Boys Town Louisiana is delighted to welcome Detric and April Golden as the new Family-Teachers in our Bienville Family Home for boys ages 12 to 18. In the Family Home Program, Family-Teachers create and foster the structure and daily rhythms of a family-style home while building relationships that help youth feel safe and supported.
For the Goldens, this role is deeply connected to their life’s work. They are drawn to Founder Father Edward J. Flanagan’s enduring belief that there is no such thing as a bad boy, a conviction that remains central to Boys Town’s mission and work today. It’s a message that resonates deeply with Detric, who reflects, “Any kid can be helped. Sometimes they have challenges that we may not be aware of, but any bad behavior, per se, stems from something.”
Together, they hope to make the Bienville Family Home a place where youth find consistency and care as they heal and grow. April speaks about creating a safety net through “the structure and the foundation of a home” and about the significance of everyday moments that help boys feel like family, including coming home to a home-cooked meal and gathering around the table together. Detric emphasizes another essential part of that work: listening and showing up. For him, creating a family atmosphere means making sure the boys feel heard, loved and supported — not only at home, but also at their athletic events and in the moments that matter most to them.
As they begin this new chapter, the Goldens bring purpose and a sense of calling to the Bienville Family Home. We are so glad to welcome them to Boys Town Louisiana and to a long legacy of Family-Teachers who provide compassionate care to youth who have faced serious challenges.