| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Local Community Delivers Holiday Cheer for over 300 Boys Town New England Children
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Local Community Delivers Holiday Cheer for over 300 Boys Town New England Children
| <p>The holidays are a joyful time of year for most. They are a time filled with love, laughter, delicious food and plenty of presents under the tree. However, for many this does not hold true. For the 39 million U.S. families living in poverty the holidays can be an incredibly stressful time. For the 438,000 U.S. children living in the foster care system the holidays can be a lonely, joyless time.<br></p><p>This past Christmas the Development Team at Boys Town New England reached out to the local community in an effort to brighten up the holidays for some of the children and families who struggle during this time. Thanks to the support and generosity of local businesses and community members all of our children's wish lists - over 300 - were adopted out by the first week of November.
<br></p><p>Amanda Baker, Boys Town New England Development Director, credits this year's Adopt a Child success to the hard work of Elizabeth Rose, Boys Town New England Donor Relations Specialist. "In finding our donors I was able to give them a glimpse into the important work Boys Town is doing," said Elizabeth. "It was such a great opportunity for me to not only dive into our programs but to really connect with our team and learn more about our youth, overall it has left me feeling much more connected to our mission and even more excited to be a part of such a great organization."
<br></p><p>Amanda cited the Adopt a Child Gift Drive as a great way to re-connect with our youth, who she is not able to work with every day, "it brings it back full circle as to one of the many reasons why I am here, I am able to be a part of making the holidays enjoyable for our children and families." It is especially fun for our donors as each child writes their own wish list, including likes and dislikes, and the donors are able to learn about them as they Christmas shop.<br></p><p>We'd like to offer a special thanks to everyone who donated to this year's Adopt a Child Gift Drive and made Christmas a little more special for the children of Boys Town New England. </p><p> <span style="background-color:transparent;">"Appreciation – Appreciation for all that I have, for our local community and their overwhelming support, and for all of my Boys Town New England co-workers and the hard work they do every day. That was my biggest takeaway from all of this," said Elizabeth.</span></p><p>Some of the businesses and organizations within the community that contributed to this year's success story include:</p><div class="container">
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<ul><li>Simpatico Jamestown</li><li>Colonial Mills</li><li>Johnson & Wales University</li><li>Electric Boat</li><li>Perfect 10 Nail Salon</li><li>Raise the Bar Nutrition</li><li>Providence Veterans Regional Office</li><li>Blount Fine Foods</li><li>Ørsted</li><li>Pare Corporation</li><li>Trinity Church in Newport</li><li>Optum Health</li></ul></div><div class="section"><ul><li>Pare Corporation</li><li>Trinity Church in Newport</li><li>Optum Health</li><li>Performance Adjusting</li><li>Thevenot Transportation</li><li>Independence Financial Advisors</li><li>Embrace Home Loans</li><li>StrategicPoint Investment Advisors</li><li>Portsmouth Police Department</li><li>Viking Riders of Rhode Island</li><li>Kenneth Cote Renewal Center</li><li>Bags of Hope<br></li></ul></div></div><p><br></p><p>To be placed on the distribution list for next year’s Adopt a Child Gift Drive please email
<a href="mailto:elizabeth.rose@boystown.org">elizabeth.rose@boystown.org</a>.<br></p> | 2019-01-18T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Holiday Gifts" src="/locations/new-england/Holiday_Gifts/simpatico.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | New England;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
John Etzell named Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
John Etzell named Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada
| <p>Boys Town is pleased to announce that John Etzell has been named Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada. Following his graduation from the University of St. Thomas, Etzell held numerous roles at Boys Town including Assistant Family Teacher, Family Teacher, Residential Consultant and Program Director of Residential Services.</p><p>Etzell has over 17 years of progressive non-profit management experience in education and residential services. He has experience in new start-ups, including opening two new charter high schools in Colorado in four years and opening the Family Home program at Boys Town New England.</p><p>Most recently John was Head of School for Colorado Early Colleges Aurora. In this role he successfully obtained grant funding and developed partnerships with local charter elementary and middle schools. In addition, he was successful in obtaining federal and private grants, including a Walton Family Foundation grant.</p><p>"With John's strong background in growing and developing relationships within the community and experience in raising funds combined with his knowledge of the Boys Town model, he will be a great asset to Boys Town Nevada in moving its initiatives forward to improve the lives of kids and families," said Vice President of Site Operations, Lisa Batenhorst. "I'd like to congratulate John and encourage all to welcome him to Nevada." </p><p>Etzell holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and is currently working on his Master of Business Administration, Non-Profit Management degree. Please join us in welcoming John back to the Boys Town family.</p> | 2019-01-17T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="John Etzell" src="/locations/nevada/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Etzell.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nevada;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town North Florida Hosts 26th Annual Christmas Classic
