our mission
Who We Are
Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids exists to support underprivileged and at-risk youth who show the desire to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. We focus especially on youth from single parent households, foster youth and young people facing unique family challenges, providing opportunities that help them build confidence, character, and life skills.
We work alongside local charitable organizations, businesses, and community partners to develop meaningful programs and supportive environments where youth can discover their strengths and pursue a brighter future.
Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids exists to support underprivileged and at-risk youth who show the desire to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. We focus especially on youth from single parent households, foster youth and young people facing unique family challenges, providing opportunities that help them build confidence, character, and life skills.
We work alongside local charitable organizations, businesses, and community partners to develop meaningful programs and supportive environments where youth can discover their strengths and pursue a brighter future.
|
history
Why I Started Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids I still remember being eight years old, sitting on a bus headed to summer camp with 20 other kids. I was leaving my “normal” life in Newbury Park behind for the first time, and I was scared — though I would never have let the other kids know it. I felt uncertain, out of place, and completely on my own. Looking back more than 50 years later, I often ask myself what helped shape me into the person I became. How did I grow into someone capable of handling life’s challenges, becoming independent, and building a family? What helped me get through the setbacks, poor decisions, and difficult moments that come with growing up? |
Some of what shaped me came from my own choices. Some of it came from circumstances beyond my control — where I was born, who I was surrounded by, and the opportunities I was given. Somewhere along the way, I learned that setting meaningful goals, working a little harder than expected, and surrounding myself with positive influences could lead to a life filled with purpose, love, and stability.
Not every child grows up with those same advantages or support systems. Many young people, especially those facing difficult family situations, never get the chance to step outside their everyday environment and discover who they could become.
That realization led to the creation of Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids.
We believe growth often begins when a young person is given the opportunity to step outside their “normal” surroundings — whether that’s through summer camp, mentorship, service, or life-skills development. These experiences help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of possibility.
Our journey began in 2016 with a simple idea through Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce: “Send a Kid to Summer Camp.” We identified children who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to attend camp and sponsored them. That effort continues today as part of a broader mission — helping youth develop through meaningful experiences that shape character and expand horizons.
Life doesn’t come with a clear instruction manual, but there is a path toward a fulfilling and hopeful future. Learning that “blueprint” starts at birth and continues for a lifetime. Our role is to help young people discover the tools, support, and encouragement they need to write their own story.
Not every child grows up with those same advantages or support systems. Many young people, especially those facing difficult family situations, never get the chance to step outside their everyday environment and discover who they could become.
That realization led to the creation of Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids.
We believe growth often begins when a young person is given the opportunity to step outside their “normal” surroundings — whether that’s through summer camp, mentorship, service, or life-skills development. These experiences help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of possibility.
Our journey began in 2016 with a simple idea through Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce: “Send a Kid to Summer Camp.” We identified children who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to attend camp and sponsored them. That effort continues today as part of a broader mission — helping youth develop through meaningful experiences that shape character and expand horizons.
Life doesn’t come with a clear instruction manual, but there is a path toward a fulfilling and hopeful future. Learning that “blueprint” starts at birth and continues for a lifetime. Our role is to help young people discover the tools, support, and encouragement they need to write their own story.
Statement of Faith
Statement of Faith
We believe that God, as revealed in the Bible, is the source of all life and truth. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our mission to serve others with love, compassion, and humility. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek God’s wisdom through prayer and strive to reflect Christ’s example in all we do.
We believe every person is created in the image of God and is worthy of dignity, respect, and care. Through our service, relationships, and actions, we aim to share hope and reflect the transforming love of Christ in our community.
We believe that God, as revealed in the Bible, is the source of all life and truth. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our mission to serve others with love, compassion, and humility. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek God’s wisdom through prayer and strive to reflect Christ’s example in all we do.
We believe every person is created in the image of God and is worthy of dignity, respect, and care. Through our service, relationships, and actions, we aim to share hope and reflect the transforming love of Christ in our community.
all are welcome...
At Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, we believe every person is created with dignity and worth. Our faith calls us to treat others with compassion, respect, and love, and our experience has shown that the greatest impact happens when people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels included, heard, and encouraged to contribute. By building partnerships and fostering a spirit of unity, we strive to serve our community with purpose and care.
