A Natural Progression

For former teachers Danny and Sara Patten, making a transition from teaching children in schools to making an impact on Boys Town youth as Family-Teachers was a natural progression.

“We felt our jobs had more meaning than just teaching subject matter, and that became important to us,” said Sara. “We love working together and spending time with our own kids, but we also love knowing what we do for a living has a purpose and positive impact on the kids in our home.”

As Family-Teachers, the Pattens, with three children of their own, care for up to six Boys Town girls at a time in their Family Home. They work as a team with an Assistant Family-Teacher, schoolteachers, counselors and other Boys Town families to teach children in their home social skills, appropriate rules and boundaries, and what being a family is all about.

“It is important to share strong family values with our youth so they have that experience to lean on,” said Sara. “The girls like the stability, the consistency and knowing that even when they make mistakes, they are treated well and cared for.”

Many youth arrive at Boys Town never having had a positive environment to work, play and grow in, but after experiencing the Boys Town community and family lifestyle, they are able to grasp a new outlook on life. Sara Patten sees noticeable changes in her girls during the holiday season.

“Christmas morning is amazing – the tears streaming down the faces of kids who have never really had a Christmas,” said Sara. “The stories our girls bring with them are heartbreaking, but they can make amazing changes in their lives when they feel loved.”