This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, May 2025

Beauty In The Broken

By Betty Burris
Executive Director of The Paul Anderson Youth Home
As Eddie and I slowly drove around the campus, surveying the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, my eyes couldn’t help but land on the devastation. Downed trees, snapped branches, and debris scattered across the property painted a picture of destruction. The storm had left its mark, and our once-beautiful landscape now looked like what I imagine resembles a war zone. But even in the destruction, there was something that caught my eye, something that seemed out of place in the midst of the brokenness.

There, on the side of the path, were several trees that had been uprooted by the force of Hurricane Helene’s 100 plus mile an hour winds; they were lying on the ground. At first glance, it seemed like a total loss—just another casualty of the storm. But as I looked closer, I noticed something that took me by surprise. There, new growth was sprouting from what I assumed was a dead tree, —bright green leaves unfurling in the sunlight, pushing their way through the remnants of what had been a strong, towering structure.

I sat there for a moment, contemplating the significance. That tree, which to most people would be considered beyond saving, was proving otherwise. There was life in what others might have written off as dead.

This image, this symbol of resilience, struck a chord deep within me. It was like a mirror reflecting the work we do every day at the Paul Anderson Youth Home. The boys who come to us are often broken, damaged by their pasts, their circumstances, and their mistakes. Many are lost, wandering in their own storm, battered by life’s harsh winds. Others might see them as “lost causes,” just like that tree, broken beyond repair. But we, as agents of the Kingdom of God, know that we are called to see what others might miss.

We see the new growth.

Through the grace of Jesus Christ, we see the potential in each one of these young men, even when they can’t see it in themselves. We see the beauty that God sees—the beauty in the broken, the hope in the hopeless, the promise in the storm.

Just like that tree, which found new life against all odds, our boys find healing and transformation in ways that defy expectations. We pour into them—through counseling, education, faith-based guidance, and love—till we see the first signs of new growth. And that growth, like the tree’s tender green leaves, is fragile but real, a sign that God’s work is alive and active in their lives.

It’s not always easy. Some days feel like the storms will never end. But when we see that kind of new life—whether in a boy overcoming his struggles or in a tree pushing past its brokenness—it reminds us of the deeper truth. The storm may break us, but it also gives us a chance to rise again, stronger and more beautiful than before.

At the Paul Anderson Youth Home, we are privileged to watch this transformation every day. And just like that tree, our boys, too, will find beauty in the brokenness, rising up with the grace and strength that only God can provide.

Beauty in the broken. It’s not just a hope; it’s a promise.

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.

Spring At The PAYH

Spring Has Sprung at The Paul Anderson Youth Home!

The flowers are in full bloom, and our campus is bursting with color and new life!

There’s something special about this season of growth—and it’s not just in the gardens.

Our young men are working hard, taking pride in keeping the grounds looking beautiful. Whether it’s planting, pruning, or simply maintaining the landscape, they’re learning the value of responsibility, discipline, and teamwork.

As nature blossoms, so do the hearts and lives of these incredible boys.

Easter Weekend Reflections

What a beautiful Easter weekend we had at the Paul Anderson Youth Home! On Thursday, the boys enjoyed a fun-filled day hunting Easter eggs and casting lines at the pond — laughter, fellowship, and the simple joys of the outdoors reminding us of God’s goodness in every season.

Then, on Sunday morning, we gathered for a powerful time of devotion and prayer led by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. His message spoke to the heart of Easter — hope, renewal, and the victory we have through Christ’s resurrection.

It was a weekend full of faith, fun, and reflection — one we won’t soon forget. Thank you to everyone who poured into these young men and made this special time possible.

Community • Character • Commitment

Recently, the young men of Paul Anderson Youth Home partnered with ELICE to honor and serve our community through a meaningful cleanup project at East Park Cemetery.

With hearts full of respect and hands ready to work, these boys rolled up their sleeves to help restore dignity and beauty to a space that holds deep historical and emotional value. Their dedication and teamwork remind us all of the power of giving back and the importance of honoring those who came before us.

A big thank you to the ELICE Organization for joining hands with us in this effort. When we work together, great things happen—not only in our neighborhoods but in the hearts of the next generation.

Celebrate Recovery

Faith. Fellowship. Growth.

The young men of Paul Anderson Youth Home attended Celebrate Recovery, embracing the journey of healing and transformation.

Afterward, they enjoyed a well-deserved dinner together—sharing laughs, conversations, and brotherhood.

Moments like these remind us that true growth happens in community—through faith, support, and encouragement. We are so proud of these young men for their dedication to becoming who God has called them to be!

Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race Check Presentation Banquet

What an incredible time at the Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race Banquet!

We are thrilled to announce that a total of $15,790 was raised for each of our amazing benefiting charities:

• Paul Anderson Youth Home
• Vidalia Heritage Academy
• WinShape Camps

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported this event through your prayers, sponsorships, and participation. Your generosity and dedication make a lasting impact on the lives of so many, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Together, we are making a difference, and we are so grateful for this amazing community! Let’s continue to support these wonderful organizations and the incredible work they are doing!

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for the 32^nd Annual Paul Anderson Golf Classic on Monday, May 5th, 2025! Join us for a day of great golf, fellowship, and support for the young men of the Paul Anderson Youth Home.

When: Monday, May 5, 2025

Where: The River Golf Club in North Augusta, SC.

Register Now: payh.org/golf

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or simply supporting, your participation makes a difference in the lives of these young men.

Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you on the course!