News

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Lynda Specht Celebrates 25 Year Work Anniversary at Boys Home

Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Lynda Specht’s twenty-five-year work anniversary. She serves as a full-time medical coordinator. Originally from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Lynda found herself in Covington, Virginia, after her husband was relocated for work. When Lynda first arrived at Boys Home she served as an admissions coordinator. Her connection to the organization was through the late Mary Wheatley (married to former Executive Director Donnie Wheatley), who was a true champion of Boys Home. Lynda first met Mary through Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington. Prior to Boys Home, Lynda served as a part-time secretary at Emmanuel. She states, “I was so inspired by Mary’s commitment to her faith. When we first met, I felt like I had room to grow. Mary had astounding grace, showed complete kindness and became my mentor in my faith journey and at Boys Home.”

Lynda was asked about her key takeaways during her twenty-five-years. She states, “God knew I needed to come to Boys Home. My connection to Mary helped me grow tremendously in my faith. My time at Boys Home has been fulfilling. I have so much empathy for the families and students we serve. I witnessed firsthand the difficulty in the transition of first arriving at Boys Home for guardians and students. In order to stay here for a long period of time, you have to have your heart in the mission. I get excited watching students positively progress and succeed in the program.” Lynda exhibits a key value of Boys Home, a Godly life, by exhibiting compassion, kindness and serving others. Congratulations, Lynda, on this milestone in your career!

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Dennis Calhoun Celebrates 20 Years at Boys Home of Virginia

Boys Home staff and students are excited to recognize Dennis Calhoun’s twenty-year work anniversary. He currently serves as the lead student advisor. During his twenty years, Dennis has served as a team leader, case manager and student advisor. Dennis has an undergraduate degree from Appalachian Bible College in theology and a master’s degree from Liberty University in seminary. Prior to Boys Home, he worked in residential childcare for ten years at a children’s home in Pennsylvania. In addition, he served in the Army National Guard for six years.

Dennis’ previous experience has served him well in his role at Boys Home. He states, “My military experience allowed me to see the value in discipline, a need for clear expectations and the reason for high standards. I quickly found that the mission of Boys Home is something I can invest in and use as my personal mission. I focus on character development with the students we serve.” Dennis was asked what he enjoyed most about his current role. “I enjoy the meaningful student relationships and seeing individuals positively progress while at Boys Home. I have a love for camping and fishing. I like to share that passion with the students.” Dennis’ values align with the Boys Home mission of helping students become productive members of society by developing their spiritual, mental, physical and social potentials. Congratulations, Dennis!  

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Dr. Monroe Farmer Celebrates 5 Year Work Anniversary at Boys Home

Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Dr. Monroe Farmer’s five-year work anniversary. He serves as an Ecology and Earth Science teacher at the Boys Home School. Monroe served in the Marine Corps and retired from the Army as a colonel. After his military career, he pursued a career as an optometrist and owned his own practice for thirty years. In addition to his education as an optometrist, he holds a degree in forestry. He came to Boys Home in 2017 to tutor several biology students and was impressed with the Boys Home mission. Monroe felt called to stay.

He states, “My military career has served me well at Boys Home. I know firsthand the importance of young men needing rules, discipline and structure. I have had several of the same students since I arrived in 2017 and watching them succeed over the last five years has given me great joy. I believe in the Boys Home program.” As a teacher and a mentor, Monroe helps to uphold the Boys Home values of respect, integrity, a Godly life and accountability. These values help to develop and strengthen the students the program serves daily. Congratulations, Monroe!

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Susie Keller Celebrates 5 Year Work Anniversary at Boys Home

Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Lorraine “Susie” Keller’s five-year work anniversary. She serves as a full-time teacher and student testing coordinator. Susie is passionate about education and has worked in the field for many years. Prior to Boys Home, she worked in the Alleghany County Public School System for over twenty-five years. Susie was asked about what motivated her to choose education as a career path. She stated, “In 7th grade, my teacher Mrs. Diane Laws, inspired me to want to be an educator. She was my mentor, role model and someone I admired. I saw that she changed the lives of her students, built individual bonds and gave them every opportunity to learn.”

Susie was also asked what she enjoys most about her current position. She stated, “I have built a great rapport with my students. We may not agree on everything, but we respect each other’s opinions. My philosophy for my classroom is ‘we are all in this together and we will succeed together.’ I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such a supportive administrator, great co-workers and an excellent work environment at the Boys Home School. I am excited to see how much we will learn together as the school year continues.” Susie is known for her outgoing personality and bright smile around the Boys Home community. She helps to live the Boys Home vision of a community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them. Congratulations, Susie!

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Events, News

Boys Home Quilt Raffle 2023

Boys Home of Virginia is hosting its 2023 Quilt Raffle. Don’t miss an opportunity to win such a beautiful piece of art! As in previous years, this quilt was made and donated by Phyllis Gibson of Waterford Township, MI. A lovely Trip Around the World quilt pattern done in neutral beige, brown and black colorways will accent any queen-sized bed in your home!

Tickets are $5.00 each or 10 tickets for $45.00. The drawing will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023. All proceeds benefit Boys Home of Virginia. To purchase tickets, cut out and mail in the attached form, visit www.boyshomeofva.org or call Melinda at (540) 965-7707. Best of luck winning this unique quilt!