Fort Myers man gives back to the place he found his passion

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

In life, there are those people we hold close, and the places that bring us together.

For Josh Edwards, those people are in Fort Myers, and that place is the non-profit he was practically raised in.

Growing up as a club kid, Josh was at the Boys and Girls Club on Joust Street most weeks. He loved it so much that one day, he took an entry-level job.

"It kind of planted a seed like, 'OK, this is what I like, this is what I'm used to," Edwards said.

Eleven years later, Edwards has worked his way up to director. He's also worked his way into the hearts of those who call him "Mr. Josh."

"'Mr. Josh, can you please do this lesson with me?' Or, 'Let's go outside and shoot some hoops,'" Edwards said. "Them wanting to be around me daily kind of pushed me like, alright, this is my passion."

Edwards isn't just passionate about making these kids smile or teaching them how to school him in a game of fuse ball. He's on a mission to teach them who to become.

"The real world is real," Edwards said. "So, giving them the steps they need to navigate through it is my ultimate goal."

Kids like Aubriana Taylor need those steps. She's gone through more than any kid should.

Months ago, when Aubriana learned her dad was going to prison, it left her at a loss for words. Still, she can't help but express how it left her feeling.

"Angry," Aubriana said. "I didn't know why he went to prison."

Since then, Edwards has spent many days mentoring Aubriana.

He's cheered her on through every win.

"Shining light, she's a leader," Edwards said.

He's brought joy in the midst of her pain. What means the most to Aubriana is that she can count on him and the club to be there.

"They cared," Edwards said. "They all cared."

Edwards proves that any opportunity we have to be a bright light in someone's life is an opportunity to make our lives better, too.

"I'm grateful for the kids," Edwards said. "I'm also grateful for myself, right, to be who I am. That someone can look at me and say he's a role model. He's someone I want to truly be like when I'm older."

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