An inspiring afternoon in Omaha Nebraska -Visiting Boy's Town

 

In 1917 Father Flanagan founded a home for disadvantaged children.

Today it is a National Historic Monument .

Boys Town is one of the largest nonprofit, nonsectarian child and family care organizations in the country.

When Father Flanagan was assigned to a downtown Omaha church, this scene inspired him to devote his life to helping children that were unable to help themselves.

He especially focused on kids with:

• Loss of Family 
• Abuse
• Violence
• Loss of Spirituality
• Neglect

The focus has been to provide a home atmosphere for the children so that they learn 'life lessons' of how to live in a family because so many are street kids with no concept of 'normal' family life.

 Today's campus has nice brick homes with a Mom and Dad house parents who often have their own children.  Up to 8 kids per household with all the 'normal' family life - meals together, school, activities, and sports.

Training is strong on the work ethic and rewards for good behavior.

Todays campus has approximately 400 kids, 100 house parents  and beautiful homes.

"He ain't heavy, he's my brother"

In 1918, a young boy suffering from polio had to be regularly carried up and down the stairs at Boys Town. Father Flanagan asked one of the older boys if carrying the young boys was difficult. He responded, "He ain't heavy, Father. He's my brother." 

Nearly 75 years later, the motto is still the best description of what our boys and girls at Boys Town learn about the importance of caring for each other and having someone care about them.

The movie was filmed on location at Boy's Town.

The chapel holds 2 short Mass services around noon, and people from town come for part of their lunch hour.

The kids have chapel services 6 days a week.

It was a beautiful trip to an inspiring place that helps so many troubled or disadvantaged kids.

It was especially inspiring because our friend Tish Jeffers father attended 

Boys Town and gives full credit to them for his successful life.