Honoring the unsung heroes in our lives
January 13, 2022
By Jeff Becraft
A lot of people think that I am the founder of Youth Corps but that is not true. A guy by the name of Grayson Hartgrove is the founder. I was simply the first employee (recruited by Grayson).
Grayson has never sought recognition or expected any sort of special attention. He has been content to be involved and work behind the scenes.
He is an unsung hero.
I have learned a lot from Grayson… about development, about the nonprofit world, and certainly a lot about entrepreneurship (even implementing some of it into my own family). Working with him, I personally saw just how difficult it was to start a nonprofit.
On my computer, there is a list that’s titled: “Lessons I learned from Grayson.” His heart and compassion to help others and to see other’s lives lifted up and made better is second to none.
There are all kinds of unsung heroes in our lives, in our businesses, in our organizations, in our community, and in our society. They are mostly unseen by others. But they are part of the chain reaction that winds up having the impact… the impact that people actually do see.
Grayson was like the first particle shot down an atom splitter… or a cue ball crashing into a rack of other balls… that then collided with others and went spreading everywhere, having an impact wherever they went. Because of his vision, his tireless work, and his self-sacrifice, there are hundreds of lives that are different and they in turn are influencing thousands of lives, some even on a world level. Even though most never saw or knew the heart and soul he put into Youth Corps (and other causes), his role has been invaluable.
So, Grayson… this is for you… and all the unsung heroes. Those whom people don’t see but who have an extremely important role in the final outcome of things.
It is a great day to honor the unsung heroes in our lives and organizations!
Jeff Becraft is the Director Emeritus for Youth Corps and has dedicated much of his life to helping shift the vision of people’s lives. Youth Corps is a life-changing leadership development experience that inspires high school students to be leaders in the Midlands and beyond. You can connect with Jeff at [email protected].
