How a Man Learned From His Own Childhood to Give Others a Better One
Boca Raton — FL. — For the past 27 years, Gregory Motte has made it his goal to give kids at his church the childhood he never had.
Motte, 45, lives alone and works at the Broward Outreach Center. On Sundays and Wednesday nights, he volunteers at his local church where he serves in the church’s youth ministry.
Motte was born in Rhode Island and moved to Boca Raton when he was 12 years old. He was born with a speech impediment and a cleft palate which required several surgeries at a young age, all of these difficulties led to a rough childhood for Motte.
“I hated life, I hate people, I almost committed suicide several times,” said Motte.
Motte grew up in a non-religious family, and it was not until he was eighteen when he started listening to the newly formed Christian radio station WayFM. That same year, Motte started volunteering at Boca Community, a local church in Boca Raton.
Since then Motte has been volunteering, and has served at many churches in South Florida including: Boca Community, Victory Church in Boca Raton, and Lighthouse Baptist to name a few.
During this time, Motte has been able to meet hundreds of kids and make a positive impact on their life. He still remembers what his boss, Steve Veale said to him when he first started working.
“Greg, just care about the kids.”
Motte has a very unique approach to building relationships with the kids.
He treats them to fun afternoons at Cici’s, Chipotle, the movies, Skate Parks, and the Go-Kart track. He also shows up to their high school sports games.
“I had a bad childhood, I wanted to be the role model I didn’t have,” said Motte explaining why he wanted to work with children in youth ministry.
He even celebrates their birthdays by bringing them a cupcake with a balloon. “I want to make a person feel special, even if it’s for 10 seconds,” said Motte.
During these 27 years, he has been able to make long-lasting relationships.
Jeremy Gagne, 24, was a member at Boca Community and went to youth events when he was in middle school.
When Gagne met Motte that instantly connected because of their shared rough upbringing. Gagne and Motte have a strong bond that has been formed over 10 years. Motte said that he went to nearly every single one of Gagne’s hockey games in high school.
“I feel like I can always go to him if I need to talk about anything about life and he will keep it private [and] give me his opinion without being judgmental or look down on me,” said Gagne.
“He’s undeniably dedicated his whole life towards being a good example and leading people… if it wasn’t for him I think my life would’ve taken a completely different trajectory,” said Gagne.
While at Victory Church Motte met Haydn Rhodes, a 19 year old from Boca Raton who is currently studying engineering at the University of Florida.
“He has a huge, generous Heart,” said Rhodes. “His openness and willingness to talk to people, even if you don’t know him… his passion is excellent.”
Although Motte and his father do not share the same beliefs he recalls one time when his father visited him at work and saw Motte interacting with the kids. He remembers his dad turning to him and saying, “Wow, you really are making a difference.”
Motte has a clear passion to serve those in need, he has worked at multiple social-service organizations in South Florida including Covenant House, The Advocate Program, and a Veterans homeless shelter.