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town North Florida Hosts 26th Annual Christmas Classic
| <p>The 26<sup>th</sup> annual Boys Town North Florida Christmas Classic Golf Tournament took place on Monday, December 17 with an appearance of a special guest, former Chicago Cubs Worlds Series Champion catcher, David Ross. </p><p>The event allows teams of four to compete for the top score while also raising money for the children and families that North Florida serves. </p><p>This year over 100 people took part in the Christmas Classic and helped to raise more than $50,000 for Boys Town North Florida. </p><p>A fun part of this year's tournament was having 2016 World Series Champion, David Ross from the Chicago Cubs greet golfers at the 12<sup>th</sup> hole. Here the golfers had a chance to "Beat the Pro" and win a sleeve of golf balls if they had a better drive than David did. </p><p>This year's top gross winners of the tournament were Residential Elevators in first, Jersey Mike's/ Moe's in second and Carr Allison Law Firm in third place.</p><p>The net winners were Evolution Media in first, Dr. Richard Freesmeier in second and The Egg in third. </p><p>"It was a wonderful tournament and everyone had a great time," said Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director. "One of our own Boys Town children kicked off the tournament with a lovely prayer of thankfulness." </p><p>Special thanks to Starbucks, Tasty Pastry Bakery, Moe's Southwest Grill, Tri-Eagle Sales, Jersey Mike's and The Egg who were vendors on six of the holes. Also, big thank you to Radio Talk Show host and Sportscaster, Woody Hayes for being awards ceremony presenter. </p><div class="hidden-gal">
<a class="image-group cboxElement" href="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/IMG_boys.jpg" title="The Boys"> </a>
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| 2019-01-11T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Group Picture" src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/IMG_groupross.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | North Florida;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town’s South Omaha Office Celebrates Las Posadas
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town’s South Omaha Office Celebrates Las Posadas
| <p>On December 13, Boys Town in collaboration with El Museo Latino celebrated Las Posadas in South Omaha for the 4<sup>th</sup> year. </p><p>Posada is Spanish for "lodging" or "inn". This Christmas celebration reflects the journey of Mary and Joseph traveling from place to place looking for somewhere to stay before the birth of Jesus. </p><p>Today, Posadas consists of singing the traditional Christmas songs. One group of singers are "Inn-keepers", and another group are "pilgrims". The "pilgrims" sing asking for a place at the Inn. The "Inn-keepers" respond by singing there is no place for them. The pilgrims then go from house to house singing, until someone invites them in.</p><p>The event was held at El Museo Latino. Guests enjoyed activities, music, refreshment and the traditional Posadas singing. </p><p>"Las Posadas is important to the South Omaha community because it is a tradition that many families we work with celebrate," said Regina Costello, Director of Community Support Services. "It is also an opportunity for us to learn about other cultures and traditions." </p><p>The community collaboration had volunteer support from First National Bank, Bank of the West, and Oath.<br></p> | 2019-01-02T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Las Posadas" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/2018-Posadas-3.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />
<img alt="Las Posadas" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/2018-Posadas-1.jpg" width="400" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Trades Program Receives $20,000 Grant from First National Bank
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Trades Program Receives $20,000 Grant from First National Bank
| <p>The trades program at Boys Town High School received a $20,000 grant from First National Bank. The grant will support the cost of trades courses in the coming new year.</p><p>"We believe the better prepared youth are to continue their education or enter the workforce after they leave Boys Town, the more likely they will be to achieve their goals and develop as productive, contributing members of society," said Herb Hames, Boys Town Senior Development Director. </p><p>The grant will help fund vocational instructors, travel for local field trips and the purchase of tools and supplies. These materials are needed for student projects and for Boys Town's growing enrollment into the trades program. </p><p>The trades program at Boys Town went away in the 90's but about six years ago Boys Town decided to bring them back. Since then the trades program has grown from 25 students to now over 200 students involved in these programs.</p><p>"At First National Bank, we believe that an individual's life and job skills have a direct correlation to their employment status and overall financial wellness," said Alec Gorynski, Vice President, Community Development and Corporate Philanthropy. "We are proud to partner with Boys Town to improve economic self-sufficiency by providing education, training and life-skills improvement that helps young men and women gain employment, advance their careers and improve their financial well-being."</p><p>Thanks to this generous grant from First National Bank the education of many students at Boys Town will continue to develop and in turn will create a prosperous community.<br></p> | 2019-01-02T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Trade Grant" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Apprenticeship.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Mom Finds Solutions to Daughters’ Medical, School Challenges with Boys Town New England’s Help
