Weekly field trips are great! But, I'm surprised more folks aren't asking serious questions about the structure, credibility, and leadership of this program!!!!! "Many of the teens that Virgilio interacts with come from homes that have been affected by drug use and alcoholism. In the past year, however, the ROC Teen events have attracted teens from more well-off families who are able to contribute financially to the group." Really???

It take a special person to give his time as much as Virgilio does.
What difference does it make what families these kids come from?? He is giving his time to them. Have you contributed??I'm not talking financially, I'm talking about your time.
They have fund raisers and I have often seen post on FB to help sponsor the kids that can't afford it.
I commend him for doing what he does. Good job Steven, we should have more people like you, on this earth!

Good morning, I would personally like to thank Virgil for the wonderful trips he provides for these kids. My niece is in this program and she LOVES it very much! Not only does Virgil keep these kids off the streets but he is also there for them when these kids need him the most...someone to talk to and will actually listen to them...alot of these kids can't or won't talk to their own parents so he is there to listen to them and provides responsible advice. I have been a chaperone on one of these adventures and these kids look up to Virgil...most of these kids would never have these kind of opportunities to explore a different kind of world other than what their used to!! It should'nt matter what kinds of kids are in this program or where they come from...everyone deserves to be part of something special and that is exactly what Virgil provides!!!! Thank you for all your hard work Virgil...you are a very special man!!! Kathy Boyden

Good Morning. I would like to thank Virgil for all he has done for US. I am an "original" member of the group, I was there from day one, when three teens from Charlestown, including myself, met with Virgil and Peter Looney. None of us came from well-off families, we came from families that had substance abuse issues and some of us also had issues ourselves. We talked for three hours - heart to heart about our problems and what is going on in our lives, something that NO ONE has ever done. For weeks after that, that was the focus of the group and it continued through out the year. As it grew, we would have meetings to talk about our week, our issues, our sorrows, and our joys - and then we would STAY OFF THE STREET for one IMPORTANT day and have a blast being SOBER (come on - all you guys were teenagers before, Saturday was a big day). We could have blown off the meetings and the trips, but no, we decided to come to the trips and meetings because someone was actually listening to us and we were discovering that we could have fun without being high or drunk. As the group got bigger, it did lose its sense of brotherhood within the original 20 members, but there was also something beautiful about it; we were passing down and sharing what we earned and enjoyed to other teens in Charlestown. We were inviting them to stay off the streets, to see A DAY without drugs and alchohol, a life where the only policy is fun.

My compliments to Steven "Virgil" Virgilio on the way he communicates with these young people. It seems Steven comes up with fresh, exciting ideas every day to keep these teenages off the street and motivated. Steven's contributions are invaluable. Keep up the good work!

(con't) .. And now today as I look at the group, as a alumni, I see that it doesn't matter if these kids come from low income families, or well-off families. Its the point that Virgil is devoutly takes these teens from Charlestown out EVERY SATURDAY. Every Saturday, there are not teens hanging on the corner, they are getting out of Charlestown for once and having fun with out being under the influence. Virgil cares about each of these kids individually, when there wasn't enough money for the trips, that did not stop him; he would use money from HIS OWN POCKET just so we could enjoy yet another Saturday. I am always excited when I see 60 teens from Charlestown gathered anxiously outside the DAT Club waiting for the Teen Saturday vans to arrive. The joy in some of these teens - even little kids, puts a smile on my face everytime. It does not matter if they are just going to the movies & Kowloons or a big trip like Six Flags, this is what the teens in Charlestown need. As the group gets bigger, Virgil is going to add an "educational" aspect to it, where teens have the opportunity to be assisted in high school, help with job resumes or mock interviews, and most importantly alcohol and drug awareness etc. Teen Saturday does something that no other organization can do, he targets the teens who are hanging on the corner, and gets them off of it, sober, for a day. When they go on the trips they are guided and realize a life with out being high.

