| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Ford donates engines to Boys Town auto program
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Ford donates engines to Boys Town auto program
| <p>
<a href="https://www.ketv.com/article/ford-donates-engines-to-boys-town-auto-program/23748371" target="_blank"><em>This article is written by Molly Bernard. It was posted on ketv.com on October 13.</em></a></p><p>
<strong>BOYS TOWN, Neb. —</strong> New engines, never used in a car, are now giving students a chance to learn from the newest technology.</p><p>Bo Rhudy, an alumni of Boys Town High School, brought four engines from Michigan to Omaha. All four engines were donated by Ford.</p><p>"'Cause when you see one of these motors, they ain't like what you and I grew up with, where you can just climb under the hood and tear it apart," said Rhudy.</p><p>These engines won't be under a hood. Instead they'll be in a classroom at Boys Town High School. </p><p>"Teach the students on what it is to rebuild them -- to get them back to running condition -- and be able to hold down a job in the future," said Jeremy Kreikemeier, the automotive, welding and small engines instructor at Boys Town.</p><p>Ford's donation will help to drive the education forward for students participating in the trade program at Boys Town.</p><p>"They're new engines, so that way we can have the opportunity to learn the new technology of what's being released," said Kreikemeier.</p><p>Ford's donation doesn't end here.</p><p>"Next time they get rid of engines, which will probably be another six months, they said we'll get more if we need them," said Rhudy.</p><p>Rhudy is excited to help with the donation, but he's even more excited the trade program at Boys Town has been successful after being restarted last year.</p><p>"I think it's such a terrific thing to be doing what they're doing now and starting this type of activity again," said Rhudy.<br></p> | 2018-10-15T05:00:00Z | News | | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
New England Celebrates Annual Spirit of Youth Gala
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
New England Celebrates Annual Spirit of Youth Gala
| <p>On Friday, Sept. 14, Boys Town New England celebrated the annual Spirit of Youth Gala at Newport Car Museum honoring the recently retired Executive Director Bill Reardon. </p><p>Over 195 people attended the event where they could enjoy small plates and truffles paired with wines and a silent auction with proceeds benefiting Boys Town New England. </p><p>Some items up for bid included a signed Robert Gronkowski jersey, Boston Celtics Tickets, Frozen on Broadway Tickets and a Cape Cod getaway. The event raised over $66,000. </p><p>This year's gold sponsors were the Bazarsky Family Foundation, National Grid and Navigant Credit Union. </p><p>"The funds raised from the Spirt of Youth will directly benefit the children and families throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts that Boys Town New England provides care and services to," said Amanda Baker, Development Director. "In 2018 it is estimated that over 1,400 lives will have been impacted."</p><p>Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a huge success to help support Boys Town New England. </p> | 2018-10-10T05:00:00Z | News | | New England;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town National Hotline: on call for the community
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town National Hotline: on call for the community
| <p style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Boys-Town-National-Hotline-on-call-for-the-community-495226991.html"><em>This article is written by Adam Priester. It was posted on wowt.com on October 4.</em></a></p><p><strong>BOYS TOWN, Neb. (WOWT) --</strong> Tonight the tenth annual Boys Town National Hotline Fundraiser collected donations to support their cause. People taking the calls say that the decision to dial the number can be life changing.</p><p>Calls to the Boys Town National Hotline are on the rise. Increasing every year since at least 2012.</p><p>"The support that we get is literally life saving." says training supervisor Diana Schmidt.</p><p>No matter what kind of crisis, having someone to talk it through with could make all the difference. Staff here are specially trained to de-escelate problems, helping people make better decisions when emotions may cloud their judgement.</p><p>Schmidt explains, "If they can get themselves to just reach out to call us text or chat, then we can really talk them through it and there's just a magical thing that happens you are honest about what's going on."</p><p>Making that magic is exactly the mission here. Last year alone more than 150 thousand phone calls came in. Counselors also responded to 30-thousand emails, texts and webchats.</p><p>Celebrity suicides and current events can cause a wave of calls.</p><p>"When Kate Spade died by suicide and then Anthony Bourdain...that call volume, they were record numbers." says Schmidt.</p><p>Even when calls flood in, the work is all worth it for the counselors on the other end of the line.</p><p>"You know you're making a difference. It's a small difference in an individual's life but it really has a ripple effect throughout their family and I believe that's what Boys Town sees in the hotline is that it makes a stronger family, it makes a stronger individual and it absolutely makes a stronger community." says Schmidt.</p><p>The number for the hotline is 1-800-448-3000 and is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you would like to donate to the hotline, you can follow visit their website <a href="https://secure.boystown.org/Donate/?view=3"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></a>.</p> | 2018-10-08T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Hotline" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Hotline_newspg.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Louisiana Receives Major Gift From Valero