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Mom Finds Solutions to Daughters’ Medical, School Challenges with Boys Town New England’s Help
| <p>A single mom, Ana was doing everything she could to care for her four daughters while dealing with her own serious medical problems and those of two of her kids.</p><p>But when those problems led to chronic absenteeism for the four girls at their school, the family's plight came to the attention of Boys Town New England. Soon, Eli Escrogin, Director of the site's Community Support Services, was visiting Ana and her girls – Ciara and Tiffany, both 7, Jade, 8, and Kenya, 13 – regularly in their home to work on a plan to meet their challenges.</p><p>Eli found that Ana was feeling overwhelmed by pressure and anxiety. There were many days when she simply chose to keep her daughters home from school because she felt powerless and fearful about their ability to manage school and their medical conditions.</p><p>Eli was determined to help Ana find some relief, and started to look for ways the girls' medical conditions could be assessed and managed so they could live normal lives. Working as a partner with Ana and school staff, Eli was able to connect with medical providers who could treat the girls and resolve many of their issues. The school also contributed, meeting the family where they were and developing improved Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for the girls to address their current needs. </p><p>Meanwhile, Eli used elements of the Boys Town Model® to empower Ana as a mom and a parent and establish structure, rules and consistency in the home. These changes would help the girls improve their behaviors, complete their homework and be better prepared to succeed in school. </p><p>As a result of this team effort, the school reported that Ana's girls were attending school consistently and the concern about their frequent absenteeism had been resolved. Ana said Jade, the daughter she struggled most with, had become "a completely different person" with Eli's support. Ana was so happy with how Boys Town New England had helped and supported her that she asked the site to provide services for her brother and his family, who also were struggling with some issues. Boys Town New England accepted the referral and is currently working with that family. </p><p>Ana's journey from feeling anxiety over her daughters' absenteeism and the family's medical problems to becoming a more confident and capable mom and caregiver was not an easy one. But Ana's determination, and Boys Town's guidance and support, have put her and her kids on a happier, healthier path. </p> | 2018-12-21T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Thanks to Boys Town New England, Ana and her four girls have much more to smile about today." src="/locations/new-england/news-and-events/PublishingImages/momFam.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | New England;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Central Florida’s 12th Annual Candy Cane 5k
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Central Florida’s 12th Annual Candy Cane 5k
| <p>Boys Town Central Florida had their 12<sup>th</sup> Annual Candy Cane 5k on December 8 at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs. </p><p>The event allowed for runners of all ages to put on their reindeer antlers, Santa suits and race to raise money for Boys Town Central Florida. </p><p>This year the race had an attendance of 745 and was able to raise over $18,000. </p><p>All participants received a t-shirt, the first 700 to cross the finish line received a medal. </p><p>This year the top male finished in 17:46 and the top female finished in 19:08. </p><p>Throughout the event, there were numerous activities for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to the 5k, there is also a Kids Fun Run for younger children to participate in. Local vendors provided food and of course, hot chocolate. The event would not be complete without Santa waiting at the end of the finish line. </p><p>"The Boys Town Candy Cane 5K is an awesome event for the whole family. It really brings the community together and shows the youth and families we serve that someone <em>truly</em> has their back," said Tabitha Talbott, Central Florida Donor Relations Specialist. "Plus, free pancakes…need I say more?"</p><p>Thanks to everyone who participated and helped raise money to further the mission of Boys Town Central Florida. </p><p><img src="/locations/central-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/race.jpg" alt="Starting Line" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p> | 2018-12-19T06:00:00Z | | <img alt="Winners!" src="/locations/central-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/winners.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Central Florida;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Community has made Christmas special at Boys Town
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Community has made Christmas special at Boys Town
