News

Jennifer Holestin Recognized for 25 Years of Service to Boys Home

Jennifer Holestin receives recognition for 25 years of service to Boys Home of Virginia. Jennifer has held other positions at Boys Home throughout her time but now works in the business office as accounts payable clerk. When asked about Jennifer as an employee, Director of Support Services Bobby Trice says, “Jennifer has dedicated 25 years of her life to the mission of Boys Home and the young men we serve. She is meticulous in her duties and is always willing to help a student or fellow coworker. It takes an element of sacrifice and a true belief in the work you do to stay with an organization that long. I’m extremely proud of her and the work she does. Jennifer has been a part of the Boys Home family for a long time, and I look forward to working with her for years to come.” Jennifer says the favorite aspect of her job are the people she gets to work with each day. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Director of Support Services Bobby Trice presents Jennifer with 25 year certificate

Boys Home Board of Trustee Member Jim Scott Writes Article for Service Electric Company’s Monthly Newsletter

The Old Rugged Cross

Service Electric Company Donates old American Electric Power’s Power Poles

Good news is something that we all need more of and this sweet story is from Jim Scott who helps Service Electric Company give back to the community.

Boys Home of Virginia houses and educates nearly 60 at-risk boys, ages 6-18, who are impacted poverty or family instability. Boys Home was founded in 1906 and continues to teach boys how to become successful men.

All successful men were once boys. But not all boys become successful men. Sometimes, they’re missing positive role models or a supportive quality of life. We provide both—and successful men are the result. Men who will take care of their families. Men who will contribute their gifts. Men who will be role models for the next generation of men. At Boys Home of Virginia, we show our boys that each day is a step toward that success.

When students come to “the Hill” they have often faced challenges like poverty, failure, or an unstable home life. Given that, many have questions, fears, and reservations. Faith has been part of the Boy’s Home mission since its founding. After all, it takes faith to welcome a boy confidently, and to offer him a better way of life. With their on-campus chapel and chaplain, students have time to develop a unique understanding of their relationship with God.

This heritage is a fundamental part of the Boys Home experience. By showing young men a life model of ethical, caring people with a spiritual mission, Boys Home offers them the chance to gain the wisdom that flows from a spiritual foundation.

Jim Scott saw the chance for Service Electric Company to offer something to Boys Home of Virginia that would really make a difference. Jim contacted Boys Home and offered to donate some old AEP wooden power poles in hopes that they could use them to make crosses for their Mountain Lodge on the mountain behind the Boys Home campus in Covington, Virginia.

Boys Home was as excited to get the poles as Jim was to be able to give them. The first AEP poles were used to make the first cross and stone prayer bench that was completed by hand by Mr. Louis Sarratt, a retired Navy Sea Bee, who is a Boys Home staff member. The material for the cross came from a couple of the old AEP power poles that SEC donated last fall. The stone came right from their mountain. Another cross was made from those old AEP wooden power poles to celebrate the eternal “Good News” of Easter. The entire staff and 61 students had a Sunrise Service and breakfast on Easter morning at the “Old Rugged Cross” on the mountain top above their campus.

Dr. Donnie Wheatley, Executive Director of Boys Home, sent his heartfelt thanks for the donation of the old wooden power poles that AEP would have otherwise thrown away. Truly, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

 To God be the glory,

Jim Scott