Covington Ruritan Club Vice President Gary Wayne Twitty and Boys Home Executive Director Chris Doyle (left/right)
The Covington Ruritan Club has contributed to the playground fund at Boys Home of Virginia. Boys Home’s current playground has been in place since its installation in 1958, and funds are being raised to purchase new equipment. Boys Home staff and students are grateful for the support of the Covington Ruritan Club.
Boys Home staff and students are pleased to welcome Ash Falireas as a houseparent. Ash’s hometown is Louisville, Kentucky. Currently, he is enrolled at the University of Kentucky and is completing his degree online with a major in business finance and a minor in biology. Ash has a passion for photography and has helped with pictures at All Saints Episcopal Camp for the past thirteen years. He was first introduced to Boys Home through Executive Director Doyle and fellow houseparent Carter Ramsay.
In addition to his duties as a houseparent, Ash served as the head coach for the 2022-2023 season of junior varsity basketball. He stated, “I am proud of how well the students played as a team. As the season progressed, each player played better basketball. The season was not about wins or losses for me. I simply wanted them to enjoy the game.” When asked about the lessons he has learned as a houseparent, Ash had an interesting response. “I have had to learn when to react and when to let small items go with the students. In addition, I have learned the value of time management.” On his days off Ash enjoys finding great food spots, gaming and traveling to nearby cities to explore. Ash helps to create a supportive environment for each student he encounters, helping them to develop into young men who positively impact those around them and the local community.
Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Aaron Smith’s ten-year work anniversary. Since July 2022, he has served as campus life manager. Prior to his current position, Aaron served as a houseparent. He was awarded Houseparent of the Year in 2021. Originally from Bronx, New York, Aaron had an interesting path which eventually led him to Boys Home. He attended high school in Lawnside, New Jersey, and lived with his grandmother Marilyn. The move to New Jersey was prompted by Aaron’s mother and grandmother who knew he needed a safer environment. Aaron stated, “My grandmother has been a big influence in my life. She would tell me, ‘Be careful of the people you spend time around and always look out for yourself.’ She always offers great advice.” At twenty-five Aaron and his grandmother saw his path needed to change again and she urged him to move to the mountains of Covington, Virginia.
After moving to Covington, Aaron became focused on finding a career. That focus led him to Boys Home in 2012. Aaron stated, “I truly believe it was God’s plan to bring me here. As I have worked to change lives, Boys Home changed me for the better. I see myself in so many of the students here. I was raised by a single mom in an area with a great deal of violence, which led me to move in with my grandmother. Although it was a better environment, I did not always make the right decisions. I can now share that experience with the students I mentor and prevent them from making those same mistakes.”
Aaron is a true advocate for the Boys Home mission in the local community and beyond. He lives the vision of a community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them. Congratulations, Aaron!
Derrick and his son who prayed prior to his father speaking (above)Tim Martin, Pastor, Truth and Grace Ministries, Broadway, VA, and Derrick Cash (left/right)
Derrick Cash, former Boys Home resident, spoke to a packed-out hall at John C. Myers Elementary School in Broadway, VA, on April 2, 2023. Cash, formerly of Buena Vista, talked about his childhood, addictions, and actions that led to his imprisonment as a young man. Moreover, he talked about his efforts to know God and how his life has been changed by God’s redemptive work in his life. Derrick is now a married man, father, and friend to those who are struggling. While he was a resident, the Boys Home program helped instill the value of a Godly life in Derrick. He is now living that out through loving God with all his heart and mind, loving and serving others, modeling kindness and compassion and encouraging others. His message is sincere, and Boys Home stands with Derrick in support of his decisions to follow Christ and help others as he has received help.
Boys Home of Virginia is excited to announce their annual spring open house on Thursday, April 27. Guests are invited to meet the staff and students, enjoy a wonderful lunch, and learn more about what Boys Home has to offer.
Registration, refreshments, and special classroom presentations begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Costan gymnasium. To attend the open house, please RSVP to Melinda at mnichols@boyshomeofva.org or call 540-965-7707 by Monday, April 24.
