| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town joins county juvenile program
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town joins county juvenile program
| <p><em>This article was posted on <a href="https://fremonttribune.com/cass-news/news/boys-town-joins-county-juvenile-program/article_097eb53d-1f11-5ea0-aeb0-c1795eaace03.html">fremonttribune.com </a> August 7, 2018.</em></p><p>PLATTSMOUTH—Cass County has a program aimed at early diversion of at-risk juveniles back on the right track of life.</p><p>And, on Tuesday morning, its Board of Commissioners signed an agreement with a world famous organization to help in this cause.</p><p>Father Flanagan's Boys Home, also known as Boys Town, will provide services to keep juveniles in school.</p><p>"Truancy is a big problem," said County Attorney S. Colin Palm. "We're trying to find effective ways to deal with it."</p><p>This is the first year the county will use Boys Town as one of its providers for various services for pre-adjudicated and/or juveniles enrolled in county diversion programs, according to Megan Duncan, diversion director. Boys Town has a good reputation and has professionals available 24 hours a day, she said.</p><p>Besides seeking Boys Town's help in keeping juveniles in school, the county also has agreements with two other agencies for their expertise. Owens Educational Services of Omaha provides tracking and electronic monitoring, while Heartland Family Services of Papillion offers crisis management teams to keep juveniles in the home when a crisis does occur.</p><p>The county has a $91,000 grant from the Nebraska Crime Commission for paying these agencies for their services.</p><p>"We're trying to do everything we can on the front end," Palm said. "If we can divert these kids early on, it increases our odds we won't see them later on."</p><p>On another matter, the commissioners approved the continuation of a long-standing agreement between the county and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for child support enforcement.</p><p>The enforcement comes out of the county attorney's office, which has one full-time individual dealing with enforcement, along with help when possible by an attorney there, according to Palm. Last year, his office had a budget of $46,107 to pay for that individual and supplies, according to Palm. The state also reimburses the county for providing this service that has to be done by someone, he said.</p> | 2018-08-20T05:00:00Z | News | | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
A Message from Our New Executive Director
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
A Message from Our New Executive Director
| <p>Hello Everyone, </p><p>My name is Jon Jelley and I am the new Executive Director of Boys Town New England. </p><p>Having worked for Boys Town for almost 20 years, I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to lead our mission in such a unique location. Not only does this area have wonderful scenery and a beautiful coastline, but it also has a storied history. Interestingly, although I am originally from England, my family can be traced back to the area around Barnstable, in Massachusetts. </p><p>Like other families across the country, families in New England face tough challenges like poverty, drug addiction and crime. Since 1991, Boys Town New England has been providing life-changing care to at-risk children and families in local communities through our Treatment Family Home Program, Foster Family Services, Care Coordination Services and Common Sense Parenting classes. In 2018, Boys Town New England is on track to serve more than 1,200 children in these programs. </p><p>Boys Town also is working in some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the area. For example, through ongoing support from the United Way, we are providing assistance and training to families of elementary school children in Pawtucket and Central Falls.</p><p>I would like to thank you all for your generous support over the years and encourage you to continue to strengthen our mission of "Changing the Way America Cares for Children and Families." </p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>D. Jon Jelley<br>Executive Director, Boys Town New England</p> | 2018-08-13T05:00:00Z | News | | New England;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Greetings from Our New Development Director
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Greetings from Our New Development Director