As one of the original members of the group, I strongly suggest that the community of Charlestown support this organization. TEENAGERS started this, this is YOUR youth who reached out to Peter Looney to have this. This is something THEY want, clearly - look at the amount of teens who go each week. People might say its just for the trips, but its not, its the bonding they have with each other, the chance to be able to get off the corner for the day, and the eagerness to have fun in a supportive envivroment, and the ability to be able to talk to someone who understands and was truly in your shoes before. So to the person who made the comment of Virgil helping "Well-off families" why don't you come to the group this Saturday and see how many teens are with out jackets, having problems with the court/school, having substance abuse issues, or don't EVEN HAVE the 5$ to pay. My group was lucky, we were spoiled and never had to pay. But now that the group is growing, we need funding to continue this, we need support from the community. A LOT of people complain about the teens on the corner. Well what are you going to do about it? I hear a lot of talk, and do not see a lot of action. Maybe if you came down to the DAT on Saturday and volunteered by being a chaperone, offering to drive your car, or sponsored a teen so they might be able to go would help. STOP SHUTTING US DOWN & VOLUNTEER EVEN YOUR TIME, CAR OR DONATIONS AND SPEND TIME WITH THESE TEENS.

Help Virgil keep these kids off the corner. He has dreams of letting this group grow, he wants to add an educational and awareness aspect to it, why would the community shut something down like that? Why wouldn't the community support something like that? If all these organizations are "in it" for the teens, then they should work together and help Virgil out. He reaches out to teens that no other organization in the town can reach out to, he does what no other organization does. So please, stop shutting down the program and give Virgil a chance to let the group grow. I have benefitted so much from this group, it has opened my eyes to a new world and to a new way of life. This group has truly made me realize that I could have fun with out being high all the time. With that - it sent me sky rocketing to capture my dreams. So please, Support this Group. Donate money towards the trips and future programming. Virgil has a great team behind him who want to help these teens as much as he does. If you can't donate money, donate your time or your stories to the teens - they will appreciate it and they will feel like people care about them. That is what these kids need, is someone that cares for them. That is what Virgil demonstrates to them. Let the group grow, PLEASE SUPPORT TEEN SATURDAY. IT IS TIME CHARLESTOWN SUPPORTS ITS OWN.

What a wonderful story and a great organization. Things that start from roots, grass roots, that is, are wonderful. Steve, I am a local yoga teacher. If you think that the group would enjoy some fun yoga ( to popular music), let me know. I would be happy to do a class for the teens. I've done lots of work with kids of all ages and if you think it'd be fun to do a yoga class, I'd be glad to do one! Keep up the good work!

Karen Fabian
Founder, Bare Bones Yoga
www.barebonesyoga.com

I would like to thank Virgil for all of the good work he does for these kids! This program has been wonderful. My daughter is one of the original members and now, 5 years later, my son has joined the group. They love it and they love Virgil. Teen Saturday has had a positive impact on my children and it goes way beyond Saturdays! Anytime any of the kids involved in this group needs anything, Virgil is there. I have witnessed him going to the schools, going to court, etc. He has also helped kids who didn't have winter coats or a Christmas. He truly cares for the kids and their families. We definitely need more people like Virgil! I love the people who critisize the work that he does, yet where are they on Saturdays? What are the critics doing for the kids of Charlestown? Teen Saturday is what these kids need. It's not "structured" the way some other programs are, it's not supposed to be. Teen Saturday is unique in that way and it works. Virgil, keep up the good work. These kids need you. YOU are doing a wonderful job! Sean is a great example of what Teen Saturday is!

Great job Sean!

Come on Seriously??? Steven has kept these kids off the streets and has given them what they probably would have never seen in most of their lives. Kids that probably would have never seen Disney World and many other trips and things to do on Saturdays. He has gotten donations from many busnisess in and around the community. He gives these kids his all!! He gives joy to kids that families dont have the funds and what would these kids be doing if they didnt have this program? Well we know the answer to that. You have people complaining about the kids of today being on the streets causing trouble, doing drugs drinking alcohol, well Steven is doing a great job giving these young people wonderful things to keep them busy.So what he has kids that come from families that can afford to do these wonderful things yeah you also have kids that come from families with money out on the streets doing drugs and alcohol. Kids that you complain about. Why is it when somebody does good for something or someone , there always has to be someone negative out there trying to put a stop to this..If you care at all about the future of these children put your money where your mouth is(respectfully said) Can you imagine if Steven didnt start this program where these kids would be today? I think you know the answer to that...we all do....Please help keep this wonderful program going..we need more Steve Virgilios out there and the world would be that much nicer...Thank you :)

I just want to add one more thing..Why is it when someone is doing so much for someone else such good things...helping these children out...helping shape their future such as Steven is that someone ,somewhere has to try and throw a wrench in it ??? Its just crazy!!! and even though( as you say) there are children in the program who can afford it, SO WHAT!! At least he is keeping these children off the streets and spending their "money" on something else.....and there is never ever a child that goes without..he always makes sure that every kid that wants to participate does...he always goes above and beyond!!!Thank you :)

AMEN LAURA!

