News

Boys Home Welcomes New Houseparent Terry Messerich

Boys Home of Virginia is pleased to announce that Terry Messerich has joined the staff as a houseparent. She has spent time in New York and California but has lived in Virginia for the last 25 years. Terry began working with youth through the Alleghany and Rockbridge County School Systems as a substitute teacher and a teaching assistant. It was during her time at Alleghany that she first encountered Boys Home students.

“No matter the behavioral challenges a child is experiencing, they still need love,” Terry said when asked the main lesson she has taken away as a houseparent. She commented that it is important to adjust to the personalities and needs of each student and to recognize when they do well. Terry also said that she works to encourage students to “figure out what they want to do next,” not necessarily stress themselves with thinking too far ahead for their plans. In the future, she looks forward to seeing where students go in life and helping each of them discover themselves. Boys Home is proud to have staff like Terry who meets students where they are and always encourages them to be their authentic selves.

Boys Home Playground Project 2023

Boys Home is currently seeking funds to build a modern, large playground structure for the young men who call Boys Home of Virginia their home. This playground will be used in physical education classes at the Boys Home School. Scientific studies show that play for children builds imagination and creativity, promotes physical fitness, fosters cognitive growth and development and builds confidence. The children who come to Boys Home have experienced adversity in their young lives and truly need reasons to laugh and play.

The current small, outdated playground on Boys Home campus is insufficient for the needs of up to 60 youth who reside there. It was built in the 1950s, is small and does not meet the safety standards of today. The new area will provide swings, a stand-up merry-go-round and a strength training structure that will accommodate 20 students at one time.

Please help Boys Home build a new playground by donating to this worthy cause. Your donation is tax deductible and donors will be listed on a weatherproof plaque at the playground site. To make a donation, checks may be sent to 414 Boys Home Road and remember to put “Playground Fund” on the memo line whether giving by check on PayPal. Or, call Sandra Scuggs at 540-965-7715 to make a gift using a credit card. Together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of these wonderful young men by funding and building a playground for them.      

Boys Home Welcomes New Houseparent April Aldrich

Boys Home of Virginia is pleased to welcome April Aldrich as a houseparent. She has spent the last seven years living in Covington, Virginia, but lived in New Jersey prior to her move. Before joining the staff this past August, April worked in healthcare for 15 years. It was during this time that she first worked with youth, serving as a CNA in a psychiatric facility. The opportunity at Boys Home has allowed her to utilize skills that she learned during that time while also making a positive impact on youth.

When asked about her Boys Home experience thus far, April stated, “I appreciate the religious aspect the most. It gives students and me guidance.” She is also thankful to have learned more patience while working in the Wheatley Center, which serves newly-admitted students. She looks forward to helping more students learn and grow as they start their journey at Boys Home. Boys Home is thankful to welcome April as part of the mission-driven staff who are eager to serve as strong role models for the students.

Boys Home Welcomes Houseparent John “Curtis” Mason

Boys Home of Virginia is pleased to welcome John “Curtis” Mason as a houseparent. Curtis was born and raised in the Lewisburg, West Virginia area. He was introduced to Boys Home through his mother, Marie Mason, who also works as a houseparent. He has always been passionate about working with children.

Curtis says that he has learned a lot about child psychology since starting this position and that you cannot be afraid to reach out to a student. “Just like adults, they internalize things, too,” he elaborated. He also went on to say that, “It’s most rewarding to see the students become more independent.” As Curtis grows in his journey as a houseparent, he looks forward to having more opportunities for students—both on and off campus. Boys Home is not only honored to have families who desire to work together towards a mission of helping young men, but to have employees who look forward to seeing students develop mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Boys Home Welcomes James Smith to the Maintenance Team

Boys Home of Virginia is pleased to welcome James Smith as a maintenance worker. James has lived in Covington for the last year, moving down from Michigan where he resided for the last ten years. He happily stumbled upon the job opportunity after making his move and was eager to join an organization that was so deeply rooted in its mission of helping to develop young minds.

Over the last year, James has been most impressed with the overall campus experience of the students, especially when it comes to teaching students how to work through and overcome their challenges. He always keeps in mind the importance of character, mentioning that working with students of this age group, they are always watching and learning from those around them. It is important to have strong character and to remain positive. As James spoke about his work and experience at Boys Home, he said, “It feels good to know that what good I do still helps students—whether it’s direct or indirect.” As he grows in his role, he looks forward to learning as many new skills as possible while also finding the reward in each interaction with the students. Boys Home is proud to have employees such as James who remain committed to the impact that they have on these young men.