News

Linda Gordon, A Valued Volunteer at Boys Home of Virginia

For those at Boys Home, the time has come to say goodbye to Mrs. Linda Gordon as she begins a new
chapter of her life. She began her employment with Boys Home as a houseparent just less than five
years ago. The seasoned parent, grandparent, and nurse had this to say about the experience: “There
were highs and lows, and all of it was a learning experience! I found out that I didn’t have all the
answers. I just didn’t have all the answers for these boys.” What did she do then? “I asked for help,” she
admits, going on to say how Mr. Brian Jefferson, campus life manager, and the other houseparents
rallied to assist her when needs arose.

After some time passed, Mrs. Gordon felt that she should step down from that responsibility due to
health problems. She did, but transitioned to a position as a volunteer instead. In that capacity, she was
likely just as busy! As a volunteer, she assisted the part-time chaplain with discipleship classes. On
Thursdays, students knew that she would be available for prayer if they wanted to participate. One
semester, she headed up a Bible study that met Mondays through Fridays, and about 6 students
participated. She designed cooking classes to teach the boys beginning cooking skills. Occasionally, she
would invite a student over to her apartment for a homecooked meal and have them bring a friend or
two. About those meals she says, “That was a little party, and it was a lot of fun.”

Mrs. Gordon also worked to keep the clothing closet organized. She recruited a student to help her, and
together, they worked side by side to keep that area up to date. As new students arrived, she made
certain that their clothes were washed, dried, folded, and ready to wear as they began their stay at Boys
Home.

Most appreciated was the personal time she spent getting to know the residents and encouraging them.
One of Boys Home’s recent graduates makes sure he calls her every week just to check in and enjoy a
brief chat.

When asked about her most precious memory at Boys Home, Mrs. Gordon doesn’t hesitate to answer.
“Sunday School,” she says emphatically. When COVID-19 caused Boys Home to restrict travel and
outside activities, Mrs. Gordan began a Sunday School class that continued until her departure. What
was the best part about Sunday School? “Sharing Jesus with them,” Mrs. Gordon answers with a smile.

Due to her health, Mrs. Gordon decided that it was time for her to leave Boys Home in August 2021.
She looks forward to being closer to her family in Buchanan, walking the dog with her grandson, and
beginning a Bible study with some ladies in that area. For those of us at Boys Home, we’re a bit like
Winnie the Pooh when he said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
We’ll miss you, Mrs. Gordon. May God bless you as you settle into your new home.

Boys Home Welcomes New Houseparent/Technology Specialist

Boys Home is pleased to welcome Christina Mason to the staff. A lifelong resident of Chesterfield
County, Virginia, Christina graduated from Clover Hill High School. She then enrolled in Liberty University
and was a May 2021 graduate with a major in information technology and a concentration in data
networking security.

Christina will be a houseparent and the technology specialist at Boys Home. In her time here, she has
been getting to know the different personalities of the students assigned to her cottage and is learning
how best to connect with them. She cites that she has always had a passion to work with children but
has gravitated toward technology as well. Her dual role allows her to explore both areas of interest as
she begins her new career.

In her spare time, Christina enjoys spending time outside. Despite growing up in a metropolitan area,
she finds the Alleghany Highlands and its outdoor activities quite wonderful and keeps busy exploring
new facets of the area.

Fundraising event to benefit of Boys Home of Virginia!

Manakin Episcopal Church in Midlothian, Virginia, is organizing an event to honor long-time member
Chandler Williams on September 26, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Phillips Farm. Chandler is
a past Boys Home trustee president and an avid supporter of Boys Home.  There will be food, drink, and
fun—and at the request of Chandler—all proceeds will benefit Boys Home of Virginia! Event tickets
may be purchased at https://chandlerfest.cheddarup.com/

Tucked into this event is the chance to win one of two Mexican vacations at Vidanta Grand Luxxe
property in Nuevo Vallarta or Rivera Maya, which will be raffled off at the event. You don’t have to be
present to win either of these fabulous luxury vacations. Each vacation includes 7 nights, 8 days – A villa
with two spacious master bedrooms with king beds and large bathrooms, a full kitchen, and half bath in
the family room. There is a third room with a trundle bed, large sofa, a mini kitchen, and deck. A plunge
pool is on the spacious balcony. This unit is rated for 8 adults and 2 children under 12 and is ideal for 2-3
couples or a large family. Enjoy championship golf courses, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing,
and parasailing. Includes ownership privileges of six rounds of golf with cart and fore caddy, as well as
two free spa treatments and free tennis court time. Giveaway does not include airfare. Giveaway
Vacation value over $18,000.00 (Blackout dates: Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s).
Reservations must be made in calendar year 2021. Vacation must be taken in 2021 or 2022. You may
purchase raffle tickets at https://mexican-giveaway-vacation.cheddarup.com

For any questions, please contact Melinda at Boys Home of Virginia, 540-965-7707 or via email at
mnichols@boyshomeofva.org.