Boys Town: Where second chances begin.
Boys Town operates on the belief that strong families build strong children and that every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, loving and supportive environment. Founded in 1917 by Father Edward J. Flanagan in Omaha, Nebraska, Boys Town began as a refuge for homeless boys. It quickly evolved into a thriving village rooted in compassion, dignity and the conviction that every child deserves a second chance. This foundational idea sparked a global movement that continues to expand today.
Currently impacting over 3.5 million people each year, Boys Town offers a wide range of research-based services tailored to meet families where they are. These services include in-home support and parenting classes aiming to empower families to stay together, build resilience and thrive.
Boys Town works within schools, homes and communities to help children develop social skills, healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation. Its Family Home Program offers youths who come from troubled backgrounds a nurturing environment led by trained Family-Teachers. The national hotline has responded to over 10.5 million calls, providing immediate support to those in crisis.
A commitment to research-driven solutions sets Boys Town apart. The Boys Town National Research Hospital is internally recognized for its pioneering work in childhood deafness, developmental language disorders and communication challenges. The organization’s neuroscience initiative leads regional efforts in epilepsy and neurological care and conducts ground-breaking OPM-MEG research on childhood behavioral and mental health issues.
The Child and Family Translational Research Center at Boys Town develops and evaluates interventions that address the real-world challenges faced by families today, including trauma, substance misuse and educational and emotional struggles.
Boys Town also support the adults closest to children – parents, teachers and caregivers. When these individuals are equipped with the right tools, children thrive. For instance, school districts implementing the Boys Town Education Model have reported significant improvements in student behavior and attendance, demonstrating the lasting impact of positive relationships and practical skills.
Persistence is the organization’s secret. Boys Town refuses to give up on children, even when others have or when the children themselves have lost hope. Boys Town looks beyond anger, defiance and pain to understand causes and then help children heal.