The heart of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation is relationships.
Our staff, volunteers, and apprentices forge new paths toward the future and, in the process, transform each others’ lives. Together, our stories show the bonds we develop and positive changes we create for the entire community.
Apprentice Stories
APPRENTICE HIGHLIGHT
Darrel Brown, Apprentice Graduate 2016
In March of 2016, Darrel Brown had been kicked out of an independent living program where he lived following his release from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. The consequence of being kicked out of the independent living program would have been a year at an adult detention center since Darrel was in violation of his parole. However, because of the grace of his parole officer, Darrel was referred to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation and entered the Apprentice Program shortly thereafter.
In Darrel’s own words, this would be one of the most pivotal and important experiences of his life, an experience he is grateful for every moment of any given day.
I have a few memorable moments that made an impact on my life at Seaport. The most important being, the late John “Jigger” Harper teaching me how to drive. I am forever thankful for John’s contribution to my life because he trusted me with one his most valuable possessions, his car. He didn’t know me from a can of paint, but he believed in me enough and trusted me with his vehicle for the betterment of my future. Not to mention he made teaching how to parallel park look easy and I am very appreciative because it is one of the most useful skills to have living in the crowded DMV area. Even more memorable was his home baked cornbread that he’d bring for the apprentices every morning. On days where I was running late and couldn’t grab breakfast. I knew I could always count on his cornbread to stop my hunger.
Working with at risk youth has forever been a passion of mine. Especially, because I was one myself growing up. I know how essential it is for a young Black man like myself to have a positive male role model to look up to. I honestly feel that If I had positive role model that was invested into seeing me succeed for the betterment of my future, I wouldn’t have made the mistakes I’ve made. I’ve been to every juvenile detention center in each jurisdiction of the DMV, but had I had someone in my life to mentor me, support me, and overall care about me, my path would’ve been totally different. I aspire to be what I lacked for at risk youth, a positive role model who can inspire those in need to maximize their full potential in life.
Currently, I am a job coach for individuals with disabilities at Service Source. In the fall of 2022, I will be receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. I will not only be the first in my family to attend college, but the first to obtain a degree as well. If it weren’t for the seeds planted in me by the numerous mentors at Seaport, I’m not sure if I’d be in the position that I’m in today. The Seaport Foundation is comprised of people who believed in me more than I believed in myself, which became the driving force that I needed to maximize my full potential.
Darrel is poised to finish his Bachelor’s Degree and serves on the Seaport Foundation Board of Directors.
Matt Hommell, Apprentice Graduate 2018
Matt graduated from the Apprentice Program in February of 2018. He was immediately hired by the Tall Ship Providence Foundation and traveled to Maine to work as a carpenter on the Providence’s restoration. Matt loves working on historic boats and is planning to move to Maine permanently.
Rey Suazo, Apprentice Graduate 2018
Rey graduated from the Apprentice Program in mid-2018 and landed a full-time job at Teel Construction, where he works currently. Rey is considering his next steps, which may include the US Marines or college.
Veshean Brown, Apprentice Graduate 2018
Veshean graduated from the Apprentice Program at the end of 2018 and began a culinary training program with DC Kitchen. Veshean plans to become a chef.
Diante Pollard, Apprentice Graduate 2018
Upon graduating from the Apprentice Program in mid-2018, Diante was hired by Scott Management to learn trade skills in the building maintenance field. He continues to work with Scott Management.
In Memoriam—Bill Hunley
photo by Angela Anderson
Bill Hunley passed away in February, 2020, at the Waterford home he built almost 50 years ago. For those who knew Bill, you know that ASF wouldn’t exist without Bill’s work. In May of 1992, Bill and I sat down for lunch at the Fish Market restaurant, never really having spoken before. Within the time of that lunch, we sketched out on place mats the path of ASF’s “Boat Building School” which we followed for the next 5 years. Bill knew how to plan. He’d been the Chief Naval Architect of the U.S. Navy. By ’92, he was fully invested in volunteer work to help the community. As part of that effort, he was serving as a member of ASF’s Board of Directors, and later was Chair when we really got things rolling. It was Bill’s idea to work with the youths who could benefit from building and sailing a boat.
Bill could build just about anything. And, either through his work or his interests he just about did. Aircraft carriers, deep-sea submersibles, black powder rifles, houses, stringed musical instruments, fly fishing equipment, book binding, and printing. Along with being kind, generous and good natured, he was wickedly smart. When we would launch a boat we’d just built, we’d have a contest. Who could get closest to marking the actual waterline where the boat would float? Bill always won. After about the fifth boat, we figured out that he wasn’t guessing. I remember asking him about this. His response was basically, “Oh no. I just figure out the weights of what went into the boat and its underwater volume. It’s not guessing. It’s a simple calculation.” Simple for some…
Born in 1925 into a boat building and farming family in Mathews County, Virginia. Living through being a lead scout in Patton’s army in World War Two. Having an incredibly stimulating career. Marrying Carol and having two daughters he couldn’t have loved more. Bill led an amazing life. His last year, he wanted to get out and build something, or grow the garden, but he wasn’t physically able. However when we’d get together, he’d always say how much he had enjoyed the work we’d done together at ASF.
It’s been the privilege of my life to have known him, worked with him and had him for a friend. There have been few people more influential to me. Hundreds if not thousands of (then) young people owe Bill a good part of their future. He didn’t need their acknowledgement. He was just happy to have done the work.
-Joe Youcha
The Seaport Foundation’s work is enriched through volunteers of all kinds. Learn more about how you can get engaged.