| Resiliency celebrated at 2020 Youth Awards Banquet | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Resiliency-celebrated-at-2020-Youth-Awards-Banquet.aspx | Resiliency celebrated at 2020 Youth Awards Banquet | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Each year, Boys Town North Florida celebrates the success and achievements of the 30 boys and girls in its Family Home program by hosting a Youth Award's Banquet. This occasion also marks when each child is officially granted citizenship into Boys Town. Typically, a formal affair consisting of red carpets, limousines, tuxes, gowns and a room full of people, this year looked a bit different due to, you guessed it, Covid-19. But the show must go on, and indeed it did in a less formal but just as fun and festive way.</span></p><p>Confined to campus, the development and Family Home staff were committed to keeping many of the same elements of the Youth Awards Banquet while adding a few new twists to keep the<br>kids engaged. Celebrating the end of summer and beginning of school, a luau theme was chosen to allow the kids to celebrate outdoors while battling the 90-degree Florida heat. Several kids were seen sporting Hawaiian attire which added to the evening's festivities. Don't let anyone tell you these kids don't know how to have a good time – they came with some serious swagger! </p><p>Socially distancing in one corner of the tent was Boys Town friend and supporter DJ Willie Brown who kept the evening moving with his jovial commentary and the latest tunes familiar to the kids -- but not the staff. Dancing, laughter and big, bright, beautiful smiles were evident throughout the evening. Carrabba's Italian Grill provided an italian feast, followed by a surprise appearance by Momma P's ice cream truck where the kids could select not just one, but TWO treats each. Everyone took advantage of that sweet deal, including many staff. With bellies full, the best was yet to come.</p><p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Resiliency-celebrated-at-2020-Youth-Awards-Banquet/Brooklyn%20Parrish%20with%20Marcus.jpg" alt="Brooklyn Parrish with Marcus.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px 10px;width:300px;height:400px;" />The most anticipated aspect of the evening is the awards given to the kids which are carefully chosen by the Family Home Program director and staff. Certificates are given out in several categories to include Upward Bound, Set for Success, Best Sense of Humor, Most Considerate, Most Courageous and Leaps and Bounds, to name a few. Other awards in which a trophy is given include Character Counts, Junior Ambassador, Youth of the Year and Ambassador of the Year. To cap off the evening, we present the James Dahl Spirit of Youth Academic Award, which this year went to Miss Brooklyn Parrish in the Mackley home.</p><p>In a year where resiliency is key, the kids of Boys Town North Florida have shown grit, determination and a willingness to adapt which has allowed them to cope despite the challenges presented by Covid-19. We couldn't be prouder to celebrate their achievements!<br></p> | 2020-09-21T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Citizen Ceremony" src="/about/PublishingImages/citizens%20ceremony%20outdoors.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town North Florida Youth Create Canvas Art for Hall of History | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/BT-North-Florida-Youth-Create-Canvas-Art-for-Hall-of-History.aspx | Boys Town North Florida Youth Create Canvas Art for Hall of History | <p>During the novel COVID-19 outbreak, Boys Town North Florida Family Home youth and staff remained on the Tallahassee campus quarantining for many weeks to avoid any contact to the virus. As the youth practiced social distancing and quickly adjusted to virtual curriculum, the opportunity arose to provide a creative outlet in a campus-wide art project.</p><p>In the first week of May, as Boys Town North Florida entered their eighth week of quarantine, Family Homes reported one day at a time to the ART Town facility for youth to create acrylic pour canvas paintings. Each house chose a distinct color-pallet theme and worked to create a unique set of paintings. The Family Homes chose themes of Sunset, Ocean, Warm-Tones, Nature, and Space.</p><p>Upon youth creating their individual works of art, they could see the color and theme similarities with others in their homes and noticed unique qualities about their own. Some youth commented that this activity reminded them of being back at school in art class, others commented that they were surprised and impressed with their creation.</p><p>Once their works of art were complete, each child wrote a description of the creative process where some mentioned their inspiration for their canvas and others elaborated what their art made them think and feel. Danyia described the process as, "My picture took a lot of precision, hard work, and following instructions. These skills can get you far ahead in life."</p><p>Boys Town North Florida is hoping to send one painting from each individual theme to be added to the Boys Town Hall of History. By submitting a canvas-set to the Hall of History, they will display their youth's resiliency and creativity, even during a confusing and unprecedented time.</p><p> "I am beyond impressed with the works of art created from this campus-wide art project," said Gina Rogers, Volunteer Program Coordinator for Boys Town North Florida. "I feel that our campus canvas-set contribution to the Hall of History can be representative of our campus' cohesion during this challenging time. When we come together, amazing things happen."</p><p class="contentImages">
