® WINTER 2016

Former BT Youth Gives Back as Advocate for Kids in Need

ow does a 12-year-old cope as he struggles with his father’s substance abuse issues and his Hparents’ separation? He argues with his parents, challenging their authority. Over time, he escalates his negative behavior, acting out, using alcohol and drugs, and getting into brushes with the law. And school becomes a major source of frustration because he’s failing and not learning. That was Sloane Baxter’s life as he began the steady descent that would ultimately land him in a youth prison. At 14, Sloane was arrested for attempting to steal a car. He was placed on probation, but repeated probation violations led to his incarceration at Oak Hill Youth Center. “Oak Hill was a youth prison,” said Former Boys Town Youth Sloane Baxter testifies before Congress at a hearing on juvenile justice. Lisette Burton, J.D., Director of National Advocacy at Boys Town Boys Town staff visited with Sloane, Teachers® worked with his caseworker, Washington DC. “It was an awful place everyone agreed it would be a good fit. family members and others to place with barbed wire; it looked and him in a school that better addressed functioned like a prison for adults. It “Sloane is a very engaging young his educational needs. has since been shut down.” man,” Burton said. “He adapted quickly to the structure, skill teaching “This was a very big deal for him Sloane spent several months at the and family-style environment of because he had not previously experi- center before his caseworker the program.” enced any school success,” Burton contacted Boys Town Washington DC said. “Once he was in the right envi- about a possible placement in the Besides providing a safe, nurturing ronment, he began to thrive in school.” site’s Family Home Program. After home for the teen, Sloane’s Family- Sloane also began to develop and pursue other interests that proved beneficial. The JOURNAL® “The boys in the Family Home Boys Town National Headquarters participated in a summer project called 14100 Crawford Street ‘Book in Day,’” Burton said. “This Boys Town, NE 68010 taught them the fundamentals of 800.217.3700 | [email protected] poetry, how to write poems and basic boystown.org © 2016, Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home See “Former BT Youth”: Page 4

Christmas Joy Lifts Spirits of Boys Town Youth

Dear Friend,

Christmas at Boys Town can be one of the happiest As we prepare for Christmas at Boys Town, many of seasons, and at the same time, one of the saddest our new children are just beginning to understand the seasons for our boys and girls. joy and wonder of the holiday season. Our boys and It’s a happy time because girls who have been with us for a while are excited they are in a safe place and full of anticipation. Much of their enjoyment where they can celebrate comes from helping the newer kids get involved in We fill our kids’ lives this joyous holiday as part putting up the tree, shopping for the holiday feast, of a caring family. For the making Christmas cookies and wrapping presents. with fun Christmas first time, many of our Come Christmas Eve, a quiet calm will descend on youth get to experience the our little Village and our homes at sites across the memories that will stay thrill of opening brightly country. Our boys and girls will sing carols, drink hot with them for the rest wrapped gifts, the inner chocolate and just enjoy being part of a family where peace that comes from each person is loved and respected. On Christmas of their lives, memories singing “Silent Night” morning, they will wake up to open gifts and then go during church services and to their place of worship to celebrate the birth of the they can draw on the pure joy of sitting down Savior. When they come home, they’ll gather around to share a delicious the table for a special Christmas dinner they all to create holiday Christmas dinner with helped prepare. traditions for their own caring people who truly Happy and sacred holiday traditions have been part want them to get better. of Boys Town’s Christmas celebrations for nearly 100 families someday. It can also be a sad time years. We fill our kids’ lives with fun Christmas because our kids are memories that will stay with them for the rest of their — FATHER BOES realizing what they’ve lives, memories they can draw on to create holiday missed during the past traditions for their own families someday. Christmases of their young lives. Before coming to For myself and all of our girls and boys, I want to Boys Town, they lived in homes where their parents wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and thank couldn’t afford to buy any gifts or food for a special you for your heartfelt generosity in everything you do dinner. Some kids suffered terrible abuse and to bring a smile to the face of a child. neglect. For many, Christmas was just another day, God’s Blessings and Merry Christmas, with no celebration, no singing, no church and no happiness. While other families were creating holiday memories, these kids sat alone, trying hard to forget their misery. At Boys Town, we turn that sadness into hope and healing, not just at Christmas, but every day. We provide children with a sense of family and belonging, bringing them into the light of kindness, love and Father Steven E. Boes warmth they have been missing. Boys Town National Executive Director

