07-May-2012 | Community Matters!

Sometimes in life you have experiences that humble you and make you stop and reflect. 

On May 4, 2012 Vicki Deighton and Rob Piane made a donation, on behalf of Deighton, to the J Ashburn Jr Youth Center. The youth center, located in Columbus, Ohio was founded in 1962 and is built on the strong ideals that enrich and cultivate the hearts and minds of youth, in a safe and nurturing environment.

Keith Neil, Vicki Deighton, Rob Piane

J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center’s Executive Director, Keith Neal, believes that comprehensive service programs at the youth center provide a vehicle for enhancing education and employment opportunities, helping youth set achievable and meaningful goals for their lives, and providing an infrastructure to develop decision making skills and foster empowered thinking and behaviors.

In order to meet the needs of the community, the Center provides comprehensive programs and services that connect youth to tutoring, homework help, advanced training, college preparation, college visits, employment training & opportunities; provide recreation and social skills; and improve occupational and literacy skills.

According to Ms. Deighton:

"Mr. Neal is one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met in my life. He works tirelessly at the center helping out the disadvantaged youth of his community. When I say tirelessly, I mean tirelessly. He has worked there, starting as the janitor, for over 34 years. He has never taken a sick day and has not taken a vacation in over 8 years. He works 7:30a.m. to 9:30p.m every day. He has this warmth about him that makes you want to stay and talk with him for hours. He cares for the kids in his community with a depth that is tangible. He is a faith based man who lives his faith. He doesn’t waste time talking about it he just does it. He is a prideful man and you can see it in every inch of the center..."

Deighton's support of individuals and organizations such as the J. Ashburn Youth Center is an important expression of our corporate values at work in the community. Deighton is proud to be associated with the J. Ashburn Youth Center and people like Keith Neal who make a difference in their community.