Skip to main content

BOTSO, INC.

In 1993 I was introduced to a community youth organization by the name of, BOTSO.  My friends and I used to meet with the group's advisers at the old 4th street YMCA in High Point, NC.  As one can imagine like most community youth organizations it sounds as if it was established for the at risk youth in our area.  It's a leadership program designed for young men. Mr. Hank Wall and the founding members of BOTSO recognized that the young men in our community needed more than just a gym.  They understood that young men like myself that derived from stable environments could benefit as much as our peers that were less privileged.  They had the for site to establish a social and educational extension of our schools and home lives. I remember our advisors from the past and present always treating every youth as if we were at risk. Self-improvement was always right now.  

Fast forward to 2008, fifteen years later BOTSO is stronger than ever. Many of us in the class of 93' have moved on to do some pretty positive things and the classes the followed assumed the same position.  BOTSO, has produced college graduates, professional athletes, fathers, husbands, community leaders and so much more.    

J.J.'s definition of Philanthropy - giving of ones self, time and resources ="s BOTSO,  Brothers Organized To Save Others! 

Below are some photos that I grabbed from the past and present during my recent visit with Mr. Hank Wall Executive director of BOTSO.  Please visit www.botso.org and find out more information on how you can help contribute to BOTSO's new Self-Improvement Center.

As always thanks for listening.    

The Message.


The Core.

The Purpose.


The Outcome.


The Vehicle.



BOTOS's Next Great Mission...  The Self-Improvement Center



Comments

Anonymous said…
J.J they had an article int the paper about Mr Wall the other month....wow ....u opened my to sumthin in my own community ....and ur out of state...lol....yes i'm gonna do better....K.G
December 14, 2008 at 4:15 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Players That You Never Knew

With the opening Friday Night of the 2014 high school football season on the horizon, every barbershop in every small-town in America is probably buzzing with the conversation of who are greatest high school football players of all time.  It's a valid question considering the pool of talent that passes through most small towns.  People often wonder where these guys end up long after their playing days are over.  I've often asked the same question about many of my ex-teammates. Two in particular, Darius Brewnington and Kenny Shaw. If you were an athlete in the early 1990's they were arguably considered two of the most influential athletes in North Carolina's rich high school football history.  Unfortunately, like many other high profile athletes life happens.  However, even with the growing pains of life every man has his day of redemption.  With Darius and Kenny being former teammates of mine I wanted to see for myself who they are 20 years removed fr...
5 comments
Read more

Fences

Several days ago I stopped to talk to one of my neighbors about a vacant private pool property in our neighborhood. We briefly shard our perspectives on the what if's of the property, and the countless possibilities for the local children if it were open. Needless to say many of the residents where we live share the same vision. Ironically days after that conversation, I had the pleasure of witnessing two middle school aged girls jumping the fence to play basketball at the property. Usually I wouldn't think much of this observation but being a father with two daughters, I couldn't help but notice. Especially when they're no trespassing signs posted everywhere.  However, me thinking like a rational adult, I had to quickly remind myself to think like a kid and note that the fence obstacle wasn't going to be the girls end all for getting some shots up.  On the heels of the conversation with my neighbor it was confirmation that we're all on one accord. So, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Old Time Way

This fall has been wonderful!  I've captured milestone events this season.  One of my favorites was the Refuge Way of the Cross 50 th Anniversary Celebration .  People that know me know I grew up in a church family so I'm sure they're wondering what made this celebration more special than others.  Here's your answer.  This church is more than just a client for me. They are like family.  I live nearly 500 miles from my parents door step and there are some days when I'd love to be there. Fortunately, when I have those days all I have to do is drive 35 minutes into the city and I'm quickly reminded of my southern roots.  Refuge Way of the Cross church is made up of North Carolina natives and for five decades they've been to the community what the church was designed to be.  A Refuge.  The Refuge family still " p uts in down in the kitchen" on Sunday's after church, they still have their weekly prayer service and revival meetings.  Just like the...
Post a Comment
Read more