Growing up in small-town Nebraska, you learn a thing or two about fall harvest. It's the payoff for a big investment of hard work, faith and hopefulness.

Right now, farmers across America are wrapping up their field work and harvesting this year's crops. No matter what they've raised, great care has been taken to diligently prepare the ground, plant the right seeds, provide the proper nutrients and do everything possible to produce the best yield.

At Boys Town, we follow much the same path with the troubled kids and families who come to us for help.

Like the farmers' fields, these children and families have fertile soil in their hearts, minds and souls that could produce something positive. But it lies far beneath the surface, buried in the turbulent emotions and chaos that dominate their lives. Our goal is to provide the right care in the right way to help these kids and families find healing and move forward with their lives.  

The foundation of every Boys Town program focuses on teaching skills and building healthy relationships. This helps prepare kids and families for the "growing" that is to come. We see them grow in body, mind and spirit right before our eyes as they learn new ways to live. As they overcome the pain and despair that once defined them, they are able to look forward and see a future where they can flourish and succeed.

This Thanksgiving, as Boys Town celebrates its Centennial year, we ask that you remember all the children and families who need help and pray that the many wonderful people who carry on Father Flanagan's dream always keep the bountiful harvest in sight. May an abundance of blessings provide a harvest of hope at your family's gathering this year.  

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9