Tyrus Thomas is quietly revolutionizing youth development in Winchester, Virginia. As president of both the Youth Development Center (YDC) and Winchester Rising Stars, his visionary leadership has transformed these organizations while maintaining their core mission of community service.
The conversation begins with exciting news about YDC's relocation to downtown Winchester at 302 South Loudoun Street (the former Perk Fitness building). This strategic move solves one of their biggest challenges—accessibility. "For a while, it was just always a challenge to try to get a bus out to our location," Tyrus explains. Now centrally located, the facility provides walkable access for youth throughout the community, particularly those without transportation options.
What makes Tyrus's approach remarkable is his balanced vision of both youth development and community building. The YDC has evolved from solely youth programming to becoming a true community center offering activities for all ages. While maintaining a "youth first" philosophy, they've expanded to include programs like pickleball and tai chi for seniors alongside e-sports, art classes, and basketball for young people. This intergenerational approach strengthens community bonds while maximizing their impact.
Fundraising innovation has been another hallmark of Tyrus's leadership. Their signature "Pig and Pork" bourbon tasting event demonstrates how adult-focused fundraising can coexist with youth programming, creating a family-friendly environment that doubled their revenue simply by virtue of their downtown location. These resources directly support making programs affordable and accessible to all income levels.
Beyond his YDC work, Tyrus manages an impressive portfolio of personal businesses—including a vending machine company, lawn care service, party bus rental, and auto detailing—while coaching basketball at Handley High School. This entrepreneurial spirit infuses his nonprofit leadership with practical business acumen.
Perhaps most inspiring is Tyrus's collaborative philosophy. "I ain't gotta be the smartest person in the world," he reflects, "I just gotta be around people who are just as smart or smarter than me." This humility has fostered partnerships with organizations like Hood Love and Teams Inc., creating a support network far more powerful than any single organization could provide.
Looking for ways to support your community's youth? Visit the Youth Development Center downtown or consider volunteering with one of the many partner organizations making Winchester a better place for all generations.
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Intro and Outro music credit to Wooka Da Don
