| BT Senior Spotlight: Dwayne and Darius’ story | https://www.boystown.org/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/Pages/BT-Senior-Spotlight-Dwayne-and-Darius-story.aspx | BT Senior Spotlight: Dwayne and Darius’ story | <p>In the midst of these unprecedented and challenging times, Boys Town Louisiana is proud to shine a light on a local New Orleans' family's recent success. While their story is only one of many, their journey inspires us and reminds us of the importance of Father Flanagan's vision to save children and heal families:
<em>“There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking."</em></p><p>Years from now, the John F. Kennedy High School Class of 2020 will remember virtual classes and drive-by celebrations instead of prom and traditional commencement ceremonies. They will undoubtedly have bittersweet memories of their interrupted senior year. Dwayne and Darius are no exception. But for them, they're grateful to finish high school at all.</p><p>
<strong>Just last year, Dwayne had anger issues. He and Darius were getting detention after detention. They were caught in the juvenile justice system. And Mom didn't know what to do.</strong></p><p>Their family was referred to Boys Town Louisiana's In-Home Family Services program, where Brandon, a Boys Town consultant, helped them set family goals, including getting the twins back on track to graduate. Dwayne and Darius were falling behind in some classes and struggled with discipline in school, often getting detentions and suspensions.</p><p>With Boys Town's parenting guidance, Mom focused on keeping them in school and out of trouble. He also worked individually with Dwayne and Darius to develop coping strategies for emotions they were struggling with as teens, like anger, frustration and boredom.</p><p>
<strong><em>When asked what made the difference, Darius shared that he and his brother were held accountable: “Brandon came and stuck with us…you never knew when he was going to show up and check in on us. And he was always there for us."</em></strong></p><p>In addition, Brandon advocated to Boys Town and contacted Kennedy alumni to raise funds and cover Dwayne and Darius' High School Senior Funds, which included two caps and gowns, diplomas, and other class of 2020 memorabilia.</p><p>After progressing to a point where they had a stronger family foundation at home, they transitioned from In-Home Family Services to Care Coordination, a diversion and prevention program which works with youth who have been previously involved in the juvenile justice program to reduce recidivism.</p><p>Their Boys Town consultant, Tyisha, helped them set goals to graduate and to work on their behavior issues in school. She also helped them navigate some sibling rivalry they were experiencing at home. “They work well together and Dwayne motivates Darius to do better, especially in school," explained Tyisha.</p><p>With Boys Town's help and encouraging one another, the two young men persevered and will receive their high school diplomas this summer.</p><p>With Boys Town's help and encouraging one another, the two young men persevered and will receive their high school diplomas this summer.</p><p>This story demonstrates how Boys Town's community support services wrap around the whole family, while giving individual attention and consultation to each parent and child. It shows how Boys Town's programs adapt to a family's needs as it progresses more to independence. And most importantly, it illustrates that the words of our founder, Father Flanagan, ring true today:
<em>“There is nothing the matter with our growing boys that love, proper training and guidance will not remedy."</em></p><p>More than ever, it is important to reflect on things for which we are grateful. Your support for Boys Town Louisiana makes a powerful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve, like Dwayne and Darius. Thank you for helping families become stronger and more independent.</p><br> | 2020-07-02T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Congratulations, Dwayne and Darius!" src="/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/PublishingImages/LA-dwayne-and-darius.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Meet Katie and John, a Boys Town New England Foster Family! | https://www.boystown.org/locations/new-england/news-and-events/Pages/Meet-Katie-and-John-a-Boys-Town-New-England-Foster-Family.aspx | Meet Katie and John, a Boys Town New England Foster Family! | <p>"If it's something your heart feels like it should do, do it. It's worth it." 💙</p><p>Meet Katie and John, a Boys Town New England Foster Family! They sat down (virtually) with Foster Family Recruiter and Trainer, Sara Hinchcliffe, to talk about their experience fostering, and to answer all your burning questions about becoming a licensed foster family.</p><p>If you've ever thought about fostering, or want to learn more about the process, this is the perfect opportunity!</p><p>
<a href="/foster-family-services/Pages/default.aspx">Learn more here</a></p><div class="embed-container">
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| Statement from Boys Town Louisiana on Racial Justice Movement | https://www.boystown.org/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/Pages/Statement-from-Boys-Town-Louisiana-on-Racial-Justice-Movement.aspx | Statement from Boys Town Louisiana on Racial Justice Movement | <p>While racial equity rests at the core of who we are and what we do; we live in a society in which our youth are far too often treated differently based upon the color of their skin. Black lives matter.</p><p>As an organization, Boys Town Louisiana stands up against systemic racism.</p><p>We condemn racial inequity, and we do not accept our current programs, systems and policies are the very best that we can do. We can and will do better and this includes challenging our own beliefs, values and constructs.</p><p>Our youth deserve better and they will be at the center of how we evolve to become an explicitly anti-racist organization.