West Blvd Ministry’s 1st Annual Beach Trip was filled with incredible first time experiences. Seeing the ocean for the first time, swimming, boogey boarding, riding in golf carts are just a few of the memories that will shape these children’s future. We thank God for all the blessings that were bestowed upon us this week and for keeping us safe. Forever grateful for the prayers & support that made this a reality.
West Blvd Ministry is grateful for the men & women of CMPD Freedom Division. Expanding the BBQ for Blue Program in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to those enforcing law and order in our city. Thank you to our CMPD Family who selflessly serve us every day.
West Blvd Ministry does not only speak life, but we walk through it with our WBM Stars. Our Stars, along with our friend Jeremy from Athlete By Design, created a floral arrangement for their Moms for Mother’s Day. They also wrote a heartfelt note. Thank you to Harris Teeter Park Road for being a part of this event.
West Blvd Ministry, Vizion Church and Common Wealth Charlotte came together for our first Neighborhood Cookout of the season at Jackson Apartments. It was beautiful in so many ways. We’re building bridges and investing into our relationships with the resident’s. Kingdom come!
West Blvd Ministry & Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill came together for prayer, fellowship, taco fiesta, piñatas, arts & crafts, games and prizes at Gracie’s House. This is how God intends it to be, the Kingdom come.
What an incredible Tuesday evening for our WBM Stars Program. We started the session off by running a timed mile at JCSU in preparation for the Let Me Run 5K at the end of May. Upon returning to Gracie’s House, each Star received a new bike, helmet & lock. Our Healthy Lifestyle Initiative is gaining momentum. We would like to thank our Team for making tonight a reality.
We celebrated our 25th BBQ for Blue with the men and women of CMPD Westover. West Blvd Ministry’s BBQ For Blue Program is an opportunity to support, encourage and fellowship with CMPD on a monthly basis, consistency builds bridges.
West Blvd Ministry & Vizion Church’s Bible Study Bingo for April was another spirit filled evening of sharing the gospel, food, fellowship and of course Bingo. We’re grateful for all our Team that shows up to live it out!
Talk about an experience. Grateful for our friend, Will Kunkel, and the Team at Fox 46 Queen City News for a behind the scenes tour. We even got on the news at the end to close out the evenings broadcast. Once again, West Blvd Ministry’s all about expanding the minds and hearts of the young men we walk with.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank the Callaway & Top Golf Teams for an incredible evening of golf, fellowship and food. It’s always a blessing to provide our young men with every opportunity available to grow individually and as a group.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars enjoyed their second Charlotte Checkers hockey game this season. We had a night of fellowship, new experiences, cheering, dancing, and forever memories. Grateful for our team and all of our friends that make moments like this possible.
We would like to thank God for the opportunity to break bread & fellowship with the men and women of the CMPD Freedom Divison today. West Blvd Ministry looks to expand our reach into other Charlotte CMPD Divisons with our BBQ For Blue Program while still keeping up with our monthly event at Gracie’s House. Today was amazing!
West Blvd Ministry’s humbled by all of our friends who made our 5 YEAR Anniversary Celebration an amazing evening, acknowledging what God has done, is doing and will do in the future. Thank you Midnight Mulligan Brewery Team for the incredible service, food & environment.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank our friends at Callaway Golf & Topgolf for introducing golf to the boys in our Stars mentoring program. The lesson, fellowship, food, service, smiles and overall experience was amazing. Looking forward to the next time. Grateful to Callaway Golf supporting our mission.
West Blvd Ministry’s honored to be West Charlotte High Schools Lion PRIDE Champion Community Partner of the Year 2021-2022. Thank you to all of our WBM Team for their hard work, prayers & financial support. Together, we ARE making an impact.
West Blvd Ministry went out on the town for dinner, the Hornets vs Wizards game & fellowship. We’re grateful for all the support from our friends that make a special night like this possible for the boys in our mentoring program.
Talk about Heaven on Earth! Thank you to our friends at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill for the incredible Thanksgiving feast at Gracie’s House. We were one big joyful family, just as God intends it to be.
