A time-honored tradition at Boys Home is the annual Christmas cottage decorating contest. The tradition started in 1966 and is anticipated by all on the hill. Darling Cottage was the winning cottage for 2021 and is pictured above. As you and your families are sorting through and putting away your Christmas decorations this year, please keep us in mind. If there are any decorations you no longer use, they would make a wonderful addition to the Boys Home community. The noble mission of Boys Home currently serves over forty young men. We appreciate your assistance in making their homes shine brightly this holiday season!
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 is proud of recent College Orientation Workshop (COW) graduate Mulu Slawta. COW is a four-week educational enrichment program at Virginia Military Institute. The goal is to successfully prepare rising upperclassmen for life after high school graduation. Mulu describes himself as an introvert and was initially hesitant about participating. The four weeks challenged him physically, mentally and emotionally. At the conclusion, he was pleased with his decision to participate and graduate.
In the program, each day begins with a wake-up call at 5:00 a.m. The students spend part of the day in the classroom learning about SAT preparation, financial literacy, public speaking, the paths available after graduation and more. Their public speaking skills are tested weekly during the program. After the educational portion was complete, students were tasked with a variety of physical challenges. The program had the theme of a growth mindset. Mulu initially struggled with endurance while completing a maximum number of push-ups in 1.5 minutes. The program had a motto, “I can’t yet. Keep pushing and you can do anything you put your mind to.” At the beginning of the program, Mulu could complete ten push-ups in the allotted time. By the end, he completed thirty.
After returning to Boys Home, Mulu has been challenged to use his new leadership skills on campus. Mulu spoke about COW at the opening school convocation to all current students and staff. In the upcoming school year, he will participate in student council and Key Club. Mulu stated, “The program changed me for the better. I have a ‘you- versus-you’ mentality now. I can do what any man can do. I am more confident, open-minded, physically stronger and know myself better. I want to lead by example on campus.”
Boys Home of Virginia is hosting a Donor Appreciation drawing on September 6, 2022. All donations, cash, check, or credit card that are received from July 1 through August 31 will be entered to win this beautiful handmade wooden charcuterie board! This beautiful work of art was made and donated by Virginia artisan Gary Woods.
Since 1906, Boys Home has offered a nurturing environment for young men, ages 6-17, who need a second chance at success. All donations help provide guidance, education, and assistance to each young man on campus – and get the chance to win a beautiful prize!
If you have any questions or need more information, please call Melinda at 540-965-7707 or visit www.boyshomeofva.org. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to win!
