Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

News and Events

Boys Town Foster Parent: Bob Head

Boys Town Foster Parent: Bob Head

Growing up on a farm in Essex, Iowa, Bob Head learned the value of selflessness, giving and working hard at a very young age. Even after graduating from Iowa State and working as a Stockbroker, Bob never strayed from these lessons and values that his close knit family instilled in him.

Attending Christ the King Catholic Church in Omaha, Bob and his wife, Willow, offered a life of service to their community and those in need. When a group of Vietnamese men were in need of sponsorship, Bob and Willow took this project on. Bob says hearing the quote "Reach Out to Others" by Bishop Fulton Sheen was a big inspiration in his life. He learned that people are created to be a service to the Lord.

After 46 years of marriage Willow was diagnosed with cancer, an illness that would eventually take her life. This did not deter Bob. Bob thought of his wife when he was told of six Sudanese "lost boys" coming to Omaha as refugees. Bob supported these young men, finding them apartments, employment and furniture while also teaching them to drive. When Bob needed help, he recruited his friends to help with the process.

Bob recalls discussing foster parenting with Willow for a number of years. When asked about why he continues to give back, Bob said "serving others is why God created us. It is our mission." When he first explained his plan, Bob's daughter warned him that he was too told to be a foster parent and was in over his head. Despite this, Bob was not deterred and proceeded with the steps necessary to become a licensed foster parent. Now, at 82, Bob is a first time foster parent of two boys, ages 15 and 16.

Bob says the joy in seeing the change and attitude of the boys in his care is worth everything he does. While there are stressful moments that all parents go through, Bob wouldn't change a thing. "I feel born again…more energized," Bob shares. Remaining persistent, faithful and keeping a focus on education has made all the difference.

Bob has no plans to slow down and looks forward to helping his foster son's transition back home and helping additional youth. When asked about what his wife would say about his calling of being a foster parent, Bob smiled and said "she'd think I'm nuts."