About the Founder

The Maynard Family

Brother Buddy Maynard was born and raised in Mentor, Ohio - 20 miles N.E. of Cleveland. Brother Maynard's parents were very involved in church, and he received a solid foundation, with strong family and Biblical values. At the age of 8 years old, he was born again by the Spirit of God. God called Brother Maynard to preach when he was 17.

After graduating from High School, Brother Maynard attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministries/Youth. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1985, and served his entire eight years at Tyndall AFB, Florida. In mid-1986, he met Christina Givens at church. Christina was raised in a good, Christian home and trusted Christ at the age of 7. During her teenage years, she surrendered to God's will for her life and to full-time Christian service. In May of 1988 (two years after they met), they were married.

During the next 5 years, God prepared them for the ministry, allowing them to serve as: Youth Pastor; Music Minister; in Visitation, Jail and Juvenile Ministries. Brother Maynard separated from the Air Force in September, 1993 to establish a full-time ministry to troubled youth. It was then that Brother Maynard, along with his wife Chris, founded Truth for Troubled Youth Ministries as a non-profit local church ministry to provide ministry and services to area juvenile detention facilities. In 1995, the Heritage Boys Academy opened it's doors.