In honor of Boys Town founder Father Edward Flanagan’s 120th birthday, our little children have been writing reflections on his dream of providing help, healing and hope to America’s youth. We hope their words give you inspiration.

Father Flanagan is like a dad to me because his dream provides us with things we need… at least he tries to help us.

Father Flanagan had a dream to help kids and he made it come true. We know this because we are safe, we are happy, and we are home.

- Philip

Because of this dream that Father Flanagan had, there are millions of boys and girls off the streets. They are in safe and happy homes. They have food, proper schooling and a family who cares for them and does their best to help them through their treatment

Father Flanagan’s Boys Town means the world to me. It’s my home, my shelter, my refuge. It’s my second chance at life, my doorway to success. It’s a place where I can be me and not worry about anything.

Father Flanagan’s dream changed the youth who passed through its doorway and even some who haven’t. It gives youth a place to go when they have none.

- Michael

Father Flanagan has made a happy and healthy home for me. I feel safe because of the environment Father Flanagan has provided for me. Here at Boys Town I am around good Family-Teachers, peers who respect me, and helpful friends…

Father Flanagan’s dream has impacted me by giving me a second chance in life. Father Flanagan has given me the motivation to do well. He has done a lot or all children. He will always be my hero because he has given me a second chance.

- Sarah

Father Flanagan has given me a bed to go to sleep on, a kitchen to make my meals, and he has also given me the thing I need most in my life, a church to believe in God and to learn more about Him.

Father Flanagan’s dream helped me to love other people… It helped me not to be hard on the inside. When people come here from bad environments, Boys Town helps them do really well and be successful in their lives.

- Angelica

I now live in a healthy environment, learning new skills each day, preparing me for life outside of Boys Town. If it were not for Father Flanagan’s dream, I would be doing nothing as close to constructive as I am doing in Boys Town.

- Jose

Boys Town has helped me with my troubles and has shown me the meaning of the love that my family and friends can give to me. I have… achieved many goals in my lifetime with my Family-Teachers, Assistant Family-Teachers and my friends.

- Shayna