Soxfan29.....what are you getting at? As a parent of two children involved in Teen Saturday, I have been to the meetings, met with and spoken to Virgil and other parents and chaperones. I have found the program to be credible, the leadership and the structure of the program to be sound. I have never had a problem with Virgil or anyone in the program. What do you do for the children of our town? Do you know anything about the ROC Teen Saturday program and how it works? Or are you going by what you read in the article? If you have questions about Virgil or the program, why not go down to the DAT club on Saturday and volunteer or talk to the teens and see what it's about instead of talking about it?

Scew you Soxfan29...Dont say anything negative about Virgil or Teen Saturday because you have no idea whats goes on . my daughter is in the group and looks up to Virgil every Saturday. Virgil goes out of his way to take care of these children out of the kidness of his heart. If you want go to the DAT club in Charlestown on Saturdays and see all the kids that come. Virgil you are the best and there is no one else that I know that would do what you do for these kids so keep up the good work and something good will come out in the end.

Colleen Bryan

I've been a part of this group since it started & I seriously don't know where I'd be without virgil in my life.. Thank you so much virgil for everything. There's so many things you've shown us over the years. Ill always support this group and so should everyone else!

Hello my daughter is one of the original teens. I have to commend Steven Virgilio, and we have not seen eye to eye on one occassion. Mr Virgilio should be honored for the work he has and continues to do.. Everything that Sean the original teen said is correct..These original teens felt like they had no-one from outside the family to talk to.. I went to the meetings for the Disney trip and ended up being a chaperone. I was in awe as at the meetings steven Virgilio was so excited telling the kids about everything. At this meeting their was Steven Virgilio and Peter Looney. and that is it..Virgil ran around and drummed up most of the funding as usual. And that is how it went , at an open meeting i asked how come no- one from charlestown does any heavy funding for this group?? The Ironic part of it all is Steven Virgilio is from the north end of Boston.. WOW not even a Townie running aroung begging politicians and Mike's pastry and Regina Pizza and whomever will listen for funding..These kids need somewhere to go..And yes not everyone is born with a silver spoon..But Thank God Virgil has a Gold Heart.. My daughter learned alot and growing up is a process. i guess some Adults forget what it was like when they were young. .I HOPE YOU GET THE NEEDED FUNDS AND SOME CHAPERONES VIRGIL AND I THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP..THE KIDS DID NEED YOU..
GOD BLESS DENISE BOHNE

Virgil is one of the greatest persons I have EVER met! He does so much for us and we are so so grateful for all he does. He does not need to do this but he chooses to which is AMAZING. He is an AWESOME guy doing AWESOME things.

Soxfan29...I don't know who you are or what your getting at with your comment but Virgil does not care what kind of family you come from, He will help you either way!

KEEP IT UP, VIRG!
Dennis Taylor

virgil you have got my highest respect u are really 1 of the people i can say care about us the kids and you are really making a difference on alot of these kids life i just want u to no that i support u 100 percent and i will keep attending and try to get the word across to every 1 that its a great program...... thanks!!!

I am a friend of Virgils and support him in all he does for these teens. Does it really matter if your family is rich or poor? Ever family has issues. Virgil puts his heart and soul into helping these teens. Ive volunteered and gone on many trips with them. They were some of the best times of my life. I have 3 sons that go with Virgil and I will continue to support Virgil in everything he does..

My daughter was one of the first five and my son and his cousin joined in after. Their father and myself have chaperoned on some great trips. whether or not the families have or had substance abuse problems , alcoholism does not discriminate rich or poor it affects tons of people. It is insulting to me that anyone should have an opinion on whether or not a child or teenager should get the help they need. As far as Virgil goes he should be appreciated. He has been there for our family numerous times, not just on Saturdays. He helps everyone he comes in contact with whether rich or poor. He is incredible . He takes these comments personal. There is not another person that I know that does or can do what he does. All the teens look up to him and thats what matters. He has a positive influence on all of us. Virgil,you are a great man and are doing a wonderful job. No one could ever replace you . There are so many teens and parents that feel the same way.