| <p>Hello There,</p><p>I'm Amanda Baker and I'd like to introduce myself as the new Development Director here at Boys Town New England. I want to thank you all for your support of our work with the kiddos and families that turn to us for help and guidance.</p><p>I began my career with Boys Town New England about four years ago in the Development office, and accepted the Development Director position on June 1. So yes, if my name sounds familiar, you're absolutely right – you've probably received phone calls, emails and notes from me!</p><p>As a wife to an amazing husband and a mother to two little ones, I struggle with the everyday parenting of toddlers. I am fortunate to be part of a wonderful "village" of friends and family I can always count on for help and advice. For many local children and families, Boys Town New England is their "village." I am excited about leading our site's fundraising efforts and helping to grow our programs and services so we can be that "village" for many more children and families. </p><p>I look forward to working with all of you as we reach out to help others in need. Your support is greatly appreciated!</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Amanda Baker<br>Development Director, Boys Town New England</p> | 2018-08-13T05:00:00Z | | | New England;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program benefits Boys Town Iowa
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program benefits Boys Town Iowa
| <p>Boys Town Iowa was chosen by Tyson Foods as one of three non-profits in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to have a paid internship this summer. The Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program is administered through Campus Compact which is a national coalition of over 1,000 colleges and universities who are committed to building democracy through civic education and community development.</p><p>Sarah Kilnoski was chosen as Boys Town's summer Tyson intern, she is an Iowa Western Community College student studying psychology. Sarah worked out of the Council Bluffs office for Boys Town Iowa In-Home Family Services Program. She has been able to see a wide range of services provided in Iowa such as direct care, outreach opportunities, and collaboration with other providers.</p><p>Sarah explained that this internship with Boys Town has provided her with so much experience that a classroom could never give her. She was able to be a part of In-Home Family Support cases that were referred from Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Juvenile Court Services, and Voluntary and Preventative cases referred by Council Bluffs School District. She also was able to participate in the Fathers Matter and Fill My Bucket community events.</p><p>"The experiences I've had during my internship have truly been life changing and have confirmed that this is exactly what I want to be doing after college," said Sarah. "My time at Boys Town has been nothing short of amazing."</p><p>Kristina Krause-Bumgardner, Director of In-Home Family Services, Boys Town Iowa, shared how an internship like this allows students to see first-hand Boys Town's quality and professionalism when it comes to working with children and families in the community.</p><p>"The Tyson internship has awarded Boys Town Iowa the opportunity to spotlight our programs and services to individuals who are working towards a human services degree. This grant not only allows us to share our mission and vision, but also enables Boys Town Iowa to compensate individuals for their time while learning," said Kristina.</p><p>This Tyson internship is a great program that allows students to get hands on experience and also allows Boys Town Iowa to promote our organization for future employment. Next year, Boys Town Iowa hopes to add Tyson summer internships from Morningside College and Buena Vista University as well.<br></p> | 2018-08-03T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Tyson Foods Internship Program" src="/parenting/questions-and-answers/PublishingImages/FoodsIntership.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Iowa;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town 2018 Blue Water Bash exceeds fundraising goal
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town 2018 Blue Water Bash exceeds fundraising goal
| <p>
<em>This article was posted on
<a href="http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/2540891.html" target="_blank">spencerdailyreporter.com</a>; July 30, 2018.</em></p><p>While organizers were still tallying donation totals Sunday night, Boys Town development officer Melissa Steffes confirmed the Seventh Annual Boys Town Blue Water Bash exceeded fundraising goals to raise $150,000 and net $100,000. The event welcomed more than 300 guests and featured speakers, live music by the Jonah and the Whales and a live auction. Funds raised from the event will be used to support the operating costs of the Boys Town Camp in Okoboji. (Above) Katie Thompson, high school junior Boys Town participant; Suzie Wilmot, volunteer co-chair of the 2018 Blue Water Bash; Lizzy Walton, high school senior Boys Town participant; and Eva Shine, volunteer co-chair of the 2018 Blue Water Bash, enjoyed the party together Saturday evening.</p>
<br>
