Board Chair
Manager, Undersea Technology Innovation Center
Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance
A Few Moments with Lee A. Silvestre, Board Chair, Boys Town New England
How did you find out about Boys Town New England?
I was introduced to Boys Town by Bob Holden of Raytheon. He was on the site's Board of Directors at the time, and knew I had a passion for helping children and their families. He had a track record of getting involved in initiatives that helped our state and region. He introduced me to Boys Town New England, helping me to understand the mission and getting to know the wonderful staff. I fell in love with the organization; my heart went out to the many children in need. The rest is history!
What drew you to Boys Town New England?
I love the Boys Town Model of commitment, caring and compassion, beginning at the top of the organization. The Executive Director, Bill Reardon, led with the conviction and determination that our children – all children – deserve to succeed in life. He lived his own life according to Boys Town's values, integrating foster children into his own loving family. Bill, along with a Board and staff of dedicated and passionate people, made me realize that I found the perfect way to give back to our community and to have our efforts count.
If you could work in any of our programs, which one would it be and why?
I would work as a Family-Teacher® in the Family Home Program. These children are facing some of life's darkest hours, finding themselves at the mercy of strangers. The Family Home Program and the Family-Teachers have an opportunity to provide not only physical safety and security to these children, but more importantly, emotional warmth and stability, helping them to start their journey of healing. Along the entire continuum of care, this program touches young lives and shapes a promising future more directly than any other program, by being an example of what a loving, caring and devoted family life should, and can, be.
In one sentence, describe Boys Town New England in your own words.
In times of need, Boys Town New England is the gold standard for how communities should care for their children and their families with love, compassion and commitment, today and for their future.
What would you like everyone to know about our local site, Boys Town New England?
Everyone should know about the broad reach of services and programs that help children and families in so many different ways. From our Family Home Program and Foster Care to Common Sense Parenting® and Family Reunification, Boys Town New England is working for the children and families of our community who need help the most.
What is your "Why"?
If not us, then who? If we care about our communities, the world today and the future of those who follow us, then those who are able have a moral obligation to help others in need. By lifting up our brothers and sisters, we lift up the community around us. We can make the world a better place, one child at a time. This is what Boys Town does, each and every day.
