| Boys Town North Florida’s Gina Rogers Gets Opportunity to Speak Before Florida Legislature’s Children and Youth Cabinet | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Gina-Rogers-Gets-Opportunity-to-Speak.aspx | Boys Town North Florida’s Gina Rogers Gets Opportunity to Speak Before Florida Legislature’s Children and Youth Cabinet | <p>Boys Town North Florida Development Specialist Gina Rogers takes pride in helping children and families. She recently had the opportunity to do both in speaking before the Florida Legislature's Children and Youth Cabinet.</p><p>Rogers began at Boys Town North Florida in January 2019 as an undergraduate intern while earning her bachelor's degree in social work. Since that initial role, she has served as the site's volunteer coordinator, as well as completing a second internship, this one employment-based, in the Boys Town Foster Family Services Program®. After completing her master's degree in social work in April 2021, she stepped into her current role.</p><p>In December of 2021, Rogers was elected Heart Gallery Big Bend President. The Heart Gallery Big Bend is a volunteer-run organization that aims to increase awareness in children seeking adoption by partnering with local photographers and telling these children's stories. </p><p>It was her involvement with Boys Town and that organization that gave her the opportunity to speak before the Florida Legislature's Children and Youth Cabinet.</p><p>“It was quite exhilarating to represent both the Heart Gallery and Boys Town North Florida in speaking before the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet," Rogers said. “My goal was to further educate the panel about the many children in our state and local areas desperately in need of permanent, loving families. It was an honor to speak before the panel and recognize members such as Shevaun Harris, the Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary, who visited Boys Town North Florida earlier in the year."</p><p>Rogers said her presentation felt exceptionally important because she was able to so do during National Adoption Month. </p><p>“I can't express how grateful I am to have had the privilege to represent Boys Town, The Heart Gallery, and the children we serve at the meeting," Rogers said. “After having experience in both the Boys Town Family Home ProgramSM, as well as the Foster Family Services Program, there is a significant overlap between children Boys Town serves and those the Heart Gallery represents. Having the opportunity to be any part of a child's journey to healing is rewarding. I hope to continue serving children and bringing them closer to their forever families."</p><p>Rogers said her ability to form a partnership with the Heart Gallery was also rewarding.</p><p>“This opportunity also was very impactful for the Heart Gallery to expand its reach and make individuals in the community aware of the many children needing permanency," she said.<br></p> | 2022-01-20T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Gina Rogers" src="/locations/washington-dc/PublishingImages/Gina_Rogers.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town Care Coordination Services Helps South Omaha Family | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Care-Coordination-Services-Helps-South-Omaha-Family.aspx | Boys Town Care Coordination Services Helps South Omaha Family | <p>Helping families get their feet on the ground is a goal of Boys Town Care Coordination Services in South Omaha. During the current immigration crisis, providing these services to new immigrant families is even more critical.</p><p>Recently, a Boys Town Care Coordination Specialist met with a mother of a family who came to the United States from Honduras this past summer. The family was referred to Boys Town by a school social worker at Central Park Elementary.</p><p>Sandra (mom) and Ariel (dad) are parents of Christopher, a first grader, and Thiago, a 7-month-old infant. The Specialist learned the family was living with the father's sister. Unfortunately, the youngest son had significant medical issues and was referred to Children's Hospital.</p><p>Boys Town always tries to connect families with providers that can help in a number of different areas. In this case, finding housing for the family was made a priority. Several additional needs were also identified, such as employment, transportation, medical insurance and school support.</p><p>The family was able to get rental help through the Nebraska Cash Assistance program to pay their deposit and two months of rent. They also were able to get help in finding clothes and household items from different organizations and individuals.</p><p>One organization, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, provided a bed for one of<br>the kids. Hearth Ministry Center and Heartland Ministry Center helped in supplying pantry and laundry services. And Omaha Public Power District helped in getting services running for the new apartment.</p><p>The Boys Town Specialist will now focus on teaching the parents how to use the Metro system for transportation, how to open a bank account, and help them recognize the value and name of each coin, along with other basic concepts of the American culture.</p><p>Boys Town continues to offer healing and hope to children and families.<br><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em class="ms-rteFontSize-4">"When you help a child today, you write the history of tomorrow."</em> <br>~Father Flanagan<br></p>
