Boys Town Washington

Movie Teaches D.C. Youth Persistence Pays

A man lies on a dirty bathroom floor in a subway station holding his son in his arms.

This scene from the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" touched Brenda, a Boys Town Washington, D.C., youth, during a special movie event June 20.

"It was sad seeing him have to sleep on the floor with his son," said Brenda, one of 40 Boys Town Washington, D.C., youth who watched the movie, "but he kept trying and trying and eventually he made his dreams come true."

The movie event, sponsored by Partners for Good, is part of a continuing effort by Boys Town to teach severely at-risk youth the value of persistence, determination and healthy relationships in pursuit of their dreams.

Partners for Good, founded by Heidi Seiffert, Boys Town Corporate Fundraising Consultant, helped make the event extra special, transforming the Short-Term Assessment Center's training room into a movie theater, complete with a large movie screen, a popcorn machine, pizza and refreshments.

"The presentation that Partners for Good put on for us exceeded our expectations," said Lyn Corbett, Boys Town Washington, D.C., Executive Director. "The kids did an outstanding job exhibiting appropriate behaviors. They were fully engaged and attentive, and showed great appreciation to our guests. We couldn't have asked for more."

After the movie, youth wrote letters to Will Smith, the actor who starred as the persistent father, Chris Gardner. In the letters, the kids thanked him for making the movie and told how it inspired them. The letters also included a request for Smith to visit in person.

In one of the youth's letters written to Smith, Don wrote: "God was testing Chris to see if he could stay humble through trials and tribulations. He could have taken the easy path by leaving his son, but instead decided to stick by him."

And just like the movies, Boys Town youth are learning to persevere through their own trials to realize their dreams.