Sandy Boys and her husband Joe first learned about the Young Center’s work through a webinar. Inspired by the organization’s commitment to keep children safe, with their families, and in communities, they continued to support the organization by consistently showing up, attending in-person advocacy events in New York and, more recently, participating in the Waymakers Mileage Challenge. While Joe passed earlier this year, Sandy continues to ensure his memory lives as a Waymaker.
Could you share a little bit about Joe and what inspired him? What were some things that he cared about?
Joe’s father, Colonel Richard C. Boys, USMA class of 1935, raised Joe and his sisters with the mantra “T.O.O.” or “Think Of Others”.
Joe, USMA class of 1961, believed in a life of service and was particularly supportive of refugees and immigrants, beginning with his 15 years working for the government in Southeast Asia from 1965-1980. In the 1980s, he supported the resettling of Khmer refugees in the US, hosting some in his home in Virginia while finding them services and jobs. From 2011-2014, we served as volunteer ESL teachers for rural high schools in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. When we returned to the US, we continued to teach students long distance. I still meet with our former students several times a month. We also volunteered as ESL teachers for immigrants from Myanmar, Korea and Latin American countries at Tompkins Learning Partners in Ithaca.
What initially drew you and Joe to the Young Center’s work?
I can’t recall how Joe first heard about the Young Center in 2019, but he was always connected to organizations that supported immigrants. We learned about the Young Center’s advocacy for immigrant children through their webinars and were inspired by their commitment to keeping children safe, with their families, in communities. We’ve been involved in migrant ministries at our churches andare very much concerned by what’s been happening in this country.
Since moving to Beacon, New York, in the summer of 2024, we’ve been able to get involved personally in actions in support of immigrants. For example, the Pack the Court Day of Action on September 4, 2025, and the Hands-Off NYC: Community Day of Action for Immigrant Kids in November.
Can you share more about your decision to sponsor the Waymakers challenge in memory of Joe? What does being a Waymaker mean to you?
While we may have been initially drawn to the Waymakers Challenge since we are runners, we learned that being a Waymaker meant running, not just for ourselves, but in solidarity with immigrant children and families. It has been a great way to make our family and friends aware of the history and mission of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights and to inspire them to fundraise and spread the word.
Do you have a favorite memory of Joe and the Young Center?
Two memories: Joe’s resolve to attend the hearing in Brooklyn to support the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) policy. And meeting the Young Center staff in person at the reception in New York City last October.