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| Boys Town Helps South Omaha Family Transition Move from El Salvador | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-Helps-South-Omaha-Family-Transition-Move-from-El-Salvador.aspx | Boys Town Helps South Omaha Family Transition Move from El Salvador | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">B</span><span style="background-color:transparent;">eing there to help children and families in need has always been a Boys Town priority. That especially is the case for Boys Town Care Coordination Services in South Omaha during the current immigration crisis.</span></p><p>This past September, a family was referred to Boys Town by a bilingual paralegal from the Immigrant Legal Center/Justice for Our Neighbors Network. During the welcome interview, Maria (mom) said she and her two children Iris (daughter) and Justin (son) arrived in Omaha from El Salvador in August and since then the kids had been sick. <br><br>Boys Town regularly assists families during difficult times. But a sick child makes that assistance even more critical when it comes to urgency. Often, these immigrant families do not know where to go for medical help.</p><p>The Boys Town Care Coordination Specialist problem solved with Maria and made arrangements for the children to get to a OneWorld Community Health Center right away to see a doctor. The Boys Town Specialist also scheduled a school vaccine appointment. <br> <br>After the health issues were handled, the Specialist then took on helping enroll the daughter into school. Assistance was given in going over information forms and filling out applications with the mother. Happily, the daughter started school at Liberty Elementary School in October, and the son is on a waiting list for pre-kindergarten classes.</p><p>In the meantime, Boys Town also assisted in helping find a babysitter so the mother can go to work. The Specialist has also coordinated getting clothes, shoes and other basic items within Boys Town and other community resources.</p><p>“Working with the families has been a roller coaster of emotions, heartbreaking stories and the satisfaction of being able to assist in connecting them to so much-needed resources," said Boys Town Consultant Alejandra Pedroza.</p><p>Boys Town continues to offer healing and hope to children and families.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;">
<em class="ms-rteFontSize-4">"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten."</em><br>~ George Bernard Shaw<br></p>
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| Making a Difference | https://www.boystown.org/locations/iowa/news-and-events/Pages/Making-a-Difference.aspx | Making a Difference | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Est</span><span style="background-color:transparent;">ablishing a comfortable work relationship is one of the most important factors for consultants working with families dealing with issues. For Boys Town's Livie Gordon, it made the difference in helping a family come together and find solutions for its problems.</span></p><p>Livie is a Family-Centered Services Specialist for Boys Town in Sioux City, Iowa. She began providing services for a family this past February with a 15-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. Services began after their daughter unfortunately ended up between mom and dad during a physical altercation. Tensions were already high after their son was removed from the home and placed with relatives due to alleged sexual abuse concerns he had with another child in the community.</p><p>The parents were not getting along, argued often and the home atmosphere was very tense.</p><p>Livie was able to develop a positive working relationship with the family very early on. Originally, she was not their primary service provider, but covered one day of services with them and made a positive impression.</p><p>The family stated they felt comfortable working with Livie. She was able to get mom, dad, and the daughter into counseling services right away and she introduced a safety plan with them. She also taught the family various communication skills, helped them work through difficult situations and taught parenting skills from Common Sense Parenting®.</p><p>Livie made a difference.</p><p>The family never needed to use their safety plan and they never had another incident of domestic violence. They reported being able to the use the skills Livie had taught them, such as giving space to one another when having a disagreement and using healthy communication skills when they were both calm and ready to talk.</p><p>Additionally, there were issues between the family and the relatives caring for their 15-year-old son. The boy was unhappy while he was there and asked to return home before going to placement. They asked Livie if their case could remain open so she could support them in having their son home with them. Livie and the family advocated to the DHS worker to keep the case open until the son's placement was available and DHS agreed.</p><p>The worker returned the child to the parent's home and Livie continued to provide services to the family. The son struggled with listening, following through, and staying on task and they often reached out to Livie for assistance in how to deal with these behaviors. When Livie would arrive at the family home, all of the family members were seated at the table and ready to work on whatever skill Livie was teaching that appointment. There were no incidents with the son while he was home and the parents did not have major arguments or disagreements between one another. Their case has now closed successfully.