Reflections on Boys Town

Each year we receive letters and notes from children and families who we’ve had the opportunity to help through the support of our generous donors. These heartfelt messages remind us that hope can be found in even the darkest places.

Rosemary

What Boys Town has done for me the past four years is a lot.  I have many things I would never have had if I were not here… a home, a family and a pride of accomplishment.  Boys Town has given me what no one else was able to give me.  Boys Town is my home and family.  I know what life is really about.      

Joseph

Boys Town has given me a second and third chance. It has welcomed me with open arms when everyone else had given up on me. Being here has opened up many doors of opportunity I wouldn’t have dreamed of. I am graduating high school and heading off to college. Most importantly, it has given me the motivation to do things right. 

Danielle

Boys Town has given me the strength to be an outstanding leader. I was also given a second chance to improve my life, a chance to forgive myself and become a better person.  Boys Town has given me the opportunity to participate on a daily basis in church, in the community and the home. I made honor roll. I was able to grow spiritually and emotionally stronger.

Steven

Thanks to Boys Town I have the opportunity to go to college and learn in a career that I love and will enjoy.  You have changed me from a young, emotional 14-year-old to a ready and willing 18-year-old.  Boys Town has given me the skills I will use in life and I am very, very grateful. 

William

When I came to Boys Town, I was what people called a juvenile delinquent. I was wandering the streets carrying a gun and unstoppable. Many times I came close to dying myself. The last time was my wake-up call. I went to the detention center and that was one of the best things to happen to me because I heard then about Boys Town and I came. When I came, I was determined to change. I didn’t want what I had been through. When I got in trouble, I picked myself up and kept going. This was due to my Family-Teachers. Without them, I could not be successful. I learned to love my Family-Teachers’ little child. He did not see me as a bad kid, but as a big brother. So how could I be bad? They have helped me be a leader. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Anne

Before I came to Boys Town, my mom told me I was bad and always will be bad. She told me so many times that I started to believe it. But it turned out differently. To get better, you first have to believe you can get better and just follow the right path. If you believe in yourself, you can do anything with God’s help.

The stories provided about the children and families in our care are real. In some cases, names my be changed and details altered to protect their privacy and therapeutic interests.