This evening, we were honored to host Tom Lamont, Director of Community Engagement for the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina. A Wilmington resident, Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (1980) and a Master of Arts in Radio and Television from the University of Mississippi (1982).
After a 19-year career in radio and television news, Tom joined Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina in July 1998 for the first time. He later worked in alumni relations at UNC Wilmington before returning to Boys and Girls Homes in 2004. In 2011, Tom left to care for his aging parents and subsequently spent five years with the YMCA in Wilmington as a resource development officer. He also served as Director of Community Relations for the Wilmington Sharks baseball team before returning to his current role at Boys and Girls Homes.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, a milestone celebrating decades of providing critical support for children in need. The organization was founded in 1954 by A. D. Peacock, a funeral director with a vision for helping children in challenging situations, after witnessing the hardships of a family where a mother passed away and the father couldn’t work. Civic organizations, including the Lions Clubs of North Carolina, rallied together to support this cause.
In 1960, the Lions built a cottage at the Boys and Girls Homes campus, which is currently undergoing renovations. Tom mentioned a video during the presentation, and later shared this link showing the renovations in progress. The updates will make the cottage feel more like a home and ensure that the facility can continue serving its mission for years to come.
Today, Boys and Girls Homes faces new challenges, especially after COVID-19, such as finding qualified staff. However, their focus remains on providing family-centered care, teaching essential life skills, and offering love and structure to help the graduates reintegrate into society and lead fulfilling lives.
Beyond housing troubled youth, Boys and Girls Homes offers a wide range of services. They have equine therapy with horses, foster care, adoption programs, and even a charter school on campus.
The Lions of North Carolina are proud supporters of Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, and we encourage everyone to join us in backing this incredible organization. To learn more about their programs or how you can help, visit their website: Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina.
Let’s continue to support them as they change lives for the better!
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