Chad Whitmer, Boys Home resident 1999 – 2004
Chad Whitmer never expected to remain at Boys Home for five years. When he arrived in 1999, his probation officer told him he would spend 30 days being evaluated before returning home. However, Chad quickly realized that Boys Home provided him with opportunities he wouldn’t have access to at home. For the first time, he had the structure he needed to do well in school. Also, he learned to take responsibility for his decisions, good or bad. Outside of school, he was able to participate in various leadership roles on campus, basketball, and Boy Scouts, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Chad remained at Boys Home until graduating from high school in 2004.
After high school, Chad attended Liberty University and joined the Army Reserves. While working on his degree in psychology, he completed two tours of duty in Iraq. His time overseas helped him realize he wanted to give back to the place that gave him so much. Upon returning, he worked first as a houseparent, and eventually in his current position as Associate Director of Program. Chad is married and has two daughters and a son, and he recently completed a master’s degree in divinity from Rawlings Divinity School at Liberty University.