About Big H.O.M.I.E.S.

Heroes of Minority in Every Society.

Since 2019, Big H.O.M.I.E.S. has shown up for Portsmouth youth with service, leadership, and a belief that every young person deserves a real chance to thrive.

Big H.O.M.I.E.S. community outreach in Portsmouth
Rooted in Portsmouth. Led by people who care.Meet Our Leadership →

MEET OUR FOUNDERS

Two Leaders. One Vision. Countless Lives Impacted.

Co-founders Alice Edwards and Eugene Swinson in their Big Homies executive portrait

Alice Edwards

Co-Founder & Executive Director/CEO

Eugene Swinson

Co-Founder & Board President

Big Homies Inc. was founded on the belief that every young person deserves a safe space, a trusted mentor, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Through a shared commitment to youth empowerment and community transformation, co-founders Alice Edwards and Eugene Swinson have worked to create meaningful opportunities for young people and families throughout Portsmouth, Virginia.

Their vision continues to guide Big Homies Inc. as the organization expands its programs, strengthens community partnerships, and prepares for the next chapter with the Big Homies Recreation Center. This expansion to two locations increases our capacity to serve Portsmouth youth and families, with Little Homies Youth Enrichment & Recreation Center continuing to operate at Elliott Avenue.

Unlocking the Hero Within Every Child.

Our Mission

Showing Up Where Support Is Needed Most.

Big H.O.M.I.E.S. is a 501(c)(3) community outreach organization working to help young people and families navigate violence, poverty, and the barriers that can close doors too early.

We are committed to safe spaces, educational opportunities, mentorship, and enrichment for Portsmouth youth. Through after-school enrichment, tutoring, STEM and cybersecurity education, summer camp, youth employment, and community outreach, we help young people learn, connect, and grow.

Unlocking the Hero Within Every Child

We believe every young person has potential worth nurturing. Mentorship offers encouragement and trusted guidance. Safe spaces give youth a place to belong, while life-skills development builds confidence and independence. Transformative programs help young people discover their strengths, practice leadership, and imagine new possibilities for their future.

Explore Our Programs →

Our Community Impact

From trusted mentors and educational enrichment to meals and community activities, our work brings Portsmouth youth and families together with practical support and positive connections.

Virginia House Resolution 27 formally commended Big H.O.M.I.E.S. for its work to reduce gun violence in 2022. The organization partners across Portsmouth to connect young people to positive outlets, opportunity, and care.

A Message From Our Executive Director

Building Hope. Creating Opportunities. Changing Lives.

At Big H.O.M.I.E.S., we believe every child deserves to grow up knowing that someone believes in them, someone is willing to invest in their future, and someone will always be in their corner.

When we founded Big H.O.M.I.E.S., our vision was bigger than creating programs. We wanted to create a movement, one that would provide young people with a safe place to belong, positive role models to guide them, and meaningful opportunities to discover their full potential.

As a mother, healthcare professional, and community leader, I understand that the challenges facing our youth extend far beyond the classroom. Many of our children face obstacles that no child should have to navigate alone. Our responsibility is not simply to recognize those challenges, but to show up with solutions, consistency, compassion, and action.

Through mentorship, academic enrichment, violence prevention, workforce development, health and wellness initiatives, and community outreach, we are committed to meeting young people where they are and helping them become who they are destined to be.

As we prepare for the planned official opening of the Big Homies Recreation Center in January 2027, I am reminded of just how far we've come, and how much more there is to accomplish. With construction expected to be completed in November 2026, this new facility represents more than a building. It represents expanded opportunities, stronger families, safer communities, and a lasting investment in the next generation.

Our work would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, donors, and families who continue to believe in our mission.

To every young person we serve: Your circumstances do not determine your future. Your dreams matter. Your voice matters. And your community is standing behind you.

We are not simply building a youth center. We are building a legacy of hope, opportunity, and change.

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make a difference, one child, one family, and one community at a time.

With gratitude and purpose,

Alice Edwards
Co-Founder & Executive Director/CEO
Big H.O.M.I.E.S., Inc.
Heroes of Minority in Every Society

MEET THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP

Meet Our Leadership

Eugene Swinson of Big H.O.M.I.E.S.

Eugene Swinson

Co-Founder & Board President

Eugene is a gun-violence prevention advocate, father, mentor, basketball trainer and coach. A Norfolk State University marketing graduate, he brings direct experience and deep Portsmouth relationships to work that helps young people see a different path.

Alice Edwards of Big H.O.M.I.E.S.

Alice Edwards

Co-Founder & Executive Director/CEO

Alice is a licensed pediatric nurse and compassionate community advocate. Her care for young people and families helps shape Big H.O.M.I.E.S. as a place built on practical support, well-being, and opportunity.

DeCarlos Anderson of Big H.O.M.I.E.S.

DeCarlos Anderson

Board Vice President

A Portsmouth native, educator, I.C. Norcom graduate, and ECSU master’s graduate, DeCarlos brings the perspective of a teacher, coach, and mentor committed to helping young people build confidence and direction.

Vernon Macklin of Big H.O.M.I.E.S.

Vernon Macklin

Director & Board Member

Vernon is a proud University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He was drafted 52nd in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and played professionally overseas for 10 years in countries including Turkey, China, and Japan. He also coached professionally in South Korea for three seasons. With a solid foundation in social research and community engagement, Vernon is committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities to create an environment where everyone can thrive. He looks forward to continuing his journey in community outreach.

To'Nasia Edwards

Board Secretary/Treasurer

Theodore Miller

Board Member