner

On Friday, May 19, 2023, Boys Home hosted the first New Alumni Recognition Dinner in the Ben Parrott Dining Hall. The dinner was attended by seniors, alumni, staff and the senior’s families. The seniors were gifted with a class ring, a Boys Home Alumni Association shirt and a religious necklace from Pastor Anne Grizzle. 

Speakers included – Director of Education Teresa Johnson, Director of Development Elaine Brelsford, Student Advisor Sam Morse, Executive Director Chris Doyle, Alumnus and Boys Home Alumni Association President Danny Cale, Boys Home Chaplain Pastor Anne Grizzle and Program Director Kenny Bess

Alumnus Derrick Cash Shares Testimony at John C. Myers Elementary School in Broadway, Virginia

Derrick Cash, former Boys Home resident, spoke to a packed-out hall at John C. Myers Elementary School in Broadway, VA, on April 2, 2023. Cash, formerly of Buena Vista, talked about his childhood, addictions, and actions that led to his imprisonment as a young man. Moreover, he talked about his efforts to know God and how his life has been changed by God’s redemptive work in his life. Derrick is now a married man, father, and friend to those who are struggling. While he was a resident, the Boys Home program helped instill the value of a Godly life in Derrick. He is now living that out through loving God with all his heart and mind, loving and serving others, modeling kindness and compassion and encouraging others. His message is sincere, and Boys Home stands with Derrick in support of his decisions to follow Christ and help others as he has received help. 

Boys Home Logo Featured in NASCAR’s Talladega Speedway Race

John Tolsch, a Boys Home of Virginia alumnus, goes the extra mile to spread the word about a place he used to call home. On Sunday, October 2, the Boys Home logo was proudly displayed on the #47 Xfinity racecar. The logo was trimmed in pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month. John has worked with Nascar for ten years, adding the Boys Home logo when there is an open spot on a racecar. He uses his own money to pay for the advertisement spot, which often comes with a hefty price.

John was a resident from 1979-1981, arriving when he was thirteen years old. He states, “I saw a positive change almost immediately: my grades improved, I was more disciplined and I grew spiritually. I also enjoyed being in the Boys Home Singers.” Two former houseparents, Ms. Huffman and Ms. Rice, stood out as impactful to him. John shares, “They treated me like a second son. I am grateful to have had them in my life.” When asked what motivates him to continuously give back, he explains, “Boys Home was a blessing to me and my brother. They gave us so much. Now, I want to give back and spread the word about such a great organization.” Boys Home is grateful for John’s support of the program, helping to provide a new path toward success for many young men.

Boys Home Welcomes Alumnus Derrick Cash

Boys Home was excited to welcome alumnus Derrick Cash back to campus. He offered an incredible testimony of redemption to current students and staff. In the early 2000s, Derrick enrolled and then departed from the Boys Home program three times. Although he was unable to succeed while at Boys Home, a seed was planted. After several years of difficulties, he reached a turning point and committed his life to Christ. During his testimony, Derrick stated, “I am not a speaker, pastor or a counselor. I am you. I sat in that very same seat. Be open to the Boys Home program. Everyone is here to help you. You can choose the harder path or listen to what I’m saying now. The choice is yours. Put your faith first. Christ will take you where you are now. He is not asking for a cleaned-up version.”    

Derrick’s visit was prompted by a social media post by Donnie Costigan, Boys Home’s director of athletics and recreation who was requesting new bikes for the current students. After seeing the post, Derrick sprung into action. He stated, “My philosophy is go big or go home.” He raised $10,000 and purchased bikes, hygiene products, athletic equipment, school supplies, tools, an Amazon Fire TV, laptops and more for Boys Home. He received support from his wife Heather, children Bryson and Josie, Terry Martin from the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office, the Rockbridge community and residents in Rockingham County! Derrick said, “All of the items in the gym are waiting for you. Enjoy! What happened is a gift from God. I am merely the vessel. God can, God does and God will.”

Derrick currently lives in Broadway, Virginia. He is married to Heather Cash and has three children. Boys Home is grateful for Derrick sharing his story and for the generous donations. The vision at Boys Home is simple: create a community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them. Derrick Cash has a wonderful testimony that embodies the Boys Home vision.