Virgil is an amazing man, doing amazing things with the teens. My 15 (almost 16) year old daughter is one of those teens. Although we have done lots of things together over the years, (I had to face the fact that) she is at the age where she would rather be with her friends than hanging out with her mom. I take comfort in knowing that she is with Virgil and the ROC Teen group. Virgil, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my daughter and my piece of mind.
Sincerely,
Joanne (Kalyn's Mom)

God Bless guys like Steven Virgilio, he is someone who cares deeply for these kids, and has done some very possitive things to enrich their lives. Many people complain about todays youth, but how many are willing to step up and do something to make a difference. Steven has poured not only his money and time, but also his heart. Ask any of these teens what they think of this man. They will tell you just how wonderful he is. He treats each kid with compassion dignity and respect. I only wish we could clone him!

ive been apart of this group since it started & if it wasnt for VIRGIL i wouldnt be goin to all these events he takes us on! Nobody has ever done things like this for us butVIRGIL and i cant thank him enough for eveything he has done for me .. you will never find a guy who cares so much about his teens and does what ever he can to help them stay sober and stay off the streets. we come first no matter who it is and i just dont get how people could sit there and talk bad about the group or VIRGIL in general. i dont see anyone else helping him out, he does everything all by himself even sometimes he even pays out of his own pocket and he doesnt get that money back from no one! so if you cant tell he does a lot for us and like i said if it wasnt for him we wouldnt have this group or be going on all fun events. No matter where i go with virgil i have the best time (= god bless you VIRGIL you are a great guy and dont let no one tell you different. love you <3

I'VE KNOW VIRGIL FOR OVER 40 YEARS. He's a great person . THE KIDS IN THE PROGRAM LOVE HIM AND HE LOVES THEM BACK. HE'S ALWAYS THERE FOR THEM AND THERE FOR PEOPLE IN GENERAL. I HAVE THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR vIRGIL AND ALL HE DOES FOR THE CHILDREN. we all have ups and downs in life and VIRGIL is always there to pick you up. god bless VIRG

AWESOME WORK VIRGIL.

I know Steven my entire Life, HE IS A STRONG POSITIVE ROLE MODEL , A SAFE HARBOR FOR KIDS IN NEED....Not only do I have the privilege to say he is a life long friend , but I have Chaparoned many of his trips, so I know first hand what he provides for his kids.
Many people work with children , they all want the cute little ones that are easy to deal with between the ages of 5-11..Not many take on Teen- agers..As parents we dont want to deal with our teen- agers...I also speak from a parental point of view,I HAVE SEEN HOW THESE KIDS RESPOND TO STEVEN..IT IS NOTHING SHORT OF MIRACALOUS!!
He is always willing to help out ...over and above what everyone else is doing, whether it be registering kids for school , lending a sympatheic ear...or even pulling money out of his own pocket to buy hats, gloves and winter coats for some. Steven is nothing short of an angel...doing "GOD'S WORK " I shutter to think what may have become of some of these kids , if it hadn't been for Steven's intervention. He loves these kids with everything he's got. SHAME on anyone who would dare to say less !! Thanks Stephanie Cardone

I can not say enough about Virgil & what he does for these kids!
It is sad to think some one could find fault in a helping hand?In a society that teaches our children , every man is for himself, this world needs more people like Virgil to teach these kids there is HOPE & people still care about them.
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
Mother Teresa

Keep filing that ocean Virgil, these kids need You !

So there it is Soxfan29...looks like your negative comments toward Virgil and the ROC Teen Saturday program hold no weight at all with the teens involved and the majority of us "Townies" who know the truth of the matter. Virgil is a highly respected leader in our community. In fact, his commitment to the youth of Charlestown was recognized recently at the Annual Charlestown Community Appreciation Awards Ceremony. The work he does reaches far beyond weekly field trips and I am proud to be a sponsor in his Program. You must be an outsider, otherwise, you would know the pressures of being a teenager growing up in a town where it is very easy to fall victim to the streets. Virgil gives these kids a choice, and a chance to get off the streets....and in the process, has probably saved a life or two. The ROC Teen grows bigger and bigger every year, thanks in part to Virgil and the many volunteers who lend a helping hand. What does that say about the ROC Teen Saturday Program? People need not question the "structure, credibility, and leadership" of this program when the support of an entire community is behind it. The youth of Charlestown need a leader like Virgil. So Soxfan29, next time you want to take shots at a program you know nothing about, you should do your homework first. Kevin Cain

I have two children who attend roc they both have come from a home of drug and alcohol abuse with out Virgil my kids wouldn't have amything to do on Saturday my daughter would be running the streets and my high functioning autistic son would have to stick to my side he
is mow 13 and really needs to be out with his friends but without supervision this isn't possible Virgil has made it possible. My daughter would of never been to the maceys day parade she wouldn't be going to jersey shore my children wouldn't have any of these experience without Virgil he Is what these kids need he is what they want he iwas defiantly set from heaven he was put here for this pursose!!!WE LOVE YOU BIG DADDY VIRGIL,KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!!!