“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
Foundation Team
|
Jeff Losey – Founder & CEO
Jeff Losey is the Founder and volunteer CEO of Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids. A longtime Conejo Valley resident, Jeff considers it a privilege to serve the community that helped shape his life and family. Jeff spent more than 35 years with Farmers Insurance, including 14 years as a Vice President and Head of Professional Development, before retiring in 2022. Throughout his career, he focused on developing leaders, building strong teams, and helping people grow into their potential — principles that now guide his work with the Foundation. In 2011, Jeff founded Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce as a small charitable venture, with proceeds supporting local causes. What began as a creative way to give back eventually led to the formation of Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids in 2019. Since retiring, Jeff has served full-time as a volunteer, helping lead the Foundation’s mission to invest in the lives of young people facing hardship. Jeff has been involved in youth coaching and community service for over four decades, coaching football, baseball, track, softball, and soccer. He believes many of life’s most important lessons are learned through teamwork, discipline, service, and faith. As a former student-athlete at Cal Poly Pomona, where he played quarterback under Coach Roman Gabriel and earned a degree in Recreation Administration, Jeff developed a deep appreciation for leadership grounded in character and perseverance. His Christian faith has played a central role in shaping his understanding of service. Jeff believes that every young person is created with purpose and potential, and that caring adults and strong community partnerships can help them discover both. Jeff and his wife, Pamela, have been married for 40 years. They have four adult children and six grandsons, with another grandchild on the way. Their family’s roots in Conejo Valley schools, churches, and athletics continue to inspire Jeff’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the next generation. Jeff remains grateful for the opportunity to serve and is continually encouraged by the volunteers, partners, and donors who make the Foundation’s work possible. |
Board of Directors
|
Chris A. Brown - President
Pictured with wife Margaret Chris has always shared that his priorities are ordered with his Faith, Family, and Friends at the top of his list. He brings his small town demeanor combined with his learned skills in business and leadership to this role which is a perfect fit for leading the board for Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids. Growing up on a small farm in Oklahoma, Chris was active in his local faith community. Participating in the youth group and attending weekly services helped instill a love for God and others. This time developed lasting relationships with classmates and mentors that continue to this day. Over the years, participation in various leadership roles in organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Student Council, high school and college band programs, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Jaycees, Chris sought to develop his ability to lead and succeed. This base proved beneficial in his 36+ year professional career with a major insurance company. Chris’ partner for life, his wife Margaret, has provided love and support for him and their family while he completed his education and pursued his career. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Chris was blessed to find a career home at Farmers Insurance where he held various roles in the claims and HR departments. These roles gave him the opportunity to help re-shape the vision for part of the organization and to lead the best training team in property claims. Chris and Margaret are currently enjoying their retirement, filling their time with travel, visiting with their children, spouses and grandkids, and assisting in volunteer opportunities. They are super excited to be a part of this foundation and pray it helps kids grow their relationship and love for God and our neighbor |
|
Matt Elam
Keith Hernandez James Losey |
John Losey - Secretary
Richard Vickers - Treasurer Todd Penrose |
Volunteers
Chanda Lubinski - Events & Marketing
After working in Ventura & LA County since 2003, Chanda took a step back from the corporate world in 2019 in search of doing something more meaningful for her community.
Chanda's father, Jeff Losey, threw out the idea of sending kids to summer camp through a 501(c)(3) in place of raising contributions through his hot sauce company and Chanda said - let's go!
In addition to Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, Chanda is Executive Director of Ohana in Thousand Oaks California. Chanda has worked in the past as a Realtor with a focus in buying and selling homes in and around Newbury Park. Chanda loves that she was born and raised under Old Boney Mountain and is happily married residing just a few blocks from her childhood home. She enjoys sports, hiking, good food and drinks, and spending quality time with family, friends, her husband and their 2 doodle pups.
After working in Ventura & LA County since 2003, Chanda took a step back from the corporate world in 2019 in search of doing something more meaningful for her community.
Chanda's father, Jeff Losey, threw out the idea of sending kids to summer camp through a 501(c)(3) in place of raising contributions through his hot sauce company and Chanda said - let's go!
In addition to Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, Chanda is Executive Director of Ohana in Thousand Oaks California. Chanda has worked in the past as a Realtor with a focus in buying and selling homes in and around Newbury Park. Chanda loves that she was born and raised under Old Boney Mountain and is happily married residing just a few blocks from her childhood home. She enjoys sports, hiking, good food and drinks, and spending quality time with family, friends, her husband and their 2 doodle pups.
|
J.J. Losey - Executive Design & Technology Lead
Designing industry-leading training assets for a large insurance company since 2010, J.J. has extended his artistic talents to Old Boney Mountain Hot Sauce since its founding in 2011, and continues with the foundation and Old Boney Mountain Trading Co. today, working with his father, Jeff, to develop product labels and promotional materials, as well as provide technology services for foundation events. In addition to Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, J.J. is a Graphic Designer, I.T. Specialist, and Immersive Experience Developer. He is recently married and lives just a few miles down the grade from the rest of the Losey clan. His hobbies include dabbling in the kitchen, reading and writing, tinkering, and hiking. We are grateful for his extensive work as a volunteer as well as his piecework when we are in a pinch! |
Gail Willis - Bookkeeping
Gail is a seasoned and detail-oriented bookkeeper boasting over 15 years of proficiency in documentation and finance management. With a comprehensive background in managing payroll and maintaining digital records.
Recognized for her adept team leadership and talent cultivation. Beyond her professional commitments, Gail values her free time, which she spends enjoying moments with her grandkids, staying active at the gym, and cherishing the company of her beloved fur babies.
Gail is a seasoned and detail-oriented bookkeeper boasting over 15 years of proficiency in documentation and finance management. With a comprehensive background in managing payroll and maintaining digital records.
Recognized for her adept team leadership and talent cultivation. Beyond her professional commitments, Gail values her free time, which she spends enjoying moments with her grandkids, staying active at the gym, and cherishing the company of her beloved fur babies.
Ian Kosman - Multimedia and Digital Marketing Intern - California Lutheran University
Ian has over 10 years of game design and animation experience. While he enjoys programming in Scratch and Visual Basic, his passion is for storytelling and game strategy. Ian has experience with post-production video editing, animation, project management, and client communications. His high attention to quality ensures Old Boney Mountain Foundation For Kids's social stay up to date and Creating top notch content.
Ian has over 10 years of game design and animation experience. While he enjoys programming in Scratch and Visual Basic, his passion is for storytelling and game strategy. Ian has experience with post-production video editing, animation, project management, and client communications. His high attention to quality ensures Old Boney Mountain Foundation For Kids's social stay up to date and Creating top notch content.
How can I now help kids understand that there is a blueprint for life that if followed, will lead to love and happiness? "