Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Boquet.
Hi Todd, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was in prison from the age of 23 to 32. In 2018, ten days after my 30th birthday, my wife and three children were killed in a fatal car crash. After that accident, I had lost all hope, all direction, and my will to live on. Somehow… I managed day by day. Then, in August 2021, I met the most beautiful and sweet woman online. Two weeks later, I drove from where I was working at the time, West Texas, all the way to L.A. and proposed to her that very day i arrived. She said yes! Her and I are now married with two children of our own and two children that I have adopted as my own.
In 2022, I began volunteering with The Compton Initiative. A few months later, I was asked to work at The Initiative full time. I am now the Director and have been here for two years.
Obviously, there’s so many more details to this story, but this is just a synopsis.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road? What’s that? lol
No, the road has been paved with grief, heartache, pain, tremendous obstacles, and great risks. I honestly never felt I had an advantage in life. Everything, every day, as long as I can remember has been very difficult.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Director of The Compton Initiative, a community based NPO that has served the City of Compton for nearly 20 years. I specialize in cleaning and beautifying the city. I’m most known for my southern accent and my cheerful smile. I’m most proud of my genuine desire to help others. I have no ulterior motives; what you see is who I am all the time. What sets me apart from others is I am not from here, I talk differently, behave differently, and I treat people differently than most others are used to out here. People tell me I’m a breath of fresh air.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I enjoyed fishing and hunting. I spent most of my free time in the swamp. I was very troubled though. I was a kid who never felt valued or appreciated. I always did my best to fit in, so I grew up often pretending to be someone else just so I could feel like I belonged or so I wouldn’t feel like I didn’t belong.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justdogood.org
- Youtube: The Compton Initiative
Image Credits
The Compton Initiative
