| Care Coordination Services Provides a Lifeline for Children | https://www.boystown.org/locations/south-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Care-Coordination-Services-Provides-a-Lifeline-for-Children.aspx | Care Coordination Services Provides a Lifeline for Children | <p><strong style="background-color:transparent;">Care Coordination Services provides a lifeline for children suffering from mental health issues by connecting them with programs or resources that can provide the best care.</strong></p><p>After numerous Baker Acts resulting from self-harm and multiple suicide attempts, John F Kennedy Hospital referred 15-year-old Ana* to Boys Town South Florida. Prior to being connected to Boys Town, the undocumented family was having a difficult time accessing much-needed services. Ana had requested admission into a residential treatment facility such as Sandy Pines because her family was having a difficult time implementing healthy coping skills while experiencing distress from repeated Baker Acts.</p><p>With the assistance of our Care Coordination Consultant, Ana was able to get connected with Caridad Center for medical and dental services, as well as Legacy Behavioral Health for psychiatric and therapeutic services. These connections were a big step in the right direction for Ana and her family. Ana was accepted into a residential treatment center; however, she chose to continue with outpatient services. Despite all odds, this young lady has continued to utilize outpatient services and bypass residential treatment at this time. This young lady has continued to demonstrate an improved ability to implement healthy coping skills to keep herself and others safe. Ana has expressed feeling empowered and proud of her significant improvement in her ability to keep herself safe. In addition, Ana feels good about being heard and having a say in her treatment, two important aspects in her healing process. She has earned her mom's trust again.</p><p><em>*To protect the privacy of this family, the child's name has been changed.</em></p> | 2022-05-20T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Welcome new Board Member: Carmencita Mitchell | https://www.boystown.org/locations/south-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Welcome-new-Board-Member-Carmencita-Mitchell.aspx | Welcome new Board Member: Carmencita Mitchell | <p><b>Why did you become involved with Boys Town South Florida? <br></b><span style="background-color:transparent;">I have known about Boys T</span><span style="background-color:transparent;">own since I was a child, and always wanted to donate back then. As a member of the board, I now have the opportunity to “s</span><span style="background-color:transparent;">upport" the organization in many ways.</span></p><p><b>What do you wish other people knew about Boys Town? </b> <br><span style="background-color:transparent;">I wish other people knew about the wonderful work Boys Town is doing to help heal and save families and young people at-risk.</span></p><p><b>What is your favorite program/service that Boys Town South Florida provides? Why?<br></b><span style="background-color:transparent;">My favorite program is the primary project. This offers young children an opportunity for their primary education to be conducive to all their needs, including those that are non-academic. I am passionate about education, and for students to make it to and through college, the primary years must, in fact, be successful ones. </span></p><p><b>What will others be surprised to know about you?<br></b><span style="background-color:transparent;">I</span><span style="background-color:transparent;"> am writing a book on The Spiritual Guide to Blindness</span></p><p><b>Favorite Quote<br></b><span style="background-color:transparent;">I think, therefore I AM… Descartes</span></p><p><em style="background-color:transparent;"></em></p> | 2022-05-20T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Carmencita" src="/PublishingImages/Blog/Carmencita-Profile-pic.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town celebrates class of 2022 graduates amid nationwide rise in teen anxiety and depression | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-celebrates-class-of-2022-graduates-amid-nationwide-rise-in-teen-anxiety-and-depression.aspx | Boys Town celebrates class of 2022 graduates amid nationwide rise in teen anxiety and depression | <p><em>This article was originally written by Laura Sambol and published on </em><a href="https://www.wowt.com/2022/05/13/boys-town-celebrates-class-2022-graduates-amid-nationwide-rise-teen-anxiety-depression/" target="_blank"><em>wowt.com</em></a><em> on May 13, 2022.</em></p><p>OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Boys Town class of 2022 is graduating from high school.</p><p>The celebration comes at a time when nationwide, teen anxiety and depression appear to be on the rise.</p><p>Boys Town is a local nonprofit specialized in helping children in need. There, hundreds of children live on a campus where they receive care and guidance for a wide range of behavioral, emotional and academic issues.</p><p>Student Maddie Hagan is reaching a milestone she never thought possible.</p><p>“I'm glad I made it to this point because three years ago I never imagined I'd graduate from high school," Hagan said.</p><p>The 18-year-old is one of 55 students in her class. Many students came from cities overcome by gangs, or towns torn apart by addiction.</p><p>Hagan says Boys Town helped her turn her life around. She said, “Before coming to Boys Town I was a really broken individual. Here I am rest assured that when I go to bed at night I'm in a safe place, and a lot of people can't say that."