</p><h2>Where We Stand:</h2><p>Boys Town's founder, Father Edward Flanagan, recognized and rejected laws and customs enshrining racism. From the very beginning, Boys Town was created as a place for kids of every race, color and creed. Here in Louisiana, Boys Town was established to meet the needs of a community that is predominately African American. Likewise, our team of more than 60 dedicated staff largely reflects those we serve.</p><p>We have always leveraged our culture so that our services meet children and families where they are, no matter the circumstance. We are proud that our residential and community programs give opportunity to children and families most affected by inequity, but we know there is much more work to be done. Our work must be more intentional and consider the full context and dynamics of racism, if we want to fully prepare our youth - particularly our African American youth - to successfully transition into adulthood.</p><p>We want to fully embody our mission of changing the way America cares for all its children and families.</p><h2>Our Commitment:</h2><p>To listen more, amplifying the black voices within our community and to support our children and families as they navigate through these difficult times.</p><h2>What We Are Doing:</h2><p>Locally and nationally, Boys Town is working to identify appropriate strategies to ensure our organization shifts to implement positive change. Four areas of focus include:</p><ul><li>
<em>Strategic Youth and Family Engagement:</em> Deepening how we engage youth and families to understand lived experiences and solutions to advance racial equity and justice; and provide transparent accountability.</li><li><em style="background-color:transparent;">Evaluating Program Model:</em> Assessing program models to understand the impact of programming in advancing racial equity and providing culturally relevant services; and utilizing findings to meaningfully transform programs.</li><li><em>Workforce Diversity:</em> Utilize current workforce baselines to set goals to increase racial diversity at the board and staff level to include top leadership.</li><li><em>Cultural Transformation:</em> Creating systems, practices, resources and forums to learn and lead together.</li></ul><h2>Call to Action:</h2><p>Please join us in our stand against racism.</p><p>We are committed to be the change we wish to see in the world, but we know that change is a collective effort. We will strengthen our New Orleans community in unimaginable ways as we re-commit to growth, compassion and action.</p><p>Thank you for being our partner.</p><br> | 2020-06-29T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Hotline Hosts Bellevue East Hope Squad for “Talent Tour” | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Hotline-Hosts-Bellevue-East-Hope-Squad-for-Talent-Tour.aspx | Hotline Hosts Bellevue East Hope Squad for “Talent Tour” | <p>Recently, 10 students from the Bellevue East High School Hope Squad and four faculty members had the opportunity to visit Boys Town Home Campus for a career-themed tour.<br></p><p>The Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that seeks to reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide by training, building, and creating change in schools and communities. Hanaa, a junior at Bellevue East High School, and a member of the Hope Squad defined the Hope Squad as "a group of middle or high school kids that are there as a support system for students who need an outlet. They are there to listen to their peers and be aware of warning signs to look out for."
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<img src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Hotline-Hosts-Bellevue-East-Hope-Squad-for-Talent-Tour/hotline-1.jpg" alt="hotline-1.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px 10px;width:300px;height:236px;" />Leila Tatby, Recruiting Outreach Partner, led the students and faculty in different activities and tours throughout the day. "When I first found out about the Hope Squad, I immediately thought about the work we do at Boys Town, specifically with the Hotline," said Tatby. "These students are going out of their way to help other young people in their time of need. To see their passion for what the Hope Squad does and show them that this is something they can continue to do after high school, and even make a career out of it, was really special."
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<img src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Hotline-Hosts-Bellevue-East-Hope-Squad-for-Talent-Tour/hotline-2.jpeg" alt="hotline-2.jpeg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px 10px;width:300px;height:225px;" />To kick off the day, the students met at the Headquarters building where they learned about the different programs that Boys Town has to offer as well as the different Boys Town locations. The students then participated in the 'He Ain't Heavy' activity. They had to find people in the room that could tie a tie, drive a car, bake a cake, and so forth. The purpose of this activity was to show that we all must be carried at some point or need help with something, and it tied back to the mission of Boys Town, that we are an organization that helps people.
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<img src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Hotline-Hosts-Bellevue-East-Hope-Squad-for-Talent-Tour/hotline-3.jpeg" alt="hotline-4.jpeg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px 10px;width:300px;height:225px;" />After the tour of Headquarters, the students and faculty then toured the Boys Town National Hotline. At the Hotline, the Hope Squad got a peek at the new Relaxation Room, where counselors can go and relax after a difficult call, and learned that support is available through phone, text, email, or chat. "We hope that by explaining the Boys Town National Hotline mission and reviewing the Your Life Your Voice website services, and by taking a walk through our dynamic call room, that we delivered a clear message to the Bellevue East Hope Squad that the Hotline is here to provide assistance to any teen that may be struggling," said Linda McGuire, Boys Town National Hotline Supervisor. "We hope that this up close and personal visit equipped these student leaders with the information and confidence they need to point fellow students to our service."
