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The Jack Welch Story: My Chance to Get Out
Jack Welch is a family man with a good job. He and his wife Cindy raised their son Dusten and now have custody of their 9-year-old nephew. He will tell you life has been good to him, God has been good to him. But Jack's life wasn't always good.
Born and raised on the "mean streets" of Canton, Jack was in trouble with the law before he reached his teenage years. Survival meant knowing how to deal with the thieves, the junkies and the people that could hurt you.
By the time he was 15, he was on probation and having problems with former "associates" in school. That's when his probation officer gave him an out - Boys' Village. He spent 1 ½ years on the Wooster Campus known today as The Village Network-Boys' Village Campus.
"This was an opportunity to have a real life," said Jack. "I was excited. I knew this was my chance to get out."
Jack remembers the exact day he arrived on campus, January 27, 1976, and credits the program and the help he received here in changing his life. Structure and being respected as a human being were the first things he experienced. During his stay he worked to understand the traumas from his early childhood and how to re-channel his anger and disappointment.
"I learned bad things happen to everyone and you can't blame who you are on the bad things that happened," said Jack. "I know if I would have continued down the path I was on most likely I would be dead today."
Jack is quick to point out today's kids have it a little tougher. The technological and communication advances are incredible since his teenage days. He also reminds those he hopes to influence it's not just the good guys that use the latest advancements.
"The bad guys are more predatory, more organized," he emphasized. "There have always been gangs. Now they are big business."
There are things he would change. He wishes he would have realized the value of a college education when he was a teenager.
Moving back to the "old neighborhood" right after his stay at Boys' Village was his biggest mistake according to Jack, because it's easy to fall back into old habits.
"Not only do you fight the temptation from within, you have your ‘friends' tempting you," he said.
He has some advice for today's youth.
- Continue your education. Knowledge and skills are the path to a good life.
- There's no such thing as a "free lunch."
- If someone gives you something, they want something back.
- Be honest. Once you start telling lies it never ends.
- Don't carry anger with you. It is toxic weight to your soul.
"I'm very proud of my association with Boys' Village," said Jack. "I'm grateful for the chance it gave me to succeed."
Jack is one of several alumni of the Boys' Village Campus that attended a recent picnic where steps to formalize an alumni association were introduced. The official Alumni Association will be instrumental in recruiting members, planning events and assisting The Village Network according to Bob Maruna, Chair of the Alumni Committee.
"Our alumni are a powerful, influential source of inspiration to the youth currently living inside our residential campuses," said Bob. "They come from various walks of life and their successes are proof that positive change and responsible living work."
Alumni are encouraged to contact TVN at 330-263-0613 today for more information on the newly formed association and how to help.