To answer your question on how we send them off each weekend with Virgil is simply trust we know he's not fake and really cares you heard the kids as well as parents and recovering atticts tell you of all his good this alone should answer your question it's been going strong for five years and growing for a reason and any parent or adult can join him on any given saturday to see for themselves it's like watching a movie you don't know if you like it til you see it talk to our teens they will tell you how we send them every weekend with Virgil instead of the streets or how being a coach potato or smoking weed on the streets getting arrested I can call him during Any event to check on my children and yes we areTOWNIES and proud of it we all watch out for each other and our children at one time because we care!!! That's just who we are sorry for who can't stand that I'm proud of where I came from!!

For all the people who are writing something bad or negative about steven.Do what he does for 1 month with 100 kids every saturday.And when there was no money he used his weekly check.After working 40 to 50 hours a week doing construction.Never mind doing this for five years.Shame on you all.You should be writing that he is a HERO.Virgil God knows what you are doing thats all that matters.And your 100 kids

GOD BLESS YOU STEVEN!

MY NAME IS ELLEN
I MET STEVEN FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS BEING RUSHED TO THE MGH .HE GOT A CALL FROM
ONE OF THE OTHER TEENS HE WAS DOWN ON CAPE COD AND RUSHED UP HERE WITH SUCH COMPASSION ON THAT
DAY HE WAS A STRANGER .SINCE THAT DAY HE HAS BECOME A FATHER FIGURE ,A FRIEND ,I THANK STEVEN EVERYDAY FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR MY DAUGHTER HE HAS NEVER JUDGED OR LOOKED DOWN ON ANY OF THESE KIDS HE HAS GIVEN EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.WHEN THEY MESS UP HE IS THERE WEATHER IT IS SCHOOL OR C OURT,FAMILY ISSUES. I HAVE SEEN HIM TAKE A LOT OF SLACK FOR WHAT HE DOES AND STILL SHOWS UP NO MATTER WHAT .VIRGIL YOU ARE A HERO TO ME AND MY DAUGHTER AND I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. I AM SO GREATFUL FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO.VIRGIL
THESE TEENS WILL ALWAYS HOLD YOUR LOVE IN THEIR HEARTS .
ELLEN

Soxfan , you clearly have no clue what you are talking about or what the group is about . I am one of the originals as well and if it wasnt for VIRGIL i dont know where i would be today . Virgil has been there for every teen sense day 1 & has let it be known that no matter what happens that will NEVER change ! Virgil has done everything in his power to help me and many other teens out no matter what day of the week it was ; whether it was coming to school or court to speak on my behalf , or coming to tewksbury EVERY saturday for a year to make sure that I wasnt missing out on anything ! Even if it was just a meeting and no trip he still took that 20 minute drive out of his way to make sure NOBODY was left out .

(cont ) Virgil is honestly my true hero and the greatest person alive and I will never ever let anyone say different . I got your back virg , just like you always had & still have mine !!! And I dont see any body else doing anything close to what virgil is doing for us ( of course besides the people donating & that is highly appricated , thank you guys ! ) so how can anyone bad mouth this group or vrigil when its \ hes been nothing but great towards everyone involved ? Virgl has taking me & 24 other teens to Florida and New york and many many other places that most of us have never been & still wouldnt have gone too if it wasnt for virgil . And its not his job to be doing this , he does this because he truely cares about every single one of us , and wants the group to grow and grow even if that means more money out of HIS pockets , When new people tried coming and we all said no he said yes and kept saying yes and always is going to say yes . It doesnt matter if your from an alcoholic \ drugs family or a so called well- off family if your 12 or older your welcome in Teen saturday ( ROC ) . Virgil has done nothing but good things for almost everyone in this town and i give him all my respect for it .