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<img src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Hotline-Hosts-Bellevue-East-Hope-Squad-for-Talent-Tour/hotline-4.jpeg" alt="hotline-4.jpeg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px 10px;width:300px;height:225px;" />To finish off the day, the Hope Squad toured the Hall of History, where they learned where Boys Town started and where we are today as an organization. "I learned that there is a lot more to Boys Town than what meets the eye, and that this area holds such a tight-knit and strong community," said Hanaa. "It made me excited for what the future holds and learning about others' stories was inspiring to me."</p><br> | 2020-06-26T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Hotline" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Hotline-Hosts-Bellevue-East-Hope-Squad-for-Talent-Tour/hotline-4.jpeg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Staff Spotlight: Leona Hunter | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nevada/news-and-events/Pages/Staff-Spotlight-Leona-Hunter.aspx | Staff Spotlight: Leona Hunter | <p><strong>School's Out, But Boys Town Nevada Stays Connected </strong><br>When Boys Town Nevada School Support Specialist Leona Hunter first met Jason, it was due to unfortunate circumstances.</p><p>Classroom teachers at Peterson Academic were frustrated with Jason's behavior and he was being removed from class frequently. Because the young boy was known for being a jokester, Leona used the power of laughter to get to know him. Once he began to trust Leona, she was able to learn how he was using his behavior to get himself removed from class.</p><p>Jason would purposely get in trouble whenever he felt the school work assigned was too hard for him. Thanks to Leona, Boys Town Nevada staff helped Jason learn more appropriate ways to speak to teachers and ask for help. Eventually, he started understanding the importance of taking responsibility for his actions.</p><p>Boys Town also stepped in to help the school reach out to Jason's mother to get an IEP (individualized education plan) assessment. This IEP helps the school find the best way to help Jason learn.</p><p>Communication issues and the corona virus pandemic made it difficult to get the family and school on the same page. Thanks to Leona, she not only made school connections, she also found out through Jason's mom that they were having a difficult time coming up with basic everyday items needed in the home. Leona was able to get the household items to the family the next day.</p><p>After that, Leona had no issues getting ahold of the family and started doing weekly check-ins. Jason's mother would even sometimes call Leona to check in on her. Thanks to Leona's persistence and willingness to help in more ways than one, she was able to help not just a child, but an entire family!</p> | 2020-06-24T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Leona Hunger of Boys Town" src="/locations/nevada/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Leona-Hunter.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Interview with Dr. Wingfield: Helping children navigate social upheaval and COVID isolation | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Interview-with-Dr-Wingfield-COVID-isolation.aspx | Interview with Dr. Wingfield: Helping children navigate social upheaval and COVID isolation | <p>Dr. Robert Wingfield, Chief Psychologist of our Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic, recently sat down with Grace in 30 to talk about the issues he most frequently encounters and to offer advice on how to help our children handle these unusual times.</p><p>Listen to the <a href="http://gracein30.com/blog/2020/6/18/helping-children-navigate-social-upheaval-and-covid" target="_blank">full interview here </a><br></p> | 2020-06-22T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Dr. Rober Wingfield of Boys Town Washington D.C." src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Robert_Wingfield_FIX.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Because of You… Video Message from Boys Town North Florida | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Because-of-You.aspx | Because of You… Video Message from Boys Town North Florida | <p>The work of saving children and healing families has not stopped at Boys Town North Florida… thanks to you!</p><p>Your concern, generosity and, most importantly, your prayers have sustained and inspired us during our nation's ongoing virus outbreak. From our Family Homes to our foster homes to all of our community-based programs, the youth and families of North Florida continue to receive the life-changing care they need because of your financial and spiritual support. </p><p>In the weeks and months ahead, more challenges and disruptions likely await us. But with your continued commitment, Boys Town North Florida will remain a beacon of stability, hope and healing for everyone in our community. </p><p>Executive Director Marcus Lampkin has a special message for you. </p><div class="embed-container">
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| Boys Town Stands for Racial Equality | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Stands-for-Racial-Equality.aspx | Boys Town Stands for Racial Equality | <p>Nearly a century ago, Boys Town founder Father Edward Flanagan spoke these profound words: </p><p>" I … see danger for all in an ideology which discriminates against anyone politically or economically because he or she was born into the 'wrong' race, has skin of the 'wrong' color, or worships at the 'wrong' altar."</p><p>Today, America is at a crossroads. The dangerous ideology of racism Father Flanagan described then continues to exist today. </p><p>At Boys Town, we share the sadness of so many mourning the senseless killings due to violence and racism. We also share the anger that is sweeping our nation as we unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, hatred, and injustice that tear at the seams of our society.