Jon Stojan
Image credit: Big Homie Foundation Day, proclamation from the county
San Antonio is known to be one of the dirtiest cities in the country. Here, Kenneth Thomas is turning tables and building a life – a community for the elderly and youth – with his cleanup nonprofit organization Big Homie Inc. Known in the music world as Ruffin Thomas, he grew up as a military child, experiencing a tumultuous upbringing that saw him shuttled between family members due to his troublesome behavior. Originally from San Diego, Kenneth’s journey took him to Macon Georgia, and eventually San Antonio, Texas, where his life took a significant turn.
Kenneth’s childhood was marked by frequent run-ins with the law and a stint in the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), the state’s juvenile penitentiary system. Reflecting on this period, he acknowledges that his time in juvenile prison was pivotal, instilling in him the discipline and resolve to change his path. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t experience most of that,” he says.
The series of events that occurred took him to this new path. While Kenneth was playing basketball in his neighborhood, police arrested him for failing to produce an ID – an incident rooted more in the area’s neglect than any wrongdoing on his part. After his release, he realized the dire need for a cleaner and safer environment. “There was this kid making angels in the mud while it rained, and we saw a needle next to him, a bright orange-tipped needle, something that could’ve hurt him. That was the moment I knew we needed to clean up the community.”
Despite the area’s cleanup being budgeted for by the county, it had been neglected. In 2012, Kenneth organized a community cleanup, drawing the attention of county commissioners who were supposed to maintain the area. This cleanup was the catalyst for the formation of Big Homie Inc. “After the cleanup, county commissioners reached out to me, and that started the nonprofit journey,” he says.
Big Homie was originally founded by Kenneth Thomas, Adam Washington, Micheaux Braddy and Danny Harrell to address the challenges faced by the elderly in San Antonio’s Ashbrook community; and to aid the elderly who need support. This then expanded to encouraging youth to thrive. “Our core mission is to create role models for vulnerable youth, inspiring them to become active members of their community,” Kenneth explains.
The organization has faced significant hurdles, particularly in garnering community support and financial backing. However, Kenneth’s dedication and the visible impact of his work have slowly but surely rallied community members to his cause. One of the significant challenges he highlights is the lack of functional recreational facilities and community programs. “If the attention were there, if there were things for people to do in that area, there would be less crime,” he asserts.
Since its inception, Big Homie has expanded its reach, establishing similar initiatives in other areas. While Kenneth does not start these extensions personally, he supports those who share his vision under the Big Homie umbrella. “We try to extend our help wherever we can,” he says.
Kenneth’s ultimate goal is to create a network of support that extends beyond San Antonio. He is already in discussions with individuals in Houston and has received support from the Huey P. Long Foundation. His plans include organizing more community events, facilitating job searches for youth, and creating educational programs that offer both knowledge and financial incentives.
The founder further emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the success of this nonprofit. “If I’m doing a cleanup, I need volunteers, caterers, resources, and so on. Without those key parts, I can’t host an event and make the impact I’d like to,” he says. The foundation currently relies on social media and word of mouth for outreach, with a website in progress to facilitate better communication and engagement.
As Big Homie Inc. continues to grow, Kenneth remains focused on his core mission: to help youth become valued citizens and leaders in their communities. His work, which earned him a proclamationfrom the county in 2013, is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and community effort.
Big Homie, proclamation from the county
Kenneth Thomas sums up his mission succinctly: “My main goal is to offer people a real community with accessible resources and a positive culture. I want to reduce the number of people living negatively in stressful environments.” And his advice for anyone looking to make a difference? “You have to put in the effort for change to work.” Big Homie Inc. wishes they could have the continuous support of the county to accomplish more than it is currently achieving.
Through Big Homie Inc., Kenneth Thomas is planting seeds of change, nurturing them with care and persistence, and watching as they grow into a stronger, more united community.