<table><tbody><tr><td><p><img src="/parenting/questions-and-answers/PublishingImages/BWB2.jpg" alt="Blue Water Bash" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="padding-right:15px;width:380px;height:auto;" />Blue Water Bash guests Cecily Haggerty and Reagan Rosenberg discussed one of the live auction items, a trip to Florida.<br></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br>
<table><tbody><tr><td>
<p>
<img src="/parenting/questions-and-answers/PublishingImages/BWB.jpg" alt="Blue Water Bash" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin-right:15px;width:380px;height:auto;" />The O'Brien family was instrumental in founding the Blue Water Bash when it started seven years ago, the family; Peg (O'Brien) Reit, Tom O'Brien and Mary Ann O'Brien came together to celebrate what the camp has accomplished so far.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align:left;">
<span style="background-color:transparent;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;">
<span style="background-color:transparent;">Photos by Colin Van Westen<br></span></p>
<br> | 2018-08-01T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Blue Water Bash" src="/parenting/questions-and-answers/PublishingImages/BWB1.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Saving Children, Healing Families’ — Blue Water Bash around the corner
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Saving Children, Healing Families’ — Blue Water Bash around the corner
| <p><em></em><a href="https://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/2537836.html" target="_blank"><em>This article was posted on spencerdailyreporter.com July 15, 2018.</em></a></p><p> Every summer, Boys Town youth and families are given the opportunity to enjoy their summer vacations on the sandy shores of the Boys Town Okoboji Camp on the waters of West Okoboji. This summer, Jeff and Misty Sweezy, their two biological sons, Lynux, 14, and Zander, 12 — and their six Boys Town sons, had the opportunity to enjoy the camp. For five of the six boys, in the Boys Town program, it was the first time at the lakeside recreation center.</p><p>"This is the first vacation some of these kids have ever been on," Misty Sweezy said. "We want them to learn how to enjoy themselves. The kids start getting excited and talking about this trip in April. June each year the kids start coming."</p><p>The Seventh Annual Blue Water Bash, scheduled for Saturday, July 28, helps provide funding to support the campers visits as well as the infrastructure and maintenance of the Boys Town Okoboji Camp. The event will feature a cocktail reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. on-site, with an evening including a silent and live auction and music by Jonah and the Whales.</p><p>"They needed to raise money for the camp so they started the Blue Water Bash," said Jeff Sweezy, calling the event "extremely important" for the future of the Boys Town summer visits.</p><p>"The generous community of Okoboji has stepped up, year after year, to support the Blue Water Bash which has enabled Boys Town to renovate and preserve our camp for future generations of Boys Town youth and family-teachers to enjoy." said Melissa Steffes, Boys Town development officer. "We are so grateful to our sponsors and guests for their support of Boys Town and our Okoboji Camp."</p><p>Eva Shine, a neighbor to the Boys Town Camp, is co-chairing this year's Blue Water Bash with Suzie Wilmot.</p><p>"We are very excited for this year's event which benefits the camp, allowing many children in need of a chance at a once in a life time vacation in Okoboji," Shine said</p><p>She continued, "The Boys Town children have endured many struggles and crises beyond what most of us can imagine — abuse, abandonment, addiction, violence. Boys Town sees the potential in these children and believes every child deserves a future. The children have the opportunity to earn the reward of attending the Okoboji camp. Some of these children have never had a vacation, let alone owned a swimsuit. We are all so lucky to live in and enjoy the Iowa Great Lakes region. I think it is important to help those who aren't as lucky to have a chance at a break from their everyday struggles."</p><p>According to Steffes, the last two years Blue Water Bash have grossed $110,000 and netted approximately $72,000.</p><p>"This year our goal is to raise $150,000 and net $100,000," she added.</p><p>"We continue to make improvements in order to update the facility to make it more appealing to the neighbors in this beautiful neighborhood and to make it a more enjoyable place for the children in our care," said Rev. Steven Boes, Boys Town national executive director. "Many Boys Town kids have never been camping or on family vacations and this is a wonderful, fun and memorable experience for them. Many of our Boys Town alumni have expressed to me that this was some of the most fun they had, besides Christmas holidays, at Boys Town."