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Louisiana Receives Major Gift From Valero
| <p>Boys Town Louisiana was chosen by Valero for the 6<sup>th</sup> year as one of their local children charities to receive a generous donation of $20,000.</p><p>Darrell Johnson, Development Director, Boys Town Louisiana, attended Valero's Annual Children's Charity Luncheon representing Boys Town Louisiana to receive the gift. </p><p>This year Valero raised $12 million through the Valero Texas Open to be distributed to charities across the United States. The all-time total raised for this year's PGA TOUR was $138 million, making it one of the most charitable tournaments of the PGA TOUR. </p><p>The charities that receive donations are nominated by Valero employees every year. </p><p>"This donation profoundly impacts our work of saving children and healing families in Louisiana," said Darrell. "Thanks to generous community partners in 2017 we were able to provide services for 381 youth and 220 families, as well as hire additional staff." </p><p>Boys Town would like to extend many thanks to Jerry Stumbo, VP and General Manager of Valero St. Charles Refinery. Additionally, we'd like to thank both Taryn Rogers and Cherie Scioneaux for their special dedication to Boys Town Louisiana's mission over the years.</p> | 2018-10-03T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Darrell Johnson, Development Director, Boys Town Louisiana" src="/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Valero_DarrellJohnson.jpg?RenditionID=2" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Louisiana;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Robertsons Put Family First as Family-Teachers at Boys Town
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Robertsons Put Family First as Family-Teachers at Boys Town
| <p>For Aaron and Kendal Robertson, the opportunity to become Family-Teachers<sup>®</sup> at Boys Town put them on a career track to not only help kids but also to help themselves. </p><p>"I became a Family-Teacher because I wanted to do something that made a lasting impact on someone else's life," Aaron said. "Many of the youth in our home had never done well in school or played on an organized sports team. Some of my proudest moments as a Family-Teacher have been watching them earn all A's and play in their first athletic competitions."</p><p>The Robertsons had just welcomed their first child before coming to Boys Town in 2012. The rewards and challenges of working with troubled youth in a Boys Town Family Home have only been enhanced by the joy of raising their own kids.</p><p>"I was a new father when my wife and I became Family-Teachers," Aaron said. "The things that were important to me changed when my son was born. I wanted to be around for my son (and now a daughter, as well) as much as I could. Going to work for 60 to 70 hours a week away from the home was too difficult of a sacrifice for me. Choosing to be Family-Teachers allowed my wife and I to be with our own children each day of their pre-school years. Raising our children at Boys Town has given them the opportunity to practice the same social skills we teach to the youth. My own children learned how to follow instructions, accept decisions and greet others by watching our interactions with the Boys Town youth."</p><p>For Kendal, being a Family-Teacher let her do two things she loves.</p><p>"I have always enjoyed working," Kendal said. "But I also love being a mom. Being a Family-Teacher has let me do both. Family-Teaching was a job that allowed me to have a sense of purpose while investing in my own children. One of the greatest parts of being a Family-Teaching Couple is that not only did I get to be with my children full-time, so did my husband. In our world today, that's a rarity."</p><p>After nearly six years as Family-Teachers, the Robertsons recently accepted a new position as Boys Town's Campus Ministry Couple for Chambers Chapel, the Protestant church on home campus. Like Aaron and Kendal, many Family-Teachers move on to administrative or other support positions at Boys Town when they decide to leave the Family Home Program. </p><p>Aaron said the opportunity for him and Kendal to continue a career at Boys Town would have never been possible without their experience as Family-Teachers.