| <p><em>This article is written by Deborah Hulinsky. It was posted to </em><a href="https://www.theindependent.com/opinion/letters/community-has-made-christmas-special-at-boys-town/article_1c975f06-fff7-11e8-8d8b-833639ddcf3e.html" target="_blank"><em>theindependent.com</em></a><em> on December 15, 2018.</em></p><p>"It takes a whole village to raise a child" is an African proverb that is frequently used to describe how children are influenced by the many people who touch their lives. This is especially applicable to the work we do at Boys Town Central Nebraska through our many programs.</p><p>This past year, Boys Town has been blessed beyond words by the generosity of our community. We were able to raise enough money from donors across the region to completely renovate the kitchen of our shelter in Grand Island. The remodeling started on Nov. 19 and we hope to complete it the last week of December. During the construction, the community stepped up once again to provide every lunch and every dinner for the kids in our care.</p><p>Christmas is a special time for the children at our shelter and for all those we serve through our programs. The children experience what some of them describe as "the best Christmas I have ever had." This is not just about the gifts they receive; it's about the love that's behind those gifts and all of the fun activities they enjoy during the holidays. Once again, this is all possible because individuals and organizations in our community come through every year to donate many nice presents through the Giving Tree at the Conestoga Mall and different clothing drives, bring treats to our kids and spend evenings with them.</p><p>I would like to thank the "village" of Grand Island and surrounding communities for all of their contributions in helping to raise the children we serve. I am proud to live in such a caring and giving community that wraps its arms around those in need, both during the holidays and throughout the year.</p><p>Have a Merry Christmas and blessed new year!</p> | 2018-12-17T06:00:00Z | News | | Central Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Grand Island unveils new Community Schools program
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Grand Island unveils new Community Schools program
| <p><em>This article is written by Alex Whitney. It was posted on </em><a href="https://nebraska.tv/news/local/grand-island-unveils-new-community-schools-program"><em>nebraska.tv</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>Bridging the gap between services and education, Grand Island Public Schools unveiled its new community schools program at Lincoln Elementary school today making them the first school in the city designated as a community campus.</p><p>But what does that mean to be a community campus?</p><p>It means that educators at Lincoln Elementary will be able to partner with community organizations like the Heartland United Way and Boys Town to provide services to their students that they typically wouldn't get directly from the school.</p><p>Dental services, access to social workers, and a variety of other programs are planned to give parents a central resource for everything they need to make their students successful.</p><p>"A lot of times we find its more convenient for families to be involved and engaged with their students when they are in their neighborhood school. So I think the key word in community schools is unity. How do we garner a number of different organizations to come together to provide additional supports our students and families desire," said GIPS Superintendent Tawana Grover.</p><p>While students come first, the new community school campus will work as a resource for families as well and part of the program is developing school campuses that parents, like Angie Martinez whose son attends Lincoln, can feel just as comfortable there as their students.</p><p>"You just go through the door and everyone says hello to you so its very comfortable. And you know all the moms that are here are friends because we see each other all the day so it feels like home you just enter and can say hello everybody," said Martinez. </p><p>The idea of community focused education isn't new for Lincoln Elementary school.</p><p>Lincoln principal Maureen Oman has always had a focus on bringing community resources into school for her students.</p><p>"We really wanted to partner with the community because they wrap their arms around us and they help us. One of the other things is we have a lot of people in our actual community who want to do things. And I just had some unique connections we started with the GI Free Church and they said can we do something for you? So those partnerships naturally aligned and that was the big push," said Lincoln Elementary principal Maureen Oman.</p><p>Friday's announcement is just the beginning of the Community Schools program in Grand Island, and the district hopes to expand the programs available and grow the number of schools so every quadrant of Grand Island has a community school nearby.<br></p> | 2018-12-17T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Grande Island School" src="/locations/north-florida/Banners/GrandIslandschools.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Central Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Starling joins Boys Town Central Nebraska staff
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Starling joins Boys Town Central Nebraska staff
| <p><em>The following was posted to </em><a href="https://www.theindependent.com/news/business/people-in-business-for-sunday-dec/article_f888cbc6-0010-11e9-a7c9-5b13d4229663.html"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>theindependent.com</em></span></a><em> on December 15, 2018.</em></p><p>Dr. Carley Starling is the new clinical psychologist for Boys Town Central Nebraska, an affiliate of the original Father Flanagan's Boys' Home.</p><p>Starling will lead the organization's mission of saving children and healing families in the Central Nebraska community, based in Grand Island.</p><p>She is a licensed psychologist with more than 10 years of experience working with children and families with a variety of challenges. She completed her doctorate in Colorado in clinical psychology, with a concentration in neuropsychology.</p><p>Starling started her own clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo., for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families, before she relocated to Nebraska with her family.</p><p>Boys Town Central Nebraska is located at 3230 W. Wildwood Drive. Starling can be reached there at (308) 381-4444</p> | 2018-12-17T06:00:00Z | News | | Central Nebraska;# | | | |