</p><p>The Sweezys aren't strangers to the Okoboji site, the two met in the 1990s at Boys Town before marrying in 2002. They are the first married couple serving as family teachers who are both products of the program.</p><p>Young people come to Boys Town through three different avenues in most cases, privately placed, foster care or court placed.</p><p>Jeff Sweezy came to Boys Town in 1995 as a sixth-grade student when his mother struggled after his father passed away. Misty Sweezy joined Boys Town in her eighth-grade year in 1997, along with three siblings, after her parents passed away. They didn't know each other until their senior year of high school when they became friends. The two married in 2002, following graduation and prior to Jeff Sweezy's deployment with the U.S. Army.</p><p>After completing his military career, the two returned to Omaha hoping to become involved with Boys Town once again. Misty Sweezy went to work at Boys Town in staff positions. They had hoped to serve as family teachers but their application was rejected.</p><p>"It's tough to get hired," Misty Sweezy said. "Initially they said it was too soon, we had just graduated. We were hurt."</p><p>In hindsight, they both agreed Boys Town knew what it was doing.</p><p>"We matured," Jeff Sweezy said. "We got our marriage strong."</p><p>The family moved to Florida in 2009 before returning to Omaha in 2015 and getting hired as family teachers.</p><p>"It's difficult to do what we do — live together, work together," Jeff Sweezy said. "If your marriage is not strong, it can tear you apart."</p><p>Boys Town, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2017, includes 75 homes, an elementary and middle school, high school and public services. In the late 1970s, Boys Town was opened up to girls and in the 1980s satellite sites opened.</p><p>"We provide a family home environment," Misty Sweezy said. "They have chores and rules. We teach social skills, accepting decisions, how to express feelings.</p><p>She continued, "We get the kid and figure out what area they are struggling with. We set goals for them. There are always goals they are trying to reach. And there are a lot of goals they achieve."</p><p>"We treat everyone of these kids as if they are our own," Jeff Sweezy said.</p><p>The Sweezys recently had three boys graduate high school and currently maintain their home in Boys Town with the six boys ranging in age from 14 to 18. The couple receives help from an assistant family teacher who works five days a week, logging 45 hours and allows them two days off each week.</p><p>A bill of $90, in the winter of 1917, was enough for Rev. Edward Flanagan to rent out a boarding house in Omaha after working with the area's homeless population. Flanagan's Home for Boys became what is now known as Boys Town, a nonprofit which helps to foster better lives for at-risk youth.</p><p>Jeff Sweezy said Flannagan was assisting those with life challenges when one of those men in his care suggested to him things might have been different "if you had got me when I was younger."</p><p>He said it was that train of thought which prompted the priest to begin working with five boys in 1917.</p><p>The Catholic priest introduced the children to rules and responsibility while allowing them to keep their personal religion. Unlike many reform schools at the time, Flannagan believed there was more to dealing with the children than just making them work, according to Jeff Sweezy.</p><p>"The president sent him to Europe to teach how to care for children differently," Jeff Sweezy said. "He became a pioneer in how to care for children. ... He taught them how to become productive members of society after Boys Town."</p><p>It's those principles, 100 years later, which lead Boys Town today — fulfilling its motto, "Saving Children, Healing Families." Still based in Omaha, Nebraska, the camp, which was once located on the outskirts of the city, is now at the center of the community.</p><p>The Boys Town Okoboji Camp, situated in the Terrace Park neighborhood of Okoboji, was gifted to Boys Town in 1952 with the hope of serving countless youth to come. It has since provided Boys Town youth and families with a fun filled summer at the lake. Originally a casino and night club built in 1923, it became a famous landmark because of its location in upscale Terrace Park. A 1936 tornado practically destroyed the surrounding subdivision and the rebuilding process was very slow. In 1939 Dr. H.O. Green and his wife gave the facility to the Catholic congregation of the Missionaries of Our Lady of LaSalette. The ballroom and open porches were renovated to make the building a seminary and became classrooms, dormitories and a chapel. The seminary became a boys camp in 1941, but was soon vacated by the LaSalettes and left empty. In 1952 the property was given to Boys Town in conjunction with the Green's wish that it serve the needs of youth.</p><p>Corporate and company sponsorships for the Blue Water Bash are available and tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at <a href="/Okoboji" target="_blank">boystown.org/Okoboji</a> or by calling Melissa Steffes at 402-498-1795.</p> | 2018-07-24T05:00:00Z | News | | Iowa;#Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town North Florida Starts a Master Chef Health Initiative