</p><p>"Faith in God is very important in our family," he said. "I am so grateful that Boys Town supported our desire to live out our faith with the youth in our home. Most of the young men that came into our home believed in God, but some were not sure what practicing faith was about. Kendal and I encouraged the boys to ask questions about God, church and prayer. We have experienced family sickness, personal victories and even death. It was always our desire to point the guys back to God during these life experiences. Our faith has allowed us to share in both celebrations and grief – and praying together."</p><p>At Boys Town, being a Family-Teacher is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. </p><p>Perhaps Kendal summed up the experience best.</p><p>"There is nothing magical about what we do," she said. "We believe we love through action and words, something as simple as saying, 'Good morning' or 'How was your day?' can be life-changing. Maybe no one has ever said those things on a consistent basis to the boys in the past -- and we say them every day."</p><p><strong><em>If you're looking to make a career change that will make a real lasting difference, contact us today!</em></strong></p><p>Boys Town is currently looking for qualified candidates to work with troubled youth as Family-Teachers on our Nebraska campus. For more information, contact Amy Kistaitis at 531-355-3299 or <a href="mailto:amy.kistaitis@boystown.org"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>amy.kistaitis@boystown.org</strong></span></a>.</p> | 2018-10-02T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Robertson Family" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/RobertsonPicture.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Kyle’s Mile Benefits Boys Town National Hotline®
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Kyle’s Mile Benefits Boys Town National Hotline®
| <div class="hidden-gal">
<a title="T-Shirt" class="image-group cboxElement" href="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/tshirt.jpg">image 1</a>
<a title="Kyles Mile" class="image-group cboxElement" href="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/kyles_mile.jpg">image 1</a> </div><p>The 5<sup>th</sup> annual Kyle's Mile took place on Saturday, August 25, with proceeds benefiting the Boys Town National Hotline.</p><p>Kyle's Mile is a motorcycle ride event that was started by Byron Cooper whose son committed suicide on June 20, 2013. Byron has now dedicated his efforts to try and prevent others from being in similar situations such as Kyle.</p><p>Kyle's Mile is a ride that begins at Metro Harley-Davidson Suzuki Can-Am in Rapids City, Iowa and the participants make stops along the way before ending with a celebration that includes music and a raffle drawing.</p><p>This year 442 people participated in the ride raising a total of $14,000 for the Boys Town National Hotline.</p><p>"This is a great cause and Byron is doing really great things with this ride every year," said Stan Kontogiannis, Regional Major Gifts Officer for Boys Town. "My hope is that we can do more rides like this all over the country to spread awareness."</p><p>Byron was very happy with this year's Kyle's Mile and a date has already been set for next year's ride on August 24, 2019.</p><p> "Thank you to all who supported Kyle's Mile once again," said Byron. "Do not let it end where the ride did, keep an open ear and an open mind and be aware of those around you. You truly can change this world one person at a time."</p><p>If would like to participate or become a financial supporter to Kyle's Mile please contact Stan Kontogiannis at (402) 315-0156 or via email at
<a href="mailto:Stan.Kontogiannis@boystown.org">Stan.Kontogiannis@boystown.org</a>.</p> | 2018-10-02T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Bikes" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/bikes.jpg?RenditionID=2" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Iowa Community Suicide Prevention Event
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Iowa Community Suicide Prevention Event
| <p>In the state of Iowa suicide is the 2<sup>nd</sup> leading cause of death in ages 15 to 34. This alarming statistic proves that there is much we can still learn as a community to make positive changes in the youth we serve. </p><p>On Sept. 10, Boys Town Iowa hosted a Community Suicide Prevention Education Event at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. </p><p>Sonya Fittje, Hope4Iowa Crisis Line Clinical Supervisor; Debra Schwiesow, Green Hills Education Agency; Ciara Warden, Clear Mind Therapy; and Mindy Eggert, Parent Advocate were on the panel to lead this year's discussion. </p><p>The presenters provided suicide prevention strategies through awareness, identification and intervention for the participants to understand indicators of suicide to better help themselves and those around them. </p><p>"Being a part of a community event like this is extremely important because it brings awareness to the very difficult topic of suicide and how we can all work to prevent it and ultimately save lives," said Sonya.</p><p>They talked about how even mentioning the topic of suicide decreases the risk of people ending their lives because they then understand that they are not alone in what they are going through.</p><p>Suicide is a topic that everyone can bring awareness to because it impacts 45,000 people every year in our nation. It is especially important to be aware of this topic when working with youth, since it can have a big impact on this age group and it is our job to educate them. </p><p>Thank you to all the speakers who offered their time. Grant funding provided by Human Services Advisory Council made this community event possible. </p><p>For additional information on Suicide Awareness click <a href="/parenting/article/Pages/suicide-concerns.aspx">here</a>. <br></p><p><br></p> | 2018-10-01T05:00:00Z | News | | Iowa;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town North Florida Goes All Out to Embrace Troubled Teen
