Governor Youngkin and First Lady Honor Youth For Tomorrow with Spirit of Virginia Award

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the Spirit of Virginia Award to Coach Joe Gibbs’ nonprofit organization, Youth For Tomorrow (YFT), during the annual Burgundy and Gold Banquet. The ceremony, attended by past and present Washington Commander players and other dignitaries, celebrated YFT’s significant impact on children and families throughout Virginia since its founding in 1986.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin present the Spirit of Virginia Award to Coach Joe Gibbs and Dr. Gary L. Jones on May 16, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin with Coach Joe Gibbs and Peyton Manning on May 16, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.

“Youth For Tomorrow is a God-inspired organization that has truly impacted thousands of kids throughout our Commonwealth,” Governor Youngkin remarked. “Led by a passionate group of individuals answering the call to serve others, Youth For Tomorrow provides every young person who feels lost and without hope a safe place to feel loved and supported.”

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of support systems for all Virginians, especially children. “Youth For Tomorrow does just that, sowing the seeds for a more prosperous and positive Virginia.”

Coach Joe Gibbs, the founder and chairman of YFT, shared his heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. “Youth For Tomorrow was a dream and a calling the Lord had placed on my heart. My vision was to establish a Christian home for troubled teenage boys. Almost 40 years later, that dream is a reality and is more than I ever could have imagined,” he said. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Gary Jones, I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished Spirit of Virginia award from the First Lady, Suzanne Youngkin, and the Governor.”

Dr. Gary L. Jones, CEO of YFT, expressed his gratitude for the award, highlighting the organization’s extensive service history. “It is with our sincerest gratitude, accepting this award which recognizes the countless lives we have impacted over our 38-year history. It is with God’s grace that YFT has touched the lives of almost 40,000 children whose lives were in despair when they arrived on the doorsteps to our homes on campus and behavioral health regional offices.”

Since its inception, Youth For Tomorrow has dedicated itself to supporting at-risk and vulnerable children and families. Originally established to help troubled teenage boys, YFT expanded its services to include teenage girls in 2003, introducing programs like Mommy & Me for pregnant teens and girls with infants. Recognizing the dire issue of human trafficking, YFT also offers residential treatment for exploited and sexually trafficked domestic teenage girls.

YFT’s Bristow campus provides a haven for over 100 children, supported by more than 150 residential, therapeutic, and education staff. These professionals offer various services, including residential treatment, case management, clinical, nursing, psychiatric services, mentoring, and educational opportunities.

Beyond residential programs, YFT operates six regional offices providing behavioral health services such as mental health assessments, individual therapy, marriage and couples counseling, and substance abuse counseling. As of 2020, YFT serves nearly 800 children in residential services annually and conducts over 28,000 counseling sessions for children and their families in crisis. The organization also offers Therapeutic Day Treatment in selected elementary and middle schools in Prince William, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties to help children develop the life skills necessary for making positive decisions.

The Spirit of Virginia Award celebrates unique qualities and outstanding achievements across the Commonwealth. It salutes Virginians for their significant contributions to private industry, education, culture, the arts, and philanthropy.

Governor and Mrs. Youngkin will present four more Spirit of Virginia Awards in 2024, continuing their commitment to recognizing excellence throughout the state.