New Beginnings: A Fresh Start at PAYH

By Dr. Jeff Padgett
Chief Communications Officer, Paul Anderson Youth Home

January has a way of stirring hope. It marks a new year, a clean slate, and the opportunity to begin again. For many, it’s a time of resolutions and renewed focus. At the Paul Anderson Youth Home, new beginnings are more than a seasonal idea—they are at the very heart of our mission.

The young men who come to PAYH often arrive carrying the weight of past mistakes, broken relationships, and difficult circumstances. Many have been told—directly or indirectly—that their story is already written. But here, we believe something different. We believe that with guidance, accountability, structure, and faith, a young man’s future can be brighter than his past.

PAYH offers each boy a fresh start—a second chance to grow, to heal, and to discover who God created him to be. Through our structured program, caring staff, and Christ-centered foundation, we help these young men build new habits, stronger character, and a renewed sense of purpose. Discipline is balanced with compassion, responsibility with encouragement, and correction with hope.

New beginnings don’t happen overnight. They are forged through daily choices: choosing respect over rebellion, perseverance over quitting, and faith over fear. At PAYH, the boys learn that setbacks do not define them—how they respond does. They are taught that while they cannot change their past, they can shape their future.

As we step into this new year, we celebrate the many stories of transformation unfolding on our campus. Each young man represents a life redirected, a family restored, and a future reclaimed.

Thank you for standing with Paul Anderson Youth Home and believing in the power of second chances. Your prayers, support, and generosity help make new beginnings possible—not just in January, but every day of the year.

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

A Night To Remember In Santa Claus, GA.

Our PAYH boys enjoyed a special trip to Santa Claus, Georgia, where they took in the beauty and joy of the Christmas lights. From bright displays to lots of laughter, it was a wonderful evening filled with holiday cheer, fellowship, and memories that will last a lifetime. Moments like these remind us of the importance of creating joyful experiences and traditions for the young men in our care.

A Tribute To Donald Conner

Faithful Servant, Counselor, and Friend
For over 25 years, from 1998 to 2024, Donald Conner was a vital and beloved part of the Paul Anderson Youth Home family. During his many years of faithful service, Donald wore many hats—social worker, counselor, intake officer, Bible teacher, and trusted guide to countless young men and their families. His deep compassion and steadfast faith shaped lives in ways that will echo for generations.

Though Donald was blind, he saw more clearly than most. He had a remarkable ability to find the good in all things and in everyone he met. His kindness, patience, and unwavering positivity reflected the heart of Christ. One of his favorite sayings, spoken with both humor and truth, was: “You sighted people are so challenged.” It was a gentle reminder that true vision comes from the heart, not the eyes.

Donald was passionate about helping the young men of PAYH grow in their faith. He spent countless hours helping them memorize Scripture and, more importantly, understand its meaning and apply it to their lives. His calm voice, warm smile, and wise words will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of learning from him.

Outside of his work at the Youth Home, Donald served faithfully as an elder at Trinity Baptist Church, where his love for the Lord and for people continued to shine brightly. He loved his family deeply—his wife Vicki, their children Sonja, Mandy, Christie, Lee, their spouses, and their many grandchildren, who brought him endless joy.

Donald had a fun-loving spirit that made everyone around him feel at ease. He loved doughnuts, Georgia Bulldogs football, and playing guitar and singing—especially when he could share music and laughter with others.

Donald’s life was a testimony to grace, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in knowing that he now sees perfectly, face-to-face with the Savior he loved and served so faithfully. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the countless lives he touched.

Wreaths Across America

We are so proud of our PAYH boys for serving with purpose as they assisted in preparing the cemetery for the “Wreaths Across America” ceremony.

Through their hard work and respect, they honor the lives of our fallen heroes and those who have faithfully served our country. Moments like these teach gratitude, responsibility, and the importance of remembering those who gave so much for our freedom.

Wrapping Presents

Our young men continued the PAYH “Season of Serving” by wrapping Christmas presents for families sponsored through the Toombs County Social Services. It was a meaningful opportunity for the boys to serve others with care, patience, and joy—remembering that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big impact.

A heartfelt thank you to Kaye Hutchison and Jeannie Register for taking the time to guide our young men and teach them how to properly wrap each gift with love and excellence. Your kindness and leadership helped make this experience both fun and impactful for everyone involved.

We are grateful for the chance to serve our community and to instill the values of generosity and compassion in the lives of these young men.

Thank You Shuman Farms

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Shuman Farms for taking time out of their busy schedule to come by the Paul Anderson Youth Home and build Gingerbread Houses with our boys!

Your kindness, creativity, and willingness to invest in their lives made this Christmas activity truly special. Moments like these remind our young men that they are valued, supported, and surrounded by a community that believes in them.

Thank you for helping us create memories that will last far beyond the holiday season!

PAYH Family Weekend

Our PAYH families gathered together for a special time of connection, encouragement, and celebration. From heartfelt conversations to shared meals, devotionals, and plenty of laughter, it was a beautiful reminder of the strength and support found within our PAYH community.

Family Weekend is always a highlight of our year, and this December gathering was no exception. We are grateful for every parent, guardian, and young man who took part—and for the opportunity to continue growing together in faith, restoration, and hope.

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend meaningful.

Here’s to ending 2025 with gratitude and stepping into a new year filled with God’s goodness!

Congratulations Kevin!

We are so proud to celebrate Kevin on his graduation from the Paul Anderson Youth Home! His hard work, perseverance, and commitment to growth have led him to this important milestone. Kevin, we are excited to see all that God has in store for your future and will continue cheering you on every step of the way.

Well done—your PAYH family is proud of you!

Season Of Serving In Action

Our Season of Serving continues as the boys of the Paul Anderson Youth Home had the opportunity to be a blessing through the Toombs County Social Services program. Not only did they help wrap gifts, but they also shared something just as meaningful—smiles for miles—as they witnessed the joy and excitement on the faces of the children receiving them.

Moments like these remind us that serving others leaves a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver. We are proud of these young men for showing compassion, generosity, and the heart of Christ this season.

From Our Kitchen To Their Courage

As part of PAYH’s Season of Serving, our young men had the joy of baking homemade cookies and delivering them to the Vidalia Fire Department as a small token of our appreciation. It was a meaningful way to say thank you to the brave men and women who selflessly serve and protect our community every day.

Moments like these remind us that service, gratitude, and kindness go hand in hand—especially during this season. We are thankful for the opportunity to give back and bless those who give so much to others.