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town North Florida Starts a Master Chef Health Initiative
| <p>This summer, Boys Town North Florida started a "Master Chef School" as part of the site's health initiative.<br>Lasting six weeks, one child from each of the five residential homes will be designated each week to prepare recipes with help from local chefs. During their assigned week, a chef will teach the child the ways around the kitchen and how to prepare a nutritious meal for their residential home family.</p><p></p><p>The health initiative was started by Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director, and several Boys Town friends including: Ken Cashin, Lisa Chase, Lori Vezina, Chef Paula Kendrick of Fresh for Florida Kids, Board member Monesia Brown and others who wished to make a difference in the overall health of children in care. The group decided to initially focus on healthy meals that were not only easy to prepare, but very tasty and later expand the initiative to include healthy living in every aspect!</p><p><span><p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/TeachFoodPrep.jpg" alt="Teaching Food Prep" style="margin:5px;" /></p></span></p><p>The first five campus children were selected to kick off the first class of the summer, led by Chef Paula with Lori Vezina as her sous chef. The campus "Master Chefs" made cumin and rosemary roasted chicken thighs with vegetables, spring mix organic salad with pecans, feta and homemade balsamic vinaigrette, fresh fruit and bread. Past Governor's chef and owner of Minas Hospitality, John Minas, also assisted in the kick off and will be leading the second "Master Chef School".</p><p><span><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/dish.jpg" alt="Deliciousness" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:336px;" /></span>Chef Paula Kendrick and Lori Vezina who were dinner guests of one of the Family Homes noted that dinnertime was a very important part of the family's day and were passionate to add a more nutritional component to the meals that the families make.</p><p></p><p>"It's important to help them create healthy habits that will maintain and stay with them for the rest of their life," said Paula, "It's a life skill that everyone needs."</p><p><span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p>Dena Strickland said the children loved the Master Chef School and were excited to see the final product of their hard work in the kitchen. </p><p><span><span><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Chef.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></span></span></p><p><span><span></span></span>Thanks to everyone for making this possible for the children and getting the campus involved in a wonderful health initiative that the children can take with them for the rest of their lives!</p> | 2018-07-19T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Young Chef" src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pic1.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | North Florida;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Louisiana Raises Record-Breaking $50,000 at Annual Bowl-A-Palooza
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Louisiana Raises Record-Breaking $50,000 at Annual Bowl-A-Palooza
| <p>Earlier this month, New York Life’s Louisiana General Office teamed up with Boys Town Louisiana to host the 4th annual Bowl-A-Palooza at Mid City Lanes Rock 'N' Bowl in New Orleans.</p><p>Nearly 200 people came out for an afternoon of food, music, bowling and fun, all to benefit Boys Town Louisiana's Family Home ProgramSM, as well as our young people who are aging out of the foster care system.</p><p>Six company bowling teams were in the house competing for the King Pin trophy, including local New York Life agents, Healthy Blue, and reigning champion Entergy. Fans of Deuce Brown Jazz, friends from Liberty Bank, and former Louisiana House Representative, Austin Badon, Jr., also showed up in support of Boys Town Louisiana.</p><p>"We are proud to have a partner in New York Life that believes in Boys Town's mission of saving children and healing families," said New York Life agent Wayne Thomas. Wayne and his son Tim, current Boys Town Louisiana Board Chairman, have been avid supporters of the organization for years, and were both essential players to Bowl-A-Palooza’s fundraising success.