</p><p>Executive Director of Home Campus, Angela Powers, says Hagan's story is not unique.</p><p>“Our kids come from all different backgrounds," Powers said. “They have issues with behaviors, issues with mental health. They've been through more in their lives that most people will ever have to endure."</p><p>Powers said she noticed even more kids struggling during the pandemic.</p><p>“I would say over the past few years we are seeing more anxiety and depression. We are absolutely seeing it being a challenge for kids to really go outside their comfort zone," she said.<br></p><p>Hagan considers herself fortunate. During her time at Boys Town, she got involved with soccer, swimming and cross county. Hagan joined the National Honor Society and became the 121st mayor of Boys Town.</p><p>Hagan plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha starting this summer.</p><p>Check out the full story on <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/boystownprtemplate.cmail20.com/t/y-l-bhlidjk-tktiidhlkh-d/__%3b%21%21CEjAKCqGPSl6%21qgv69xNlsnDSDkWGE1AnfITTjg9rUJlVl8YR-rZaFrS-QF0ODD6OI4AlViklC3N878vMRk2EsgSQLgB2-IkxS0pQIBq02CgVtBnurA$" target="_blank">WOWT</a>.<br></p><p></p> | 2022-05-17T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Boys Town Graduates" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/2022-Graduation.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| From a Ukrainian Orphanage to Boys Town | https://www.boystown.org/locations/new-england/news-and-events/Pages/From-a-Ukrainian-Orphanage-to-Boys-Town.aspx | From a Ukrainian Orphanage to Boys Town | <p></p><p>When Russia invaded Ukraine and started an unprovoked war in February of this year, a Boys Town New England youth overheard chatter from classmates about the conflict and realized they did not know much about what life is like in the country she used to call home. </p><p>This particular Boys Town youth had grown up in an orphanage in Ukraine, until she was adopted at age 11 by a family in the United States. She later came to Boys Town for more healing and hope. </p><p>After overhearing her classmates' conversations, the youth felt compelled to talk with her school principal about the other students lack of knowledge about what life is really like for the Ukrainian people, and that she wanted to do something to help her classmates gain perspective on the conditions in Ukraine and the horrific impact the war was having on citizens and cities throughout the country. </p><p>At her principal's suggestion, the youth made her senior project about what life was like growing up in a Ukrainian orphanage. Additionally, she started her own fundraising campaign and collected funds to donate to an orphanage in her home country. </p><p>On a recent afternoon, Boys Town New England staff had the pleasure of hearing this youth speak. She compared growing up in a Ukrainian orphanage to being orphaned in America, saying, “Being adopted comes with a lot of opportunities in America like having a good education, being able to get a good job and having support like DCYF or homeless shelters if you need them. There are so many ways to improve your life in America. In Ukraine orphanages, you do not really have any opportunities unless you get adopted. Many kids who age out of orphanages end up homeless, addicted to drugs, living in sewers or living on the streets and doing the best they can to survive."</p><p>She added, “We got toothbrushes from donors and had to use them for a couple of years until someone donated more. Sometimes we didn't have toothbrushes so we had to just use our fingers to brush our teeth. We didn't have enough food so we would eat food from the trash or we would make bets or deals for leftovers. These conversations would go something like, 'I will make your bed for the whole month if you give me the apple core or your chewed gum.'"</p><p>Despite her tough start in life, this young person is really happy she went through all of what she went through in Ukraine because it makes her so grateful for all the things she currently has in her life. </p><p>Now, she wants to provide change and help to orphans in Ukraine by giving them some of the support she wishes she had had, and she encourages others to do the same, saying, “Be the change you wish to see in the world even if it's small; to these kids it is something big."<br></p><p><br></p> | 2022-05-13T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/new-england/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Ukraine-Story.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town North Florida Celebrates Accomplishments with Staff Outing | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-North-Florida-Celebrates-Accomplishments-with-Staff-Outing.aspx | Boys Town North Florida Celebrates Accomplishments with Staff Outing | <p>Boys Town North Florida staff recently had an exciting outing to the Tallahassee Museum to celebrate the site's participation in the employee giving campaign. Staff met at the museum and had the opportunity to enjoy the nice spring weather while taking in the sights.</p><p>Employees were able to explore the museum and see all that it had to offer, including visiting some wildlife. After exploring, everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious lunch together.</p><p>This was the first staff outing organized by the Employee Recognition Committee since before the pandemic. Staff commented how they appreciated the opportunity to get together and celebrate their accomplishments as a site. Jackie Grguric, Family Home Program Administrative Assistant, said, "I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed spending the beautiful day with everyone!"</p><p>