<br></p> | 2022-01-05T06:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| In the news: Boys Town foster parents have spent the last 23 years fostering hundreds of kids | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-foster-parents-have-spent-the-last-23-years-fostering-hundreds-of-kids.aspx | In the news: Boys Town foster parents have spent the last 23 years fostering hundreds of kids | <p></p><p><em>This article was written by Isabella Basco and originally posted on </em><a href="https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/exclusive-boys-town-foster-parents-have-spent-the-last-23-years-fostering-hundreds-of-kids" target="_blank">3newsnow.com</a> on December 23, 2021.</p><p>OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Foster parents, Kevin and Constance Reid have spent the last 23 years fostering more than 200 boys through Boys Town Foster Family Services.</p><p>"I want to put them in situations they haven't been in. I want to put them in a stable home. I want to be maybe the father they never had. I want to be a parent to them, we want to be parents," Kevin said.</p><p>Both say it's their calling.</p><p>"Most days you love it because you can see the difference you're making in the lives of a lot of these kids," Kevin said.</p><p>The Reids have faced trials and tribulations, helping boys navigate turmoil.</p><p>"We've had six rival gang members in our house, at one time," Kevin said.</p><p>But in the place of turmoil, the Reids have created a stronghold, a place of safety and a softer place to land.</p><p>"I had to make them understand they're in my house, not in their neighborhood, but boys — regardless of how tough they seem or whatever — they're looking for a way out," Kevin said.</p><p>"Those six rival gang members, they got along very well. They would get up with me, they would cook with me, they'd clean the home with me. We'd set up within ... our home where they would have the chance to earn money by doing chores," Constance said.</p><p>Under the guidance and watchful eye of the Reids, some of their boys have become success stories.</p><p>"We had one boy that came to our home, he had some problems, he suffered from low self-esteem and everything else. He wasn't the best student in school, and so on and so forth, but today that young man is a Navy SEAL," Kevin said.</p><p>In all their years and experiences, both draw upon the Christmas season and remember why they do this.</p><p>"It's about what's in your heart, and that's what we try to teach," Kevin said.</p><p>"And that is love," Constance said.</p><p>Boys Town Foster Family Services is looking for a wide range of foster parents to help serve kids.</p><p>Individuals who are interested in the fostering process can call 531-355-3036 for more information.<br></p><p></p> | 2022-01-04T06:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| And the Winner is… | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nevada/news-and-events/Pages/And-the-Winner-is.aspx | And the Winner is… | <p>After an exciting evening and raffle, we have a winner! Congratulations to Malik, the winner of the 50/50 raffle! </p><p>Last week, Boys Town Nevada partnered with UFC and launched a combined online and in-venue 50/50 raffle campaign leading up to UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier on Saturday, December 11 at T-Mobile Arena.</p><p>Starting last Wednesday and until the 11<sup>th</sup>, fans and supporters located in the state of Nevada at the time of purchase were able to buy raffle tickets online and then on site at T-Mobile Arena, day-of.</p><p>We are so grateful for those that participated and proud to announce that the total pot raised was $70,540! The winner of the raffle, Malik, will receive 50 percent of the total 50/50 ticket sales, while the remaining 50 percent will go to Boys Town Nevada.</p><p>John Etzell, Boys Town Nevadam Executive Director, said “It was amazing to see his excitement when he realized he was the winner! When I asked why he bought tickets, he stated "It was for a good cause!"</p><p>Boys Town Nevada continues to enjoy a lasting relationship with UFC, over 15 years! Thank you again to UFC for their partnership and to all who participated!<br></p><p><br><br></p> | 2021-12-17T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Boys Town - Raffle Winner" src="/locations/nevada/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Nevada-5050-Raffle-Winner.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Care Coordination Program Gives Family a Second Chance | https://www.boystown.org/locations/louisiana/news-and-events/Pages/Care-Coordination-Program-Gives-Family-a-Second-Chance.aspx | Care Coordination Program Gives Family a Second Chance | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Dressed in brand-new, brightly coordinated yellow outfits, Michelle and her three children were all-smiles for the camera. You see, the past year has been tough – this family portrait marked a real moment to celebrate how far they've come.</span></p><p>“Less than a year ago, I was facing eviction and living in a home that was not safe for my kids and me. I was at a point where I thought this was the end of the road." She needed help.</p><p>Last year, Michelle began working with Schwan, a consultant in Boys Town's Care Coordination program. Immediately, Schwan worked to provide a stream of essentials like food, infant supplies and cleaning supplies. She then made sure the family found safe housing. After that, Michelle's youngest child was enrolled in our Early Head Start program, a year-round full day educational program for infants 0-3 years of age. Once some of the urgent needs were taken care of, Michelle and Schwan began working together to focus their attention on identifying and building on their family's strengths for long-term success.