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| Because of You… Video Message from Boys Town North Florida | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Because-of-You.aspx | Because of You… Video Message from Boys Town North Florida | <p>The work of saving children and healing families has not stopped at Boys Town North Florida… thanks to you!</p><p>Your concern, generosity and, most importantly, your prayers have sustained and inspired us during our nation's ongoing virus outbreak. From our Family Homes to our foster homes to all of our community-based programs, the youth and families of North Florida continue to receive the life-changing care they need because of your financial and spiritual support. </p><p>In the weeks and months ahead, more challenges and disruptions likely await us. But with your continued commitment, Boys Town North Florida will remain a beacon of stability, hope and healing for everyone in our community. </p><p>Executive Director Marcus Lampkin has a special message for you. </p><div class="embed-container">
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| Boys Town Stands for Racial Equality | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Stands-for-Racial-Equality.aspx | Boys Town Stands for Racial Equality | <p>Nearly a century ago, Boys Town founder Father Edward Flanagan spoke these profound words: </p><p>" I … see danger for all in an ideology which discriminates against anyone politically or economically because he or she was born into the 'wrong' race, has skin of the 'wrong' color, or worships at the 'wrong' altar."</p><p>Today, America is at a crossroads. The dangerous ideology of racism Father Flanagan described then continues to exist today. </p><p>At Boys Town, we share the sadness of so many mourning the senseless killings due to violence and racism. We also share the anger that is sweeping our nation as we unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, hatred, and injustice that tear at the seams of our society.</p><p>When Father Flanagan opened his first Home for Boys in 1917, he welcomed kids of every race, color, and creed. But his efforts to be inclusive and compassionate in his care of children went far beyond creating a place where they could grow and thrive. Father Flanagan also recognized and rejected the laws and customs that enshrined and reinforced institutional racism. He passionately attacked those unfair laws and practices, shining a spotlight on prejudice and injustice, and using Boys Town as a model for the incredible possibilities that existed when people of all colors lived, worked, and played side by side in mutual respect and equality.</p><p><strong>Boys Town has never wavered from the principles on which it was founded. As a passionate advocate of positive social change, we firmly stand with those individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to the cause of racial equality and justice, and strongly support their efforts to bring about lasting, significant change. </strong><strong> </strong></p><p>We have recognized since our formation that it is not enough to simply avoid racist behavior as individuals. We all must work together proactively to create a more just, a more peaceful, and a more equitable society. We all must live by the values of diversity and inclusion more deeply in the days, months, and years to come. We all must strive to re-create a society in which everyone feels that they belong, that they matter, and that they are respected for who they are. </p><p>People have rediscovered their voice, and their pain and anger are being felt and heard. Boys Town adds its voice to this rising chorus with the fervent hope that racism, injustice, and prejudice can finally be vanquished. </p><p>God's Blessings,</p><p>Father Steven E. Boes<br>President and National Executive Director, Boys Town</p> | 2020-06-17T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Father Flanagan" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Flanagan_with_Boys_1942_682-rollup.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Life on Campus During the Coronavirus | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Life-on-Campus-During-the-Coronavirus.aspx | Life on Campus During the Coronavirus | <p>One of the most frequently asked questions from our supporters is, “How are Boys Town children doing on campus during the current crisis?" So, we reached out to one of the experts, Family Home Program Consultant Nicole Wertz. </p><p>“Life on campus is GREAT since the pandemic – the kids are actually doing better than when they were in school," Wertz said. “It's a situation we couldn't have predicted. Many of their grade point averages are going up and non-compliances and self-harm statements have gone down. The Family-Teachers adapted quickly to the new normal and without hesitation jumped in helping with structured school hours, hands on learning activities and daily exercise activities (Amazing Race, Human Hungry Hungry Hippo with soccer goals, volleyball and basketball camps, Duck Duck Goose using water balloons and water guns, etc.)."</p><p>Wertz said timely donations have also helped in the homes.