Joe Gibbs' program helps at-risk youth

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By Kristi Jourdan

It wasn't until Marcus Bryant joined the Youth For Tomorrow program that he was able to kick his three-year-long drug habit.

Now, five months later, the 16-year-old D.C. resident no longer smokes marijuana several times a day.

On Saturday, Marcus joined the thousands of people who came out to show their support for the program at its 24th annual Country Fair and Auctions in Bristow, Va. The daylong event was expected to raise more than $500,000 for the program, which helps at-risk teenage boys and girls. Last year, the event raised $400,000.

Youth For Tomorrow founder Joe Gibbs, who also is the former coach of the Washington Redskins, said that the fair exemplifies what his organization is about.

"For me, this is much more important than football games. This is having an impact on young people's lives and giving them a chance," said Mr. Gibbs, a Super Bowl champion coach.

The nearly 200-acre campus off Linton Hall Road, where the fair was held, houses about 70 full-time residents. More than 900 youth have gone through its five-phase program, which began in 1986 and includes schooling and counseling.

Photo Gallery

Gibbs' Youth Fair

The 24th Annual County Fair to benefit Youth For Tomorrow, a residential youth home and private school for at-risk teenage boys and girls founded by former Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs in Bristow, Va., Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Most residents participate in the program for nine to 12 months and are referred by family members, social workers, foster care and probation officers. There is an application process and an interview. Residents can receive their high school diploma from the program.

Those like Marcus who are participating in Mr. Gibbs' program are thankful to have gotten such an opportunity to turn their lives around.

"I think this is a really good program. It can help a lot of kids," Marcus said. "It shows you better ways of how to go through life when you're going through bad things. You don't have to participate in negative activities. There's better things to do."

His father, Linwood Bryant, said he's seen remarkable changes in his son since enrolling him in the program.