Turning Tragedy Into Hope Larry Butts on The Josh Project's Lifesaving Mission
- Taylor Cares
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Some missions are born from passion. Others are born from profound loss and transformed into lasting hope. In this episode of Taylor Community Connection, Terry Crosby sits down with Lawrence "Larry" Butts, Executive Director of The Josh Project, alongside his son John, to discuss service, faith, leadership, and the organization's mission to save lives through water safety education.
Larry's journey began in Toledo, where he grew up and graduated from Libbey High School before joining the United States Army. During his military career, he served throughout Europe and Afghanistan before spending another decade overseas as a government contractor in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Those experiences exposed him to different cultures, strengthened his faith, and shaped the servant leadership style he carries today.
In September 2024, Larry stepped into the role of Executive Director of The Josh Project, following the retirement of founder Wanda Butts after she suffered a stroke in 2022. Taking over an organization with such a meaningful legacy came with enormous responsibility, but Larry credits his faith and God's guidance for helping him move the organization forward after several years of limited programming.
Since returning to full programming, The Josh Project has expanded beyond its traditional six week swim lessons. Thanks to new funding and generous community support, Larry and his team have created pathways that allow children to continue developing their swimming skills after completing the program. Partnerships with Greater Toledo Aquatic Club and SafeSplash Swim School now give participants opportunities to continue formal instruction and even pursue competitive swimming. At the time of the interview, 55 swimmers had continued through these extended pathways, with 10 young swimmers training competitively through Greater Toledo Aquatic Club.
For Larry, however, swimming is only part of the mission.
He explains that The Josh Project exists to teach children and families lifesaving water safety skills. Beyond formal swim lessons, the organization emphasizes the importance of water safety education, including the "Five Layers of Protection" and teaching children how to safely respond during water emergencies. As Larry reminds viewers, supporting The Josh Project is not limited to financial donations. Parents can make a difference simply by enrolling their children in formal swim lessons and making water safety a priority.
The conversation also turns to an emotional milestone.
On August 6, The Josh Project will commemorate 20 years since the passing of Joshua Butts, whose tragic drowning inspired the organization's creation. Rather than simply remembering the loss, the event will honor Joshua's legacy, recognize founder Wanda Butts for transforming unimaginable tragedy into a mission that has saved countless lives, and celebrate the many community partners who have stood beside the organization for two decades. Organizations including St. Francis de Sales School, Grogan's Towne, and Greater Toledo Aquatic Club will be recognized for their longstanding support.
Throughout the interview, Larry's son John offers his own perspective on the importance of water safety, explaining that The Josh Project is about much more than learning to swim. It teaches children how to stay safe around water and gives them skills that can save lives. Watching the next generation embrace that mission reminds Larry why the work is so important.
The episode also highlights the partnership between The Josh Project and Taylor Automotive Family, whose support has extended beyond sponsorships to helping promote awareness, organize community events, and stand alongside the organization as it continues expanding its impact throughout Northwest Ohio.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that even the deepest tragedy can become a source of hope when people choose to serve others. Through education, partnerships, and unwavering faith, The Josh Project continues working toward its mission of saving lives, one swimmer at a time.
👉 Watch now to hear how Larry Butts is building on The Josh Project's legacy and helping more children and families stay safe through water safety education and community partnerships.
