The shy boy who first walked through the doors of Jordan Boys & Girls Club couldn’t have known he was taking his first steps toward a lifetime of service. But for Josh Alves-Depina, that tentative entrance marked the beginning of a journey that would take him from the streets of Chelsea to military service in Japan, and eventually back home with a deepened commitment to his community.
Josh was raised by a strong and inspiring single mother, Ivonilde “Vony” Alves, whose own dedication to service would shape not only her son’s life but countless others in their community. For Josh, the Boys & Girls Club wasn’t just an after-school program—it was a sanctuary that provided guidance, mentorship, and a deep sense of belonging, all of which played a crucial role in shaping his values and his life’s mission of service.
“I remember feeling scared and out of place that first day,” Josh recalls. “But something changed the moment I stepped inside.” The Club offered a safe space away from the challenges of Chelsea’s streets, giving him a sense of security and belonging. “They saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself,” Josh reflects.
Staff members were not only mentors but also role models who believed in him and treated every child as family. One such mentor, Josh Kraft, Executive Director of the Jordan Boys & Girls Club, helped break through Alves-Depina’s initial shyness, connecting with him over their shared name and engaging him in conversations that made him feel valued. This early bond, along with the camaraderie of other staff and members, empowered Josh to open up, build friendships, and, most importantly, see himself as part of a larger, Club community.
Through the Boys & Girls Club, Josh developed a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. The Club’s philosophy of “changing one kid at a time” resonated with him and planted the seeds of service in his heart. He saw the Club as a place that nurtured not only academic and social skills but also the value of giving back and helping others The experiences and mentorship inspired him to seek ways to serve his own community, ultimately leading to his military enlistment.
Joining the military was a natural progression for Josh. Motivated by a sense of duty and driven by the desire to protect and serve, he found fulfillment in contributing to something bigger than himself. The Club’s impact on his life was so profound that even when he was stationed in Japan almost 7,000 miles away from home, he still leaned on values he had learned at the Jordan Boys & Girls Club to guide him forward.
Josh Alves–Depina’s, Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club Alumni and United States Airforce Veteran
After completing his military service, Josh returned home to his roots, still inspired by the Boys & Girls Club’s core mission. Today, as he prepares for the next chapter of his journey as a firefighter, he sees a direct line from those early days at the Club to his continued commitment to protecting and serving others. “The greatest joy in life comes from helping others,” Josh explains. “That’s something I learned at the Club.”
Josh’s story is a testament to the profound influence a supportive community and positive role models can have on a young person’s life. The Boys & Girls Club provided Josh with not only a safe haven but also a foundation of values and purpose. As he looks to the future, Josh continues to embody the Club’s spirit of community, resilience, and service, paying forward the guidance and love he received to the next generation.
Through his life, Josh Alves-Depina exemplifies how a nurturing community can shape individuals who go on to impact countless lives, proving that places like the Boys & Girls Club are invaluable for the young people they serve and the communities they help build.