</p><p>It's been a long road and Michelle continues to work hard, but she is optimistic about her family's<br>future. “I now have a new outlook on life. Schwan was my guardian angel. She was there to support<br>my family no matter what time of day it was. She continues to push me and support me and my family. My family now has a home to live in. She helped me develop parenting skills to improve my relationship with my children. I have been able to overcome several barriers and obstacles. I now have a job and believe I have learned to become self-sufficient as a mother."</p><p>Like any mother, Michelle only wants the best for her children. “I know Boys Town has set us up<br>for our future by teaching us skills that will stay with us as we transition into new chapters in our lives."</p><p>To help families like Michelle's please donate today.<br><br></p><p style="text-align:center;">
<a class="btn donate" href="https://support.boystown.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2563&2563.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T" target="_blank">Donate Today</a></p> | 2021-12-17T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/louisiana/PublishingImages/1st-LA-Year-End-Campaign-thmb.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Celebrating the season and those we are blessed to know and serve | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/Celebrating-the-season-and-those-we-are-blessed-to-know-and-serve.aspx | Celebrating the season and those we are blessed to know and serve | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">On December 5, Boys Town Washington DC celebrated the holiday season with our annual Tree Lighting event. This year's event was extra special as it also featured our Fall Fundraiser. During our virtual Fall Fundraiser we highlighted our programs, celebrated our Father Flanagan Award recipient, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and shared stories of strength and resolve from the people we are blessed to know and serve.</span></p><p>Thank you to everyone who attended both in-person and virtually! The singing was joyful, the smiles were infectious and the stories shared were so inspiring. We are eternally grateful for the continued support from the amazing DC community.</p><p><em>Please note that the LIVE event and silent auction mentioned in this video have ended.</em></p> | 2021-12-10T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Fr. Boes" src="/locations/washington-dc/PublishingImages/Fr.Flanagan.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| 2021 Father Flanagan Award | https://www.boystown.org/locations/washington-dc/news-and-events/Pages/2021-Father-Flanagan-Award.aspx | 2021 Father Flanagan Award | <p>The Father Flanagan Award is given to individuals who dedicate themselves to helping children and have made a significant contribution to the youth of our nation and continue to further influence young people by an exemplary public and private life. Since opening our doors in 1993, Boys Town Washington DC continues to grow it's partnership with the District of Columbia. Our Family Home Program provides stability in a family style environment for Boys and Girls ages 13-17, referred through DC Child and Family Services. In an effort to build trusting relationships between youth in the Family Home program and police, officers from the DC police department interact with youth on campus twice a month through fun activities like pizza parties, basketball and open discussion. Through the Mayor's Show Up, and Stand Out initiative, we partner with ten public and charter schools in the district to reduce truancy. </p><p><strong>Boys Town Washington DC is proud to honor Mayor Muriel Bowser with this year's Father Flanagan Award.</strong><br></p> | 2021-12-10T06:00:00Z | News | <img alt="" src="/locations/washington-dc/PublishingImages/mayor.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| "One small deed can light up the world." Boys Town celebrates the last night of Hanukkah | https://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/news-and-events/Pages/One-small-deed-can-light-up-the-world.aspx | "One small deed can light up the world." Boys Town celebrates the last night of Hanukkah | <p></p><p><em>This article was originally posted on </em><a href="https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/one-small-deed-can-light-up-the-world-boys-town-celebrates-the-last-night-of-hanukkah" target="_blank"><em>3newsnow.com</em></a><em> on December 6, 2022.</em></p><p>OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On the last night of Hanukkah, there was a celebration of sorts in Boys Town.</p><p>Chabad of Nebraska held their annual menorah parade Monday afternoon. There were free donuts and lahtkahs were given to anyone joining the parade.</p><p>One rabbi talked about what it means to gather and celebrate on the final night of the Jewish holiday.</p><p>"One small deed can light up the world. So, share that with the world. One fire is that one element that we can share with others and it doesn't diminish in itself and that's a very strong message that we like to share on Hanukkah, especially on the eighth night of Hanukkah like tonight the last night."</p><p>And, there was plenty of music and dancing as well.</p><p><a href="https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/one-small-deed-can-light-up-the-world-boys-town-celebrates-the-last-night-of-hanukkah" target="_blank">See the celebration here.</a> <br></p><p></p> | 2021-12-09T06:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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