by natemadden | Jun 3, 2019 | Articles, Champions, News
Melvin was walking briskly along one of the many shaded and brick-lined paths on Old Dominion University’s campus in downtown Norfolk when it dawned on him. “Wait, what’s today’s date,” he asked as he came to an abrupt halt in his linen-white sneakers. “It’s March 27?...
by natemadden | Apr 2, 2019 | Articles, Champions, News
Roger took a seat at the head of the large wooden table that occupies a private conference space in a South Chesterfield library. Sitting opposite Roger was his mother, Linda. To Roger’s left was his stepfather, Mike, and younger brother, Mikey. The family gathers...
by natemadden | Oct 19, 2018 | Articles, Champions, News
Twelve-year-old Kenyon stands shoeless atop the sprawling padded mat that blankets the dance studio floor. He takes a breath, leans forward, places his hands on his knees and bends an ear toward his dance instructor, Justin Holloway. Kenyon’s eyes are fixed on Justin....
by natemadden | Aug 16, 2018 | Champions, News
Parents. Advocates. Teachers. Mentors. Thinkers. Doers. Unwavering. Champions. For much of Rai and Marie Beasley’s 35 years of marriage, the couple has been advocating for high-risk children. Rai learned through his own experiences with childhood homelessness...
by natemadden | May 14, 2018 | Champions, News
Nick doesn’t have much to say about orange jumpsuits, handcuffs, or the cell in which he stayed for more than three years. In fact, he’s decided he’d rather just put the whole juvenile corrections facility experience behind him. “There’s more...
by natemadden | Mar 27, 2018 | Champions, News
Hysterical. “Completely in crisis.” In desperate need of care. “One of the least favorite calls an officer wants to get.” Just 9 years old. “Travis is still to this day the youngest person I’ve had to take to the hospital for a mental evaluation.” Winchester Police...