Coach Joe Gibbs' Nonprofit Honored With Spirit Of Virginia Award

VIRGINIA — Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin presented a Spirit of Virginia Award to Youth For Tomorrow, a nonprofit founded by Coach Joe Gibbs. Both Gibbs and YTF CEO Dr. Gary L. Jones accepted the award Thursday night during the annual Burgundy and Gold Banquet in Tysons.

“Youth For Tomorrow is a God-inspired organization that has truly impacted thousands of kids throughout our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “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.”

Gibbs founded YFT in 1986 to help at-risk and vulnerable children and families through residential treatment programs at its campus in Bristow. With more than 150 residential, therapeutic and education staff, YTF is able to provide professional services for more than 100 children in its care. Over the years, it has helped 6,752 teenage boys and girls.

“Ensuring all men, women and especially children feel supported and get the help they need when they need it is critically important,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Youth For Tomorrow does just that, sowing the seeds for a more prosperous and positive Virginia.”

In accepting the award, Gibbs said that YTF was "a dream and a calling the Lord had placed on my heart." His vision was to create a Christian home for troubled teens.

"Almost 40 years later, that dream is a reality, and is more than I ever could have imagined,” Gibbs said. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Gary Jones, I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished award, Spirit of Virginia, from the First Lady, Suzanne Youngkin and the Governor.”

Originally started to help at-risk boys, YTF began providing services to teen girls in 2003. Its Mommy & Me program assists pregnant teens and girls with infants, as well as victims of human trafficking and exploitation.

Through its Therapeutic Day Treatment program, YTF provides counseling and behavioral health services for teens and their families in crisis at selected public elementary and middle schools in Prince William, Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

The Spirit of Virginia Award honors the standout achievements and contributions made to the Commonwealth in private industry, education, culture, the arts and philanthropy.