( cont ) We love you virgil & everything your doing for us and dont listen to what other people have to say because all the matters is that you know the truth and we all do tooo ! thank you for everything youve done over the past 5 years and thank you for everything im sure youll do for me in the next 5 years :) I dont think i could ever explain how much everything virg has done means to me ! and i dont think words could explain how thankfull i am for everything he has done for me ! not just taking me on trips but for being there for me when i needed advice and didnt want to ask my parents or needed someone to talk to . It all means so much to me and i will never be able to forget it ! You mean the world to me and everyone in this group virgil and always will never for get that ! You are my hero , love you .. Meaghan :)

virgil is one of the best guys I know. he goes out of his way to help the kids in the community to keep them off the streets. some kids never have the chance to go to these types of places. every saturday virgil dedicates his time to keep the kids off the streets. I have so my respect for virgil for what he has done for me and also all the other teens. thank you virgil for everything you have done for us. lets keep it going.

I cannot believe what I just finished reading soxfan, you cannot be serious. Really. You must have no clue about how hard it is to keep something like this going week in and week out. And now we are going to question someone like steve virgilio's credibility, why dont you show up to one of there weekend events and learn some valuable things first, then maybe you can talk, and for sure the message will be different. That I know. Good job Big Daddy Virg.

GOD BLESS VIRGIL FOR DONATING HIS TIME TO THESE TEENAGERS AND KEEPING THEM BUSY AND OFF THE STREETS! VIRGIL IS A GREAT MAN KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I say Good Job Virgil! My granddaughter goes with Virgil on some of his trips. At first I was totally against it as she is only 13. I checked everything out for myself before I let her go anywhere. If he wasn't on the up and up she wouldn't be going. As for him being disorganized it is because more kids show up for each event than said were going to go. He never turns anyone away even if it means leaving late because he has to get more transportation for the extra kids. If Peter Looney who provided money for these trips from CHAD found him to be trustworthy, then he is. I feel perfectly comfortable letting her go anywhere with Virgil as I know she will be coming home the same way she left and always had a great time. If for some reason some younger kids had to be home earlier than some of the older kids, he made sure they got home safely. I cannot say enough good things about him and there should be more people willing to do what he does for the kids in Charlestown. Keep up the good work

Jan Brown

GOD BLESS YOU, VIRGIL...AND TRULY HE HAS. YOU ARE SO BLESSED... NEVER NEVER STOP BEING YOU. YOU ARE A SAINT

seriously soxfan? first of all if you were so "well involved" with children then you should by far not be someone trying to criticize such a wonderful man like Virgil. "I have dedicated my life to helping young people, particularly youth in Charlestown." thats hilarious because other then mission safe, or the boys and girls club, no other organization has tried to help out charlestown kids ever. "ROC" is a huge thing to majority of the children floating around the streets in charlestown. i don't know if u understand completely or not but when Virgil came around he changed the views of 20 of us children completely. when we believed there was no hope in making our lives better VIRGIL came around to prove us wrong, he taught us that the grass was still greener on the other side. when we had family problems we couldn't deal with or had no one to talk to , who other then VIRGIL came just to listen to us. something that we needed the most. he just sat there and listened to our problems and he listened to the troubles of being from an alcohol/substance abuse home. he was there to let us know that it wasn't the end even if we believed it was. he was there to help us see the good over the bad. the STRUCTURE of this program in my eyes was a miracle.

virgil was there to lead us into a better direction than we have seen in our lives. he didn't only want the better for us but he wanted the best. when i was in doubt about finishing my high school career, when i believed i couldn't do it anymore, he was there to teach me otherwise. he made sure that i got the high school diploma that i deserved, he was even there in person to see me retrieve it. even beyond that he was there to help me with the overload stress of college. he made sure i went through with new job interviews and even developed "MOVIE NIGHT" in the north end and in charlestown and it opened up a couple job opportunities for the other kids in the group. during the beginning of the organization i attended every saturday meeting. it was my inspiration that we could do this one day at a time there could be fun without alcohol or drugs. being able to get out of charlestown every saturday made life seem so much better, and he did that faithfully, willingly, devotedly, and most importantly just because he loved us individually. for someone like "soxfan" to disrespectfully , ignorantly and directly try to question the leadership of a program like "ROC" just blows my mind. i mean ya he takes us on trips but you don't understand the struggle he goes through just to make sure each child is satisfied at the end of the night. and it wasn't just a trip every Saturday it was more like a new experience. he made one of my lifelong dreams come true.

