News

Boys Home Receives Donation from Mountain View Elementary School

Boys Home students pose with Library Media Teacher Darilyn McGraw from Mountain View Elementary School.

Boys Home has received over 3,000 books, games, posters and educational resources from Mountain View Elementary School. At the beginning of each school year, teachers sort through materials from the previous year. Items they are not using often get stored in the school’s library. Library Media Teacher Darilyn McGraw wanted to make sure the items were used to benefit other children. The school already had a connection to Boys Home through Mr. Howard Nicely, the school’s gym teacher. His wife, Renada Nicely, is a driving instructor at Boys Home.

Darilyn stated, “The principals and I discussed ways to save the books and other items from being put in storage or discarded. What better way to reutilize the books and items than by giving them to another school in our community? I am delighted that our donation will help more students be successful!” Boys Home is grateful for the donation and looks forward to finding a use for the items with the students we serve daily. Mountain View Elementary School matches the vision of Boys Home, and that is to be a community that positively impacts those around them. Thank you, Mountain View Elementary School, for your kindness to the students at Boys Home of Virginia. 

Boys Home is on TV! Boys Home Playground Project 2023

The current playground at Boys Home was installed in 1958, and leaders there are hoping for an upgrade.

Chris Doyle, Executive Director of the Boys Home of Virginia, along with Laura Robertson from the Development Department, joins us on Here @ Home to talk about the necessary upgrades and why they’re important.

The current structure has one slide and two swings. Boys Home typically has 40-60 students who live on campus full-time. Many of the students suffered trauma and adversity before arriving. An expanded playground would have benefits to the student population. Donations to build a new playground can be online at boyshomeofva.org; click on the “Donate” button with Paypal – add “Playground Project” in the special instructions for donations.

Boys Home Welcomes New Houseparent Terry Messerich

Boys Home of Virginia is pleased to announce that Terry Messerich has joined the staff as a houseparent. She has spent time in New York and California but has lived in Virginia for the last 25 years. Terry began working with youth through the Alleghany and Rockbridge County School Systems as a substitute teacher and a teaching assistant. It was during her time at Alleghany that she first encountered Boys Home students.

“No matter the behavioral challenges a child is experiencing, they still need love,” Terry said when asked the main lesson she has taken away as a houseparent. She commented that it is important to adjust to the personalities and needs of each student and to recognize when they do well. Terry also said that she works to encourage students to “figure out what they want to do next,” not necessarily stress themselves with thinking too far ahead for their plans. In the future, she looks forward to seeing where students go in life and helping each of them discover themselves. Boys Home is proud to have staff like Terry who meets students where they are and always encourages them to be their authentic selves.

Boys Home Playground Project 2023

Boys Home is currently seeking funds to build a modern, large playground structure for the young men who call Boys Home of Virginia their home. This playground will be used in physical education classes at the Boys Home School. Scientific studies show that play for children builds imagination and creativity, promotes physical fitness, fosters cognitive growth and development and builds confidence. The children who come to Boys Home have experienced adversity in their young lives and truly need reasons to laugh and play.

The current small, outdated playground on Boys Home campus is insufficient for the needs of up to 60 youth who reside there. It was built in the 1950s, is small and does not meet the safety standards of today. The new area will provide swings, a stand-up merry-go-round and a strength training structure that will accommodate 20 students at one time.

Please help Boys Home build a new playground by donating to this worthy cause. Your donation is tax deductible and donors will be listed on a weatherproof plaque at the playground site. To make a donation, checks may be sent to 414 Boys Home Road and remember to put “Playground Fund” on the memo line whether giving by check on PayPal. Or, call Sandra Scuggs at 540-965-7715 to make a gift using a credit card. Together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of these wonderful young men by funding and building a playground for them.      

Boys Home Welcomes New Houseparent April Aldrich

Boys Home of Virginia is pleased to welcome April Aldrich as a houseparent. She has spent the last seven years living in Covington, Virginia, but lived in New Jersey prior to her move. Before joining the staff this past August, April worked in healthcare for 15 years. It was during this time that she first worked with youth, serving as a CNA in a psychiatric facility. The opportunity at Boys Home has allowed her to utilize skills that she learned during that time while also making a positive impact on youth.

When asked about her Boys Home experience thus far, April stated, “I appreciate the religious aspect the most. It gives students and me guidance.” She is also thankful to have learned more patience while working in the Wheatley Center, which serves newly-admitted students. She looks forward to helping more students learn and grow as they start their journey at Boys Home. Boys Home is thankful to welcome April as part of the mission-driven staff who are eager to serve as strong role models for the students.