On May 7, Boys Town Nebraska Foster Family Services^® held their 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social at the Great Hall. The event kicks off Foster Care Awareness Month and invites foster parents, children and staff to gather and enjoy a cool treat.

As of June 2017 there were 3,960 children in out-of-home care in the state of Nebraska, which was a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year. Boys Town has a very important role in the foster care system from recruiting and training foster parents to supporting the foster families with our team of dedicated experts.

The families who attended this year's ice cream social had a wonderful time at the event with door prizes, activities for the children, bingo and of course some yummy ice cream. Father Boes also made a special appearance to say hello to the children and families.

"This event is part of our recognition of May as National Foster Care Month. It is the time a year in which we spend some additional time celebrating the work of dedicated foster parents throughout our community who work to provide the stability and structure for children in the foster care system," said Matthew Priest, Nebraska Foster Family Services Director.

Special thanks to Hiland Dairy and HyVee Linden Park for their contributions to this event and a big thank you to everyone at Boys Town who put together this Ice Cream Social to celebrate our foster families.