West Blvd Ministry had the privilege of touring & having intentional conversations around academics at Duke University on Tuesday. The East and West Campus, Atheletic Facilities and Dining Halls were amazing. Expanding hearts and minds.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank Steel Fab Inc. for the opportunity to spend Sunday evening at the Knights vs Syracuse Mets game. Having a suite experience with dinner & dessert , is a memory we will never forget. Grateful for the ongoing friendship and support of the Steel Fab Inc. family.
West Blvd Ministry partnered with CMPD Freedom Divison and Knothole Foundation Back To School Celebration at the Tuckaseegee Dream Fields. Partners & friends from all over the City were on hand to make today special for over 600 children. Food, games and fellowship created a positive environment as the 2022/23 school year is about to begin.
Thank you #44 & Family for the support of West Blvd Ministry’s BBQ For Blue today at Gracie’s House. Another amazing day of prayer, fellowship, food and fun. May the Lord our God continue to cover the men and women of CMPD. Building bridges, pathways and friendships. Also, would like to thank Bossy Beaulah’s, phenomenal food.
Talk about an experience! Today West Blvd Ministry & some of our WBM Stars had a behind the scenes tour of the Atheletic facilities at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Big Thanks to WBM Teammate Norwood Teague for organizing and UNC-CH very own Rick Steinbacher for the tour. #deandome #kenanfootball #carmichael
What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ our King. Today’s Neighborhood Cookout at Jackson Apartments was absolutely amazing. We look forward with anticipation as West Blvd Ministry & Vizion Church continues to pour into this Latino and Hispanic Community off West Blvd. Grateful for all of our Team that showed up today to live the gospel out. #westblvdministry #vizionchurch #steelfabinc #ymcastratford #cmpdwestover
West Blvd Ministry is blessed to have had the opportunity today to provide, prepare & serve the West Charlotte High School Special Education Class for their year end Cookout. Made a lot of new friends today and for that, we’re grateful. This is one of many ways we try to support and participate with our neighbors. If you have an idea or an organization that could benefit from our partnership please let us know.
We would like to congratulate Tamela Tillman as this year’s recipient of the RFS Memorial Scholarship presented by West Blvd Ministry. We were very impressed with her story and your interview. Tamela was noticeable nervous during the in person final phase. She mentioned one of her passions is singing. Similar to American Idol, Bart asked her to sing us something. The nerves left her immediately and she did a beautiful, short rendition of Amazing Grace. A truly impressive and memorable moment.
Like many other students, the journey through Covid had challenged Tamela greatly. We are confident she will make her community proud and we are pleased to recognize her.
The Roger F Switzer scholarship is $2000 and awarded annually. The inspiration is Roger F Switzer who was career public servant who wanted his life to be a ministry of service and love. This mission has been embraced by his children and grandchildren. The gesture of a scholarship is to honor the man and deliver on that commitment. We want the award to go to a recipient who demonstrates good character, scholastic commitment and involvement in their community. This year the eligible schools were extended to West Charlotte and Berry Academy
West Blvd Ministry was honored to sponsor the West Charlotte High School 4Q Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. God continues to provide opportunities for us to cultivate intentional relationships throughout West Charlotte and beyond. Grateful for the partnership with Chick-fil-A Park Road, Tami Porter and her CF Team are phenomenal.
West Blvd Ministry’s been blessed to have the opportunity of finding 2 homes for a few cars that were donated to West Blvd Ministry this month. God continues to move in an intentional manner to provide support for the families and communities we serve through our Team. If you have a used but reliable vehicle, let us match with an individual in need. Contact us.
The Basketball Court transformation project at Jackson Apartments is complete. Never under estimate the power of small gestures which yield exponential returns. The ripple effect is very real. This project provides a safe place for the children to play and exercise. Grateful for the West Blvd Ministry Team for making this makeover a reality. Look forward to hooping it up with the children. Soccer Goals are next. God is so good!!
Grateful to have the opportunity to cheer the Lady Lions to a Victory over West Mecklenburg tonight at West Charlotte. The West Blvd Ministry Team helped purchase new uniforms for the West Charlotte Lady Lions Team this year. Our founder pictured with Coach Reggie and the Lady Lions.