</p><p>Thanks to the overwhelming support from corporate sponsors and individual donors, Boys Town Louisiana surpassed their goal and raised more than $50,000.</p><p>"Seeing so many representatives from different Louisiana industries attend Bowl-A-Palooza proves that we are all committed to Saving Children and Healing Families in our community," said Darrell Johnson, Boys Town Louisiana Director of Development. "Because of their investment in Louisiana's young people, we can sustain our programs and services to make a thriving community for all."</p><p><img src="/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/PublishingImages/GroupPic.jpg" alt="Group Picture" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p>Pictured Left to Right: Bowl-A-Palooza Co-Chair, Dr. Stephanie Arnaud; New York Life agent and Boys Town Louisiana Board Chairman, Tim Thomas; Boys Town Louisiana Director of Development, Darrell Johnson; Boys Town Louisiana Board Member and Bowl-A-Palooza Co-Chair, Alvin Johnson.</p> | 2018-07-19T05:00:00Z | News | | Louisiana;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Honorary Street Naming Recognizes Boys Town Trustee
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Honorary Street Naming Recognizes Boys Town Trustee
| <p>
<em> </em>
<a href="http://fox42kptm.com/news/local/honorary-street-naming-recognizes-boys-town-trustee" target="_blank">
<em>This article was posted on fox42kptm.com on June 22, 2018.</em></a></p>
<p>A man who devotes so much time to the Boys Town mission got quite the recognition Friday.</p><p>Boys Town trustee Bob Batt got a street named after him; Batt Boulevard is the new name of Mahoney Road on campus.</p><p>It's right between the baseball and football fields.</p><p>OMAHA, Neb. — A man who devotes so much time to the Boys Town mission got quite the recognition Friday.</p><p>Boys Town trustee Bob Batt got a street named after him; Batt Boulevard is the new name of Mahoney Road on campus.</p><p>It's right between the baseball and football fields.</p><p>"I'm here all the time, and it's just an honor," Batt said. "And do you know who it's really an honor for? My parents, who brought me up right."</p><p>Officials say they rarely do something like this.</p><p>The Boys Town mayor was there as well as members of the Boys Town baseball team.</p> | 2018-07-03T05:00:00Z | News | | Nebraska;# | | | |
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Iowa’s Fathers Matter Event is a Collaborative Effort with Strong Community Support
| Boys Town: Saving Children, Healing Families, Parenting Tips |
Boys Town Iowa’s Fathers Matter Event is a Collaborative Effort with Strong Community Support
| <p>Saturday, June 9, Boys Town Iowa partnered with FAMILY, Inc., Council Bluffs Fire Department, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office, Promise Partners-Pottawattamie County's Alliance for Youth and Super Saver Council Bluffs to host the Fathers Matter Community Celebration at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park.</p><p>The event activities, food and beverages were free to over 400 attendees who came out to celebrate the importance of a father's role on a child's life.</p><p>Patrick Garcia, Community Engagement Developer, Boys Town Iowa, talked about how positive father engagement has been directly correlated to the child's wellbeing. Children with active father figures tend to have better cognitive development, educational achievement, higher self-esteem and pro-social behaviors.</p><p>The Fathers Matter Community Celebration was a wonderful way to promote these healthy relationships between fathers and children and it gave them the opportunity to come out and spend quality time with each other. The event included a bike rodeo where kids received bike helmets and five bikes were given away. Kite flying was also a huge hit and over 100 kites were given away so fathers and children had an activity to do together after the event.</p><p>"When fathers don't live with their kids the level of their involvement varies greatly," said Garcia. "This is mainly due to the co-parenting relationship with the mother and is the main predictor of the father's involvement. The Fathers Matter event is also a platform to bring awareness to the importance of strong co-parenting relationships and enhancement of father's access to their children during co-parenting relationships."</p><p>This year's success was due to the collaboration of many partners and sponsors within Pottawattamie County of Iowa and the metropolitan area of Council Bluffs and Omaha. Without the support of local government, local business, service providers, and volunteers the event would have been less meaningful and purposeful.</p> | 2018-07-03T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Fathers Matter" src="/locations/iowa/news-and-events/PublishingImages/062718_FathersMatter.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Iowa;# | | | |