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town North Florida Goes All Out to Embrace Troubled Teen
| <p>At Boys Town, building relationships and establishing trust are always the primary goals when working with troubled youth. Recently, the staff at Boys Town North Florida was able to achieve those goals in a big way to help a 15-year-old youth named Julia.<br></p><p>Julia first entered a Boys Town North Florida Family Home, and after about a year, moved into Boys Town Therapeutic Foster Care. But over time, staff determined the teen needed a higher level of treatment because of the seriousness of her behavior problems. Julia eventually was admitted to an intensive residential treatment facility in another community.<br></p><p>As she was preparing to leave Boys Town's care, Julia told the Boys Town North Florida staff that they were more of a family to her than her own family. She recounted a time when a staff member had responded to a crisis situation in her Family Home and had prayed with her to help her calm down. Julia said it was the first time anyone had ever prayed with her, and it made a lasting impression. <br></p><p>Staff members responded in kind, reassuring Julia that Boys Town would always be there to love and care for her, and would welcome her back after she received the treatment she needed.<br></p><p>Sadly, Julia's parents' rights were terminated, and she lost contact with her family, leaving her alone and feeling abandoned. <br></p><p>But Boys Town kept its word. When Julia successfully completed her treatment, she was able to return to Boys Town's Therapeutic Foster Care program. <br></p><p>"We love Julia and we are thrilled that she returned to us," said Bethany Lacey, Senior Director of Program Operations at Boys Town North Florida. "Soon, she will be eligible for adoption, and we look forward to advocating and helping her find her forever family."<br></p> | 2018-09-21T05:00:00Z | | | North Florida;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Boosters Host Tailgate, Present Check for Sports Programs
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Boosters Host Tailgate, Present Check for Sports Programs
| <p>On Friday, Aug. 31, Boys Town Boosters hosted a tailgate meal at the first home football game of the Cowboys' season and presented a check benefiting the Boys Town sports program at halftime. </p><p>
<img class="ms-rtePosition-1" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Boys-Town-Boosters-Host-Tailgate/booster.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px 10px 5px 0px;width:300px;height:200px;" />The Boys Town Sports Booster Members served hamburgers and hotdogs at the game against West Point-Beemer. It is these members who are critical to the success of Boys Town's athletic department. <br></p><p>
<img class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Boys-Town-Boosters-Host-Tailgate/bbq.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px 5px 5px 10px;width:300px;height:200px;" />Because of the work the Booster Members do throughout the year, by securing sponsors, selling tables and donating fundraiser items, we are able to support our youth's sports programs on campus. Not only do these funds benefit Boys Town athletes but also all the children who use the track, gym and weight room during the school year. </p><p>A check of over $145,000 was presented at halftime from the funds that were raised at this year's Booster Banquet in May. </p><p>
<img class="ms-rtePosition-1" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Boys-Town-Boosters-Host-Tailgate/bbq2.jpg" alt="bbq2.png" style="margin:5px 10px 5px 0px;width:300px;height:200px;" />"The Boosters have supported Boys Town kids and sports for over 50 years," said Herb Hames, Senior Development Director, Boys Town Nebraska. "The tailgate has become a tradition for many Boosters and their families. They love bringing their spouses and kids to serve food and drink, and watch a little football." </p><p>Big thank you to the Booster members who work year round to provide the best sports programs and facilities to Boys Town youth.</p>
<br> | 2018-09-20T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Booster" src="/locations/nebraska/PublishingImages/check.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Kindness Is a Winning Message for Boys Town Central Florida Teen
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Kindness Is a Winning Message for Boys Town Central Florida Teen
| <p>What is one thing you can do right now to make your corner of the world a little better, a little brighter and a little kinder? That question was asked and answered in an inspiring (and winning!) speech by Edward Grillo, a resident of Boys Town Central Florida's Family Home Program<sup>SM</sup>.
