Joseph Academy

Who We Are?

Joseph Academy is a ministry of Lighthouse Baptist Church. 

Joseph was a young man who had opportunity, privilege, but he had a pit in his life. His brothers sold him into slavery, but that night they put him in the pit.  He had to make the choice to be bitter or better.

It’s at Joseph Academy where troubled young men ages 12 and up can have access to opportunities they never had. In a year-long program they’re catching up on schoolwork and learning trades such as welding, carpentry and farming. There’s a certain amount of maturity that takes place in a young man’s life when he does something with his hands and he steps back at the end of the day and says look what I’ve done.

The idea of helping all started in 2010 when Pastor Cochran said God told him he needed to start a school, but with no money, it seemed nearly impossible.

Hours later, a phone call changed everything.

“She said, ‘preacher I was praying for you today and the Lord told me to give you $100,000,’” Cochran said. “She said I don’t know what for and I said I do.”

Today they’ve raised more than $600,000 thanks to donations from people and churches across the country, allowing their students to attend for free.

Bill Robinette is the Director at Joseph Academy. He lives on site and helps with everything from school work to counseling.

“We’re trying to build their esteem but through that we want to be positive,” Robinette said.

He said they’re doing that through a reward system. From the basics to building log cabins, their ultimate goal is helping young men reach their full potential.

The main mission at Joseph Academy is to help young, troubled men turn into contributing members of society.