Through the support and love of our West Blvd Ministry Team we were able to distribute 100’s of gifts on Christmas Day at Stonewall Jackson, Little Rock Apartments, Parker Heights & 1705 Apartments. Had a Team of over 20 volunteers that spread the message of hope to the community we serve. This Christmas, West Blvd Ministry served over 1000 children.
Let’s keep this going through 2022. Contact us to learn about ways you can help
To God be the glory!
The West Blvd Ministry Women’s Bible Study meets every Monday to pray, share & encourage one another. They pray steadfastly for the safety & well-being of our children throughout the West Blvd corridor.
Thank you to all of our West Blvd Ministry Team that made Christmas at RWSA possible. Through your efforts we were able to provide Christmas for 700 students & 120 Faculty and Administration. The day was full of smilies, hugs & hope. #wbmteam #hopedealer #jesusisthereason
Byron Ruff is the Youth Program Manager for West Blvd Ministry. Born in Chicago, IL, moved to Charlotte in 2005, Byron is married to his college sweetheart Dr. LaTacia Ruff whom they are the parents to 3 talented children, Imani, Alaiyah and Bryon.
Attending Eastern Illinois University on a football scholarship, majoring in Early Childhood Development & Child Psychology; Byron ultimately withdrew from enrollment at the conclusion of his sophomore year after becoming a teenage parent. His personal experiences has created a strong desire to impart wisdom to youth traveling the same road of navigating life, academic success, and athletic prowess. The passion that he exhibits for the youth stems from wanting to provide direction that will assist in preventing them from making similar mistakes he fell victim to.
With extensive experience of building and implementing a programs that help youth become mentally poised, better prepared and spiritually grounded for various challenges that arise in the lives of the youth. Byron is an effective communicator able to employ years of training honed in the corporate setting as a licensed stock broker to collaborate, motivate, and energize youth in the community.
Amongst many roles, Byron will be supporting students, their families and teachers as an extra layer of structure, accountability and support for a host of male students in which West Blvd Ministry impacts and connects with on a consistent basis. Byron is excited to serve on the West Corridor and beyond!
Football and fellowship
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank CPI Security for the opportunity to cheer our Carolina Panthers to a WIN over the Saints. We all had a blast and came away with so many memories. West Blvd Ministry and CPI Security, partnering to make a lasting impact throughout Charlotte’s inner city.
-Distributed 200 Backpacks to our neighbors
Wow!! What an amazing day of fellowship at our Neighborhood Cookout in Little Rock Apartments. Jesus was at work in so many ways. Grateful for all of our volunteers and partnerships that showed up in a big way. Carolina Metro Reds, CMPD Westover, YMCA Stratford, Vizion Church, Redemption Church, Stop The Killing Organization, Steel Fab Inc. #wbmteam #hopedealer #jesus #littlerock
West Blvd Ministry supported Ms.Beverly in her desire to distribute hygiene supplies to families throughout the West Blvd corridor. We had an outpouring of support from the WBM Team, Women of Waypoint Church and Henry Shein Company. In all, over 300 personal hygiene kits were handed out. Another victory for Jesus.
The WBM family would like to congratulate Xavier Brown, a 2021 graduate of Harding University High School, for being the 2021 recipient of the Roger F Switzer scholarship presented by West Blvd Ministry.
Xavier will be attending North Carolina A&T University to study. He is recognized as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, Additionally, elected as one of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s top academic African-American high school seniors and featured in The Charlotte Post Foundation’s Top Senior 2021 Commemorative Edition publication in May 2021
The scholarship committee chose Xavier based on his excellent application and a compelling interview. We were especially impressed by his essay (“Faith in my Education”) and testimony. He is an active member in many ministries in his church (education, audio/video, youth choir). We hope this recognition will support him in his studies.
The goal of this annual gift is to recognize a student from Harding High and highlight the mission of WBM. In 2022 we plan to extend the reach of this recognition to the other schools in the corridor.It is a memoriam to Roger F Switzer, a career public servant who wanted his life to be a ministry of service and love. The gesture of a scholarship is to honor the man and deliver on that commitment. We want the award to go to a recipient who demonstrates good character, scholastic commitment and involvement in their community.