</p><p>“The generous donation of new video games for the boys' homes and gaming systems for the girls' homes has made things MUCH easier, and the kids are HIGHLY motivated by these incentives to make their privileges," Wertz said. “Why is all this happening? I think the absence of social media and being in a positive/supportive/trauma-focused environment, paired with consistency and structure is the key. “There's so much drama in middle school and high school life and it's easy to get caught up and distracted in that," she said. “Our kids have the advantage of being with each other during this time to socialize (at least six feet apart) when others in the community might not have that luxury. “</p><p>Boys Town's Family Home Program is so grateful for the work our Family Teachers are doing for the youth during this time of uncertainty. It has been wonderful to see how campus and the children's creativity and team work has known no bounds during these crazy times and we are excited to see their determinization and resilience persevere in the future.</p> | 2020-05-18T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Growing Stronger Together: The Silver Lining from the Coronavirus | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Growing-Stronger-Together-The-Silver-Lining-from-the-Coronavirus.aspx | Growing Stronger Together: The Silver Lining from the Coronavirus | <p>No one would have imagined last year when planning the 2020 Boys Town North Florida Spirit of Youth Gala that we would find ourselves in our current situation. Families and children quarantined at home; technology taking a front seat to in-person meetings; protective facemasks a routine part of our daily dress-code is the new normal.</p><p>April 17, 2020, was supposed to be an evening in which we celebrated with friends and supporters the resilience, strength and success of the families and children in our care. Funny thing, despite the cancelation of our site's largest fundraiser due to the pandemic, the resilience, strength and success of our families and staff shines brighter now than ever before. </p><p>The coronavirus pandemic has given us more time for self-reflection. We are finding new hobbies, learning a new language or spending more time with family. There is time to teach our kids to read or improve their math skills. We can explore the outdoors and meet neighbors we didn't know before or play games or take naps. This is true for the Boys Town community as well. </p><p>It is evident in the stronger bonds created within our Foster Care families who have not wavered in their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming home. It can be found in our Family-Teachers, who provide love and guidance to the youth in their care as they become more cohesive as a neighborhood community. They are finding new and creative ways to keep the children engaged while staying safe on campus.</p><p>It can be found in the smiles from the more than 100 families in our Care Coordination Services program, whose consultants ensure families continue to receive the essential resources they need while staying home with their kids. Or in the eyes of our In-Home Services families, who are grateful for the consultants who work 24/7 providing support and assistance to ensure their families are nurtured and receive the skills needed to remain together during this unprecedented time. </p><p>The times are different, and much is still unknown. What we do know, however, is our friends and supporters have rallied around us to make sure Boys Town will get through these uncertain times. We want to acknowledge those early sponsors of the 2020 Spirit of Youth Gala who so generously believed in our efforts. This includes <strong>Armand and Suzanne Cognetta</strong>, <strong>Walmart</strong>, <strong>Rowland Publishing</strong>, <strong>The Gabor Agency, John Gandy Events </strong>and the many individuals who purchased tickets. We also wish to thank those who contributed April 17,<sup> </sup>when we transitioned from a Gala to a Day of Giving. While falling short of our Gala revenue goal, we remain committed to providing the same level of programs and services to our families and children that is expected from Boys Town North Florida. We will continue to provide hope and healing to our community and do so with resilience, strength and grace. </p> | 2020-05-18T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| A Special Donation to Boys Town North Florida | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/A-Special-Donation-to-BT-N-Florida.aspx | A Special Donation to Boys Town North Florida | <p>Zoey and Jacob Lacey, the children of Boys Town North Florida's Senior Director of Program Operations Bethany Lacey, has the makings of being two very successful future fundraisers! </p><p>Instead of receiving birthday presents this year, Zoey and Jacob asked their friends to make a donation to Boys Town North Florida. In lieu of their presents, they were able to raise over $300 for the children of Boys Town. They were hoping to do a check presentation, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, they were unable to make it to campus. However, this minor setback did not stop them from creating quite possibly the cutest video check presentation we've ever seen. You can watch the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnW7jV0eFtM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2QQ6chEzZofyK2YZWuuNQAijQT1r3LyE64QihjOVWoqKEXP-is8CeRXHs">here</a>.</p><div class="embed-container">
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</div><p>We love to see Zoey and Jacob's willingness to help others and are so thankful for their very special gift to Boys Town. </p> | 2020-05-18T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Boys Town Birthday Donation" src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/BirthdayDonation_Picture.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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