News

  • By Elaine Brelsford
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  • News

Carl Blacke Honored for Fifteen Years


In the Boys Home of Virginia dining hall, Executive Director Donnie Wheatley presented Carl Blacke with a certificate honoring him for fifteen years of employment at Boys Home. Mr. Wheatley praised him for having a willingness to do whatever he has been asked to do and the dining hall rang with applause for this soft-spoken man.

Originally from Glasgow, Virginia, Mr. Blacke holds a B.A. in Health and Physical Education with minors in Business and Education. While he was employed at the Natural Bridge Juvenile Detention Center, Mr. Blacke and a cousin would always spend one week of their vacation time leading a basketball camp at West Virginia University. While driving home to Virginia at the end of this particular week, Mr. Blacke decided to drive up the Boys Home lane and learn more about Boys Home. After 19 years at the correctional center, Mr. Blacke accepted an offer to be a houseparent in the Wheatley Center. He was most impressed that the residents chose to live at Boys Home and felt it was that one difference that made the work much easier here than in his previous job. Within a short time, he became the campus manager, a role he filled for years. At this time, he is again a houseparent at the Wheatley Center, the cottage where new residents become familiar with Boys Home expectations and routines. New residents also learn tennis from Mr. Blacke. He is happy to teach them the fundamentals of the game and he continues to play one to two times a week when he is off duty.

When asked about his greatest challenge as a staff member, Mr. Blacke explains that it is probably when he sees bullying taking place. However, his biggest reward is “when they’re 25 and you felt like you didn’t scratch the surface with them when they were here—and they come back to campus and tell you what you meant to them.”

Reflecting on 15 years of service at Boys Home, Mr. Blacke comments, “You’ve got to enjoy what you do. Lots of times, this job doesn’t seem like work to me. It is very rewarding.”

Thank you, Mr. Blacke, for your dedication to Boys Home and the difference you have made in the lives of so many young men.

  • By Elaine Brelsford
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Hires Cindy Robertson


Boys Home of Virginia is happy to announce the hiring of Cindy Robertson as a houseparent and teacher. Originally from Lexington, Virginia, she lived in Roanoke for the last 30 years before moving to Covington. Cindy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Longwood University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Virginia. She was a reading specialist in Roanoke City Schools and worked 5 years as a teacher in Bath County, Virginia. Cindy’s father was a former director of development at Boys Home in the 1970s. Students and staff at Boys Home welcome Cindy to the community and wish her well as she settles into her new duties.

  • By Asianna Holloway
  • Posted:
  • News, Uncategorized

Hall of Fame 2017

2017 Boys Home of Virginia Hall of Fame Inductees

Saturday, October 7, 2017, marked the 20th annual Hall of Fame banquet at Boys Home of Virginia. This year, the Boys Home community and guests celebrated five inductees who either made a difference in their communities because of Boys Home or made a difference at Boys Home. The inductees were Robert W. Huffman, Quin S. Corbin, Michael and Joyce Moorman, and James R. Miller.

The first inductee was Robert W. Huffman. He was introduced by former Boys Home employee Martha Terry. Mr. Huffman began as a houseparent at Boys Home in June 1970. While there, he coached varsity baseball for thirteen seasons, varsity basketball for twelve seasons, and was eventually promoted to athletic director. He left Boys home in 1983. He has also had an active military career, having served his country in the United States Army, the Army National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the Virginia Army National Guard. Since retirement, he has been active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled Veterans Association.

The second inductee was Quin S. Corbin. His daughter, Bridgett Moore, and her sister-in-law, Mary Deal, accepted the award on his behalf. Quin, along with his younger brother Wesley, came to Boys Home from Alabama in 1945. He loved sports and played baseball and basketball for Boys Home. Following graduation from high school, he joined the Air Force Academy and then retired from active duty in 1962. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2004 with the rank of Master Sergeant, but not without being awarded and honored many times for his service. He passed away on September 21, 2012.

Executive Director Donnie Wheatley introduced the next two inductees, Michael and Joyce Moorman. They first learned of Boys Home through their church. Ever since, they have been enthusiastic supporters of Boys Home and have inspired others to follow their example. They served as cochairpersons of The Journey Continues, Boys Home’s capital campaign. A graduate of Hampden Sydney College, Mr. Moorman began his career with Peebles as a manager trainee in 1964 and became the first non-family member to become CEO. He retired from Peebles in 2003. He has served on numerous boards, including the Boys Home board of trustees, and currently owns and operates Moorman Farms, LLC. Mrs. Moorman graduated from Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and enjoyed a career as a registered nurse. She, too, has served on numerous boards.  Mr. and Mrs. Moorman are members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bedford, Virginia.

The final inductee of the evening was James R. Miller. His is a fascinating story of overcoming severe physical challenges and succeeding in spite of personal obstacles. Mr. Miller came to Boys Home as a resident in 1959 and remained until his graduation from Alleghany County High School in 1966. He continued his education at Ferrum College and worked toward a degree in Education. He also attended East Tennessee State University and earned a degree in Health Education and Special Education. He taught in several high schools and coached football, basketball, and baseball. In 1993, he started his second career as a fulltime insurance agent and retired earlier this year. He spoke very graciously of his affiliation with Boys Home and how his life has been enriched by the opportunities extended to him.

Mr. Wheatley shared some closing remarks before those gathered were dismissed. It was a special evening filled with inductees, their families and friends, and students at Boys Home. Thanks to each of these individuals who have lived in ways that have been inspirational to others and who have made a difference at Boys Home. We are grateful for your investment in the mission of Boys Home of Virginia.

  • By Elaine Brelsford
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  • News

Boys Home Hires Austin Cole


Boys Home of Virginia in Covington is proud to announce and welcome Austin Cole as a houseparent.

Austin is originally from Alleghany County and graduated from Alleghany High School in 2013. He is a recent graduate of James Madison University where he earned a B.A. in Psychology. He traveled for over two decades with his family’s carnival business, enjoys singing and playing the guitar, and has trained in Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Austin looks forward to getting to know and lead the young men at Boys Home. He was looking for a position that would allow him to experience a close community dedicated to being a positive influence on the lives of those who are eager to gain an education and excel in life.