<br></p><p>Edward won first place in the Florida High School High Tech Speech and Research Contest sponsored by The Able Trust, an organization that promotes tech-related careers for high school students.
<br></p><p>For eight minutes, Edward spoke from the heart and personal experience about the transformational power of kindness. With references to Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Teresa of Calcutta and his own life story, Edward advocated for more compassion and understanding in a world too often consumed by cynicism and callousness.
<br></p><p>
<em class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">"The world is often a very scary place. One of cruelty, sadness and pain. Yet, in this world, there are people who are beacons of hope and show love to others in spite of those facts. You probably call them regular people, but I call them the heroes of tomorrow."</em></p><p>Edward challenged his audience to be the change they want to see in their families, neighborhoods and communities. It was a persuasive, inspiring call to action.
<br></p><p>"People came up to me and said they were extremely touched by the speech," Edward said. "They felt moved and inspired to go out and do acts of kindness, which was humbling to hear." <br></p><p>Edward advanced to the state contest in Tallahassee after winning local and regional competitions. He described the whole experience, which included tours of the state capitol building and governor's office, as "amazing." In addition to claiming first place, Edward earned a trophy and a $400 cash prize.
<br></p><p>Edward credited his Boys Town Central Florida family for helping him learn how to "read the room" and use the audience's reactions to improve his tone and delivery.<br></p><p>"At the local contest, some people actually stopped paying attention to me and got on their phones. My Family-Teachers<sup>®</sup> helped me come up with ideas to keep people really engaged in the speech," Edward said.
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<em class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">"I am a living example of what can happen when we decide to stay positive and not give in to our negative thoughts and emotions."</em></p><p>Boys Town staff also provided much-needed emotional support to Edward after his father's untimely death.
<br></p><p>"My Family-Teachers did a great job of keeping me comforted and looking forward to the competition so I didn't fixate on grief," explained Edward.<br></p><p>While Edward is grateful for the awards and accolades, he said having a platform to promote more kindness in the world is what proved to be most satisfying. His victory coincided with the Boys Town Alumni Association's mini-reunion, held in Orlando, and he was honored to share his message with visiting alumni. <br></p><p>According to John Mollison, Senior Advisor for Alumni Matters, Edward's speech drew an enthusiastic standing ovation and was one of the most memorable reunion moments.
<br></p><p>"Edward held the audience spellbound with his delivery and, more so, because of the message of people caring for each other. It was certainly inspiring," John said.
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<em class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">"Do you want to be a world-changer, or an idle bystander?"</em></p><p>The 17-year-old hopes to one day turn his passion for technology into a career. But he also wants to be an advocate for foster children and others who are in difficult circumstances. </p><p>"A lot of the situations kids like me come from can be very negative," Edward explained. "It's not all sunshine and rainbows. It can leave you with a lot of anger. A lot of sadness. I say if you feel angry, write your feelings. If you're sad, use that to your advantage. If you use your emotions to your advantage, you're going to go a long way."<br></p><p>
<em><strong>*This story features excerpts from Edward's winning speech. You can read the complete transcript </strong><a href="/locations/central-florida/Documents/edward-grillo-SPEECH.pdf?Web=1" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong>.</strong></em></p><br> | 2018-09-19T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Edward Grillo" src="/locations/central-florida/PublishingImages/Edward-Grillo-Picture.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Central Florida;# | | | |