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| Boys Town North Florida Partners with Walmart and Macy Harper for a Special Easter | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-North-Florida-Partners-with-Walmart-and-Macy-Harper-for-a-Special-Easter.aspx | Boys Town North Florida Partners with Walmart and Macy Harper for a Special Easter | <p>Boys Town North Florida strongly believes in the importance of celebrating holidays to further foster the family-style environment that is present in family homes. It was important to staff and supporters that the kids wake up to overflowing Easter baskets to ring in the holiday, just like many children around the country did that same morning. Thanks to Macy Harper, a recuring volunteer, and Walmart Supercenter Store #1408, this Easter dream came true.</p><p>Since 2021, Macy has been determined to support the children at Boys Town North Florida and make them feel special during the holidays. For Easter last year, Macy solicited donations from families, individuals, and businesses to create the most extravagant Easter baskets. She enjoyed this experience so much that she decided to come back again for the project this year. </p><p>In preparation for Macy's project, the Boys Town North Florida Development Team reached out to Walmart Store #1408 to see if they would be interested in partnering with Macy for the donation. As a generous partner, Walmart jumped at the opportunity to help and provided each child with an Easter basket, Easter grass filling for the baskets, and candy.</p><p>After their original donation, the store's Operations Manager, called to offer additional donations. Health, wellness, and bath and beauty products were donated along with more candy and toys.</p><p>Boys Town North Florida was able to happily accept the donations and help stuff the Easter baskets for not just the Family Home program but for all the different programs offered. The kids were thrilled to see their Easter baskets and it made for a very special holiday.</p><p>Boys Town would like to thank Macy and Walmart #1408 for their generous donations and for all they do to help make holidays special! </p><p>
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| Planting Seeds of Hope 2022 | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Planting-Seeds-of-Hope-2022.aspx | Planting Seeds of Hope 2022 | <p><br></p><p>On April 23, 2022, we were back on our campus for our annual Planting Seeds of Hope event! Volunteers joined youth and staff to help plant, hoe gardens, landscape and beautify the campus grounds. Guests were also given a tour of the campus to learn about the mission and work of Boys Town.</p><p>We are so grateful to all who donated, volunteered, and supported our event. </p><p>We hope to see you at next year's event!<br></p><p><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/SeedsOfHope2022.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:275px;height:184px;" /><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/SeedsOfHope2022-3.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:275px;height:184px;" /><img src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/SeedsOfHope2022-2.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:275px;height:184px;" /><br></p><p>Hear from our Executive Director, Kichelle Coleman, on what makes this event so important and the impact it has on our youth and Washington DC campus.<br></p><p><em>Videos originally posted on </em><a href="https://wjla.com/news/instagram/weekend-events-april-23-24-2022-washington-dc-virginia-maryland-nova-dmv-earth-day-events-national-cannabis-festival" target="_blank"><em>wjla.com</em></a><em> by 7News Staff on April 22</em><em><sup>nd</sup></em><em>, 2022</em></p><p></p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-wpbox" unselectable="on"><div class="ms-rtestate-notify ms-rtestate-read ec26fbb3-a91a-451b-b2bc-c951fe1a69e6" id="div_ec26fbb3-a91a-451b-b2bc-c951fe1a69e6" unselectable="on"></div><div id="vid_ec26fbb3-a91a-451b-b2bc-c951fe1a69e6" unselectable="on" style="display:none;"></div></div><p><br><br></p> | 2022-05-09T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/SeedsOfHope2022-3.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Colby Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland Elected 122nd Mayor of Boys Town | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Colby-Johnson-of-Baltimore-Maryland-Elected-122nd-Mayor-of-Boys-Town.aspx | Colby Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland Elected 122nd Mayor of Boys Town | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">BOYS TOWN, Neb. – Boys Town youth today elected Colby Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland, the 122</span><sup style="background-color:transparent;">nd</sup><span style="background-color:transparent;"> Mayor of the Village of Boys Town. Megan Lambert was elected Vice-Mayor. </span><span style="background-color:transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color:transparent;"></span></p><p>Colby Johnson is 17-years-old, and his campaign theme was: Happiness for everyone throughout the campus. “I believe as Mayor I can set a good example and be a role model for all of campus," said Johnson. “I want to achieve happiness around the Boys Town community and be an encouraging leader."<br></p><p>Colby plays for the Boys Town Football team and participates in Track and restling. Colby plans to attend the University of Delaware State and study Sport Management. His Family-Teachers are George and Karie Woki.