This is the story of a boy named Chad

I arrived in April 1999, with a trash bag full of filthy clothes and no recollection as to how long I would remain at Boys Home of Virginia. My probation officer said I would spend 30 days being evaluated and then released to go home; however, this was not the outcome because I would remain at Boys Home until I graduated in 2004.

While at Boys Home I was provided with an opportunity to focus my time towards academics, boy scouts, basketball, and activities at school. At home, I was unable to focus on academics because there was no structure or any accountability for my poor decision making. The structure and support Boys Home provided helped me gain the respect of my peers and adults, attain the Eagle Scout rank and fill various leadership roles in clubs at school. Once I entered 9th grade, I was determined to earn the honor roll. I graduated in 2004 with an advanced diploma and, upon graduation, joined the military as a means to pay for college.

I attended Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, then started my first semester at Liberty University. I completed my first two years as a student and was called for my first tour of duty. Before leaving the country, I decided to marry Laura Bird. After spending time overseas, I determined to give something back to the place that gave me so much, so I returned to Boys Home. I finished my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, right before deploying for my second tour of duty in Iraq.

While in Iraq, I gained insight into the plight of children which intensified my zeal for helping children. I brought this passion and augmented way of thinking back to Boys Home with the drive and determination to meet the needs of boys like me. Since returning from Iraq, Laura and I had a little girl, Savannah and a son, David.

My name is Chad Whitmer and I am the associate director of operations at Boys Home. I am a seminary student as well. At Boys Home, I remain interested in creating a team environment in all aspects of what we do. My ultimate goal is to serve each young man here as if he were myself, addressing his needs socially, spiritually, and educationally.

At Boys Home of Virginia we believe that A successful man has to start somewhere

All successful men were once boys. But not all boys become successful men. Sometimes, they’re missing positive role models or a supportive quality of life. So we provide both—and successful men are the result. Men who will take care of their families. Men who will contribute their gifts. Men who will be role models for the next generation of men.

At Boys Home of Virginia, we show our boys that each day is a step toward that success.

It’s been many decades since Boys Home was founded, but many of the reasons why it was founded remain. Boys Home provides care for young men in a healthy, supportive environment. We offer them a life-changing experience with caring adult supervision meant to increase their sense of personal responsibility. It’s a fresh chance for a young man to mold his character in positive, meaningful ways.

We show them how to respect themselves and others and uncover their spiritual sides. We give them the education they need and lead them to become well-rounded men. We’re not an orphanage, or just a school. We provide food, clothing, shelter and guidance, almost entirely privately financed by individuals and churches. Learn more about the work of Boys Home of Virginia and how you can help them here.

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