</p><p>When Father Flanagan opened his first Home for Boys in 1917, he welcomed kids of every race, color, and creed. But his efforts to be inclusive and compassionate in his care of children went far beyond creating a place where they could grow and thrive. Father Flanagan also recognized and rejected the laws and customs that enshrined and reinforced institutional racism. He passionately attacked those unfair laws and practices, shining a spotlight on prejudice and injustice, and using Boys Town as a model for the incredible possibilities that existed when people of all colors lived, worked, and played side by side in mutual respect and equality.</p><p><strong>Boys Town has never wavered from the principles on which it was founded. As a passionate advocate of positive social change, we firmly stand with those individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to the cause of racial equality and justice, and strongly support their efforts to bring about lasting, significant change. </strong><strong> </strong></p><p>We have recognized since our formation that it is not enough to simply avoid racist behavior as individuals. We all must work together proactively to create a more just, a more peaceful, and a more equitable society. We all must live by the values of diversity and inclusion more deeply in the days, months, and years to come. We all must strive to re-create a society in which everyone feels that they belong, that they matter, and that they are respected for who they are. </p><p>People have rediscovered their voice, and their pain and anger are being felt and heard. Boys Town adds its voice to this rising chorus with the fervent hope that racism, injustice, and prejudice can finally be vanquished. </p><p>God's Blessings,</p><p>Father Steven E. Boes<br>President and National Executive Director, Boys Town</p> | 2020-06-17T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Father Flanagan" src="/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Flanagan_with_Boys_1942_682-rollup.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Behavioral Health Stats & Tips | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Behavioral-Health-Stats-Tips.aspx | Behavioral Health Stats & Tips | <p><strong>in Response to the Death of Mr. George Floyd and the National Cry for Change</strong></p>
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<span class="ms-rteStyle-Accent1" style="display:none;"></span></h3><p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Documents/BHC-Resources.pdf" target="_blank"><img class="spec-border" src="/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Pages/Behavioral-Health-Stats-Tips/BHC-Resources-1.jpg" alt="BHC-Resources" style="width:350px;height:auto;" /><br>View Tips & Stats PDF</a></p><br> | 2020-06-11T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Floyd" src="/who-we-help/PublishingImages/floyd.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town Washington DC Adds Telehealth Sessions to Reach Patients | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Washington-DC-Adds-Telehealth-Sessions-to-Reach-Patients.aspx | Boys Town Washington DC Adds Telehealth Sessions to Reach Patients | <p></p><p>Boys Town Washington DC reacted quickly in response to the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring services to those most vulnerable were not disrupted. This came as news and guidelines surrounding the situation seemed to change daily. Despite continuing unknowns, the children and families in our care remain our top priority.</p><p>Since 2015, our behavioral health clinic has been offering care for newborns up to young adults. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond, often meeting with parents, caregivers and teachers to ensure that the youth in our care receive the best possible support. While facing the current coronavirus pandemic, this philosophy has not changed. Our clinicals seamlessly transitioned from in-person counseling sessions to an online model called “telehealth."</p><p>Coronavirus has impacted our clinic in more ways than one, creating new stressors for the children utilizing our services.</p><p>“COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone to process, resulting in mixed emotions for our children and teenagers," said Dr. Robert Wingfield, Director of our Behavioral Health Clinic. “This can create confusion. Because the clinic can still provide services, we are able to help our youth process the world around them, help them to make sense of it all and slow down the thousands of thoughts related to COVID-19. Our clinicians can teach techniques to manage the worries and concerns of the virus while still remaining safe at home."</p><p>Adapting telehealth has not just eased the effects of COVID-19, it has also transformed our services. For some children experiencing conditions like PTSD, it offers them another way to communicate their thoughts and emotions. The systems our clinicians utilize for telehealth allows for video, but it also has a chat box function, enabling multiple mediums of communication. For some youth struggling with difficult content, it may be easier to type their feelings before talking about them. With the use of this technology, kids are receiving even more help, enhancing our service.</p><p>Telehealth has also eased the burden of visiting our physical location in North East DC. For some, just getting to our clinic can be a half day ordeal, but with the utilization of telehealth, attending a session only has a commute time of walking to a quiet area in the house. This has increased engagement and satisfaction with appointments. Show rates, the percentage of kids showing up for appointments, have dramatically risen 20 percent since the implementation of telehealth. Both children and parents are finding this new form of therapy simple and easy.</p><p>The continuity of care has greatly improved with the utilization of telehealth, a credit to the convivence and productiveness of the sessions. Boys Town Washington DC is proud to continue offering services during a time of so much uncertainty.<br></p> | 2020-05-18T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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