TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Josh Project is preparing to mark 20 years since the death of John Joshua Butts, which inspired its founding, with plans to expand water safety programming across Ohio.
The Josh Project was created in 2007 by Wanda Butts, one year after her son drowned on Aug. 6, 2006. Since then, the organization has taught more than 5,000 children how to swim.
“When I hear Josh’s name, I just think about his smile and his laughter,” said Larry Butts, Josh’s cousin and the organization’s executive director.
Pathway programs connect kids to long-term swim training
Larry Butts said the organization has grown significantly over the past year, adding structured pathway programs that connect graduates of its introductory courses to partner organizations for continued training…