Helping Hands discussion

I wrote a post about Boys Town. It is a nonprofit so if someone would like to donate, it is always appreciated in any amount. My Grandpa who passed away over a decade ago and Boys Town both had their 97th Birthdays this December. If you go to the post, you can see why they had more in common than just a date. In addition to the post, I am providing some additonal information provided to me from someone at Boys Town below. I was grateful that they took the time. They organized it by topic(based on my question.
Farming:
Yes, there is still farming done at Boys Town even today. However, because of changes in regulations for food, agriculture, HIPA (resident youth are considered medical patients), and many other factors, the farming done today at Boys Town is done by area farmers on a ground lease arrangement. The farm land still directly supports the kids at Boys Town, but it no longer directly feeds them.

Trades:
Yes, we still teach trades at Boys Town, but had got away from doing that in the 1970s due to space issues at the time. Current administration here is looking at opening more trade instruction for our youth very soon. To my knowledge, there is not a partnership in place with Metro Tech.

Hotline:
The hotline was established in the summer of 1989. Unfortunately, I do not have information at hand as to why it was established, but it is certainly meeting a need. The hotline receives over 8000 calls each week, serving thousands and thousands of people. I do know they are looking at adding hotline operators to online messaging services too.

Boys Town Hospital:
I do know it was established in 1974 and that they are doing groundbreaking genetic research there on deafness and blindness.

Village of Boys Town:
Fr Flanagan’s first home was established in 1917, which was quickly outgrown. As was the subsequent home. Needing more space, and envisioning something far greater than “just a home”, Overlook Farm was purchased in 1921. Overlook Farm has been the site of Boys Town ever since. Our post office was established in 1936. Like any small town, we have our own Police and Fire Depts., schools, parks, etc.

Schools:
Yes, we still have schools at Boys Town. Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Our middle school was accredited by the state of Nebraska in 1935, and the high school followed in 1937. During Fr. Flanagan’s time, Boys Town generally only permitted boys aged 12 and older. Even today, we do not have very many elementary aged children. The elementary and middle school is named Wegner School, after former Boys Town director Fr. Nicholas Wegner. The high school is named Boys Town High School. If a student can be well served in one of our other schools in Omaha, they go there, however, most of our kids come to us at least 3 years behind academically, so they often attend school here on campus.

Family Teaching Couples:
I doubt I can tell you much more than you’d already know, especially having interviewed someone in the past. I do know that implicit and explicit training goes on for social skills, honestly for everyone. I’ve become far more aware of my own general etiquette since arriving here a month ago. (Note by Barb: I did interview someone for a Paper I wrote for Composition class in college. I did not reference in post as it is always hard to know what is too long or too much. It was wonderful to get their insights about their teaching methods.)

Original Mission:
Boys Town absolutely continues on today, true to Father’s original vision. Times have changed, our city has changed, and even the kids have changed, but we are still serving kids and their families who need help, and that will never change.
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Cool Barbara! I'll look into it more. Thank you!

Thank you, Heather!