John "Footy" Kross Jr. never expected his career path to lead him to radio. But in 1974, while Footy was working at Here’s Help, a nonprofit drug treatment program in Miami, when radio called, he answered. He then spent 32 years as the DJ for the popular morning show on Y-100. He retired from that station four years ago.
Today, Footy is still working with Here’s Help as its chief executive officer.
"I always knew I would continue on at Here’s Help. That’s my first world, my main focus," Footy said.
Here’s Help began back in 1968 as a drug treatment center for inner city youth in Miami struggling with addiction. Here’s Help now has a middle school and a high school on the property. It is also an outpatient treatment program and a residential treatment program targeted for 12 to 25-year-old males. The residential treatment program at Here’s Help offers vocational training, including a culinary program and instruction in TV and video production.
Footy has remained in the radio business. He hosts the South Florida Sportsman Show and oversees production on the Here’s Help radio show. The drug treatment center’s show airs live from its own studio and gives a voice for local charities and organizations to talk about their work. It is the longest-running community service show in South Florida.
Footy is proud of his work with Here’s Help. He has two sons, one a pharmacist, the other a lieutenant aboard a Coast Guard cutter.
"He chases drug smugglers and I’m running a drug program," Footy said.
For more information about Here’s Help, go to www.hereshelpinc.com.