i never believed i was going to see Disney world, until Virgil brought 20 of us kids there. it was the best time of my life. he brought us to see how busy HAMPTON BEACH was in the summer. even now as i work full time i still take some Saturdays off to see the ecstatic faces of the children when they go to the movies or go to the carnival. how there faces light up when there on roller coasters at SIXFLAGS or CANOBIE lake park. how much fun they have even on a two day spiritual retreat up in Vermont. we even got to see how tough life can actually get when we went and helped out at the food pantry or went and helped with "TOYS FOR TOTS". we never realized how fortunate we really were until we seen the faces of the less fortunate. also during prom time virgil helped girls in the group get PROM DRESSES donated from a bunch of people just to make sure that each one of us girls got to go and enjoy a night that was meant to be remembered. not only did he just affect the lives of children in broken up substance abuse homes but he also helped the parents realize there was better hope. he made them feel involved just as he did the children. our parents got to become part of the recovery process. he does all of this for us out of the kindness of his heart, works his behind off in construction just so that he can have enough money to support us every Saturday if we aren't capable of being sponsored enough.

Virgil is the reason why I'm growing up to be the young lady i am, hes my inspiration for my desire to open up a group home for trouble young children when i get older. i want to be their security just like Virgil is mine. i want them to have someone to run and talk to when times get tough just like i have VIGRIL. i want children to know that there are wonderful people out there like Virgil and give them some hope on the better future that they can see. you can keep trying to shut us down soxfan but just remember your not only hurting VIRGIL but your hurting the children and families of over 60 kids. thanks for everything you ever did and are still doing for US virgil we love you undoubtedly with all our hearts <3

Choosing an email address such as yours; Soxfan29, indicates a few things in our part of the woods! To all Sox fans an explanation is not necessary. This is what perplexes me, why you would purposely create doubt. When everyone knows real Sox fans are true believers! I'm sure when Steven met with a few people to listen about real concerns, from real teens, he never in a million years expected it to become a popular program for teens. Within short 5 years he has in front of him a terrific program that adults and teens believe in. Why? Simply stated, because it works. Now that it has mushroomed into a successful program, the real work begins. Applying for grants, being recognized as a potential program that other cities and towns want to implement., etc. I trust all the programs available to kids are applauding ROC and it's efforts. Every valuable, credible program had to start somewhere. I hate to think, perhaps some programs feel threatened that they will not receive their funding as a result of ROC's popularity. There's enough to go around for everybody!
I think it's wonderful that a city kid grew up and gave back to the very same streets he walked.

AMEN CHERYL!!!!!

I am writing this letter, not to fight or put others down. Because, I know none of us are perfect, and we all have trials and tribulations we need to go through. But, a lot of times it strengthens our character and makes us forgiving and compassionate people. I will make it clear when I speak of "Virgil". He puts all he has into making the teens feel loved and valuable. He is always right there when anyone needs him. Alcoholism is a disease, I am fortunate that my mom is a recovering alcoholic for thirty years and at an early age we went to alateen and alanon. We realized we did not cause it and it wasn't our fault and that she always loved us she was sick for a time. Today we are best friends and I am lavished with love. And alcoholism does not discriminate rich or poor, black or white. So as our children got older their father and myself had struggles of our own and sad to say it absolutely affected our children. We are sober now and have chaperone trips with them. Thanks to Virgil. No one can battle this alone. Therefore, I am grateful, I had the program and our children had family and Virgil to help our family, he is a blessings in a lot of ways. His love and support is amazing, He is a great man.and an asset to our family. He is faithful and my son loves and respects him as much as our daughter Jamie. She has a gift from God to express herself. Virgil has touched many teens and their parents. With all the struggling to get the trips ready and sleepless nights.

Virgil just keep doing what you do and never worry about what people like Soxfan29 think or believe! Your ROC program is great and will only get better given the responses from all who defended your program above. It seems to me that Soxfan29 may be someone who works for another organization that needs grant money to keep his/her program alive by the tone of his/her statements. Everyone knows the good that you do for so many kids in so many neighborhoods and you never get tired...you just keep going! Your program has helped kids in many different ways and the testament to that is from the responses above. Keep up the good work Virgil and if you need help you know where I am!
Excellent, Cheryl it was tough to follow that!!!!!!

Virgil was kind enough to come to my aid a little under four years ago. I had tried on many ocassions to get my "act" together. Virgil took me to DAT for a meeting, introduced me to people and helped me on a daily basis until I could stand on my own two feet. This man doesn't have a selfish bone in his body and his accomplishments simply amaze me. Thank you Virgil.