<br></p><p>Megan Lambert is captain of the Boys Town Volleyball team and captain of the Basketball team. She also is on the National Honors Society and has a role as a Peer Minister. After graduation, she wants to enroll in a four-year college to study criminal psychology. Her goal is to join the FBI. Megan's Family-Teachers are Kyle and Jodi Skartvedt.<br></p><p>Father Edward J. Flanagan conceived the self-government system at the Village of Boys Town in 1926 as a tool for its citizens to build character, citizenship and a sense of community. The process was made famous in the 1938 Academy Award-winning movie “Boys Town," where Mickey Rooney's portrayal of Whitey Marsh, a tough young boy who turns his life around and becomes Mayor of Boys Town.<br></p> | 2022-05-09T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Boys Town Mayor" src="/PublishingImages/Blog/mayor.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town Louisiana Receives Generous Grant from The NBA Foundation | https://www.boystown.org/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Louisiana-Receives-Generous-Grant-from-The-NBA-Foundation.aspx | Boys Town Louisiana Receives Generous Grant from The NBA Foundation | <p>Boys Town Louisiana is pleased to announce they are one of the NBA Foundation’s recipients for its most recent $11 million grant round. The grant funding will support Boys Town Louisiana’s established continuum of direct care services for New Orleans youth and families. The grant will also help expand Care Coordination Services to youth transitioning to adulthood so that they can work and live independently. </p><p>“We are incredibly grateful for our long-term community partnership with the New Orleans Pelicans, and now with the NBA Foundation,” said Rashain Carriere, Boys Town Louisiana Executive Director. “Boys Town Louisiana is grateful that the Foundation has chosen to invest deeply in New Orleans’ youth. We look forward to advancing our shared mission and supporting a brighter future for all the young people who will be impacted by this truly meaningful investment.”</p><p>The NBA Foundation was launched in 2020 to focus on creating greater economic opportunity and career advancement in the Black community. Through grant funding, the Foundation seeks to increase access and support for high school, college-aged and career-ready Black youth, and assist national and local organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development in NBA markets and communities across the U.S. and Canada. </p><p> Boys Town Louisiana has had a long-term partnership with the New Orleans Pelicans, valuing their engagement with the community and commitment to our mission, a reflection of owner Gayle Benson who also serves on the NBA Foundation’s Board of Governors. </p><p><img src="/PublishingImages/TeachLove_basketball.jpg" alt="basketball" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px 10px;width:441px;height:302px;" />"As we enter our second year of funding and surpass the $30 million initially provided by the NBA Board of Governors to establish the Foundation, our work with national and local organizations that are driving economic opportunity for Black youth in the NBA’s 28 markets continues to strengthen and evolve,” said Greg Taylor, NBA Foundation Executive Director. “We look forward to our growth in the year ahead and are excited to establish new relationships with nonprofits serving Black youth and to further collaborate with the organizations that have demonstrated their impact."</p><p> Boys Town Louisiana is incredibly appreciative of the NBA Foundation’s investment in our community’s youth. Our partnership will directly impact youth transitioning to adulthood so that they can be successful, contributing members of our community. </p><br><br> | 2022-04-21T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="basketball" src="/PublishingImages/TeachLove_basketball.jpg" width="469" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />
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| Remembering Boys Town Friend and Supporter, Stan Kupiszewski | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Remembering-Boys-Town-Friend-and-Supporter-Stan-Kupiszewski.aspx | Remembering Boys Town Friend and Supporter, Stan Kupiszewski | <p>Mr. Stanley (Stan) Kupiszewski, longtime friend and supporter of Boys Town North Florida, passed away in February 2022. Stan along with his wife, Phyllis, were not only supporters of Boys Town but true ambassadors for the Boys Town mission. Stan founded the Boys Town North Florida Christmas Classic Golf Tournament in 1992, which 30-years later remains one of our largest fundraisers. He played in the tournament every year until no longer able to do so, yet he still made certain he was involved by sponsoring a team each year. Stan and Phyllis were recognized at the tournament in 2020, which they both attended, receiving much fanfare from players and guests.<br></p><p>Stan led a full life and had too many accomplishments to mention. He served in the military, later going to undergrad and law school. He had an amazing legal mind and had a diverse legal background. He loved his family and his church. And, he loved Boys Town. We are forever grateful to Stan and Phyllis for their servant's heart and support of our Boys Town family.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Stan-Kupiszewski.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Stan Kupiszewski (far left) with friends Dick Van Atta and Rennie and Paul Koczorowski</strong><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></p><p><br></p> | 2022-04-14T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Stan-Kupiszewski.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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