2 For Children at Boys Town, Christmas Is the Greatest Gift of All

t Boys Town, we create lasting Christmas traditions and happy holiday memories for our boys and girls that can replace the sad, painful ones they’ve experienced in the past. We start by welcoming children into a caring environment and giving them the confidence and ability to change their lives. This is especially important at Christmastime, when every child wants to know he or she is loved and valued. We teach children that Christmas is about giving back. It’s a season of remembrance, hope and love, and a time our girls and boys will always cherish as one of their favorite childhood memories. The Christmas traditions our youth learn at Boys Town are gifts we hope they will pass on to their children someday. Boys Town provides children and families with reasons to celebrate the holiday. The words of our Christmas morning brings excitement as girls open gifts with their Boys Town family. children tell how Boys Town truly is a family and a community, focused on making a difference in the lives small — unconditional love, words and learn the true meaning of of young people who need and of encouragement, a willingness to sharing and caring. deserve another chance. For many stand by even the toughest child — of these children, it’s the first time that give children a solid foundation The best Christmas ever was last year. they’ve experienced being part of a for the future. We help children find It was the first Christmas that I could family at Christmas. healing in body, mind and spirit by feel and say I had a family that was showing them a different way of life there for me in the Christmas season. Christmas at Boys Town is so good and giving them the confidence to It was my first Christmas at Boys Town. because you have a family that loves live it. When they realize they are I felt that all my friends and those who you and they teach you what capable of changing their behaviors cared about me stood by me and gave Christmas means. It felt good just to and building caring relationships, me a Christmas I’ll never forget. spend time with my Family-Teachers they are able to put the past behind — Christian, 15 and the other kids and to know they them and move forward. Christmas truly is a special time were there for me. We went to Christmas reinforces those at Boys Town because it reminds church first. This was nice because feelings like no other season. In all us that family, faith, having fun the day is not all about gifts, but the activities that surround the together and following traditions more about the gift of God and holiday, our kids see what a caring are among the necessities of life. family and love. family is and understand they are — Amy, 16 As families across our great valued members of that family. At nation follow their cherished There is a void in the lives of most Boys Town, Christmas means traditions this Christmas, we hope children who come to Boys Town for children laughing and smiling as they will say a prayer for all the help and healing. Boys Town fills they decorate their trees and kids at Boys Town who are just that void with good things, big and homes, bake cookies, sing carols beginning theirs.

3 Former BT Youth Now Giving Back as Advocate for Kids "Sloane’s testimony about being incarcerated as a young in Need of Help person and then thriving in a family-style, community- based program like Boys Town’s Family Homes had a big Continued from Page 1 impact on the committee — and that impact is ongoing." publishing. They created a book of — LISETTE BURTON, J.D. poetry titled ‘Concrete Dreams’ and DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL ADVOCACY, published it. Having these kinds of experiences, in addition to learning BOYS TOWN WASHINGTON DC new skills and building relationships at home and in school, helped Sloane’s life experiences also community-based program like propel him forward.” have made him an ideal advocate Boys Town’s Family Homes had a Sloane was 17 when he left for at-risk children. big impact on the committee — and Boys Town and moved home, which In October 2015, Boys Town was that impact is ongoing.” had greatly improved during his advocating for a federal juvenile In May 2016, Chairman Kline and stay. He graduated from high school justice bill with the Chairman of the his staff, along with ranking- and later got an apartment of his House Committee on Workforce and member Congressman Bobby own. He continued working at Education, Congressman John Kline. Scott, contacted Boys Town Starbucks — a job he started as an “Chairman Kline previously visited Washington DC to arrange a visit to afterschool employee while at Boys Town in , and his a Family Home so they could learn Boys Town — and eventually earned staff knew young people from more about it and see the program a promotion to a supervisor position. Boys Town had given valuable in action. “To this day, Sloane still keeps testimony before. They requested a In addition, Speaker of the House in touch with his Family-Teachers,” Boys Town youth to speak at a Paul Ryan recently published a Burton said. “He’s on a great path. hearing on juvenile justice,” Burton Republican Party policy brief called The big difference for Sloane is said. “We asked Sloane if he would “A Better Way.” One of the policy’s he now utilizes the resources be willing and he readily agreed. He major initiatives is to lift young around him, and he has well- was still young enough for his people out of poverty and onto the developed problem-solving and experiences to be fresh and relevant ladder of opportunity. communication skills. He also has but also older and mature enough “In this policy agenda, Sloane’s a great relationship with both of his to be able to independently name and story are highlighted as parents today.” determine what he wanted to share an example of a young person who and how.” participated in the right kind of Burton helped Sloane, then 22, program that led to long-lasting shape his story and experiences into success,” Burton said. “Also, there "We asked Sloane if he would his formal testimony to Congress. is a quote from Sloane where he During the hearing, Sloane spoke talks about the fact that things be willing and he readily agreed. alongside a judge, a vice president could have gone a lot different if it of a large nonprofit organization wasn’t for a place like Boys Town, He was still young enough for and a leader who advocates for and that it still serves as a lifeline his experiences to be fresh justice reforms. Sloane was asked for him when he needs it.” pointed questions about his Today, Sloane continues his work and relevant but also older and experiences and his opinions on as an advocate for Boys Town and juvenile justice issues. at-risk children. mature enough to be able to “Sloane’s testimony was “There is an upcoming youth independently determine what fantastic,” Burton said. “He was justice symposium that Sloane actually highlighted in Chairman wants to attend,” Burton said. “He he wanted to share and how." Kline’s comments after the hearing is a great example of someone who because it was so impactful. benefited from residential care. — LISETTE BURTON, J.D. Sloane’s testimony about being And because of that, he wants to DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL ADVOCACY, incarcerated as a young person give back and continue to help BOYS TOWN WASHINGTON DC and then thriving in a family-style, those in similar situations.” 4 U.S. Mint Unveils Boys Town Commemorative Coins

By Courtney Brummer-Clark / World-Herald staff writer Photos by Brendan Sullivan / World-Herald

ather Edward Flanagan’s mission is now commemorated in currency. F Designs for coins celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Boys Town were unveiled Tuesday. Rhett Jeppson, deputy director of the Mint, joined Boys Town officials and other dignitaries for the ceremony at the Boys Town Music Hall. Students, families and staff filled the auditorium. “This literally took an act of Congress to get done,” said Dr. Dan Daly, executive vice president and director of youth care at Boys Town. United States Mint Director Rhett Jeppson unveils the designs for three coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Boys Town. Also present for the unveiling in the front row are (from left to right, U.S. Rep , Last year, Congress authorized former Nebraska lawmakers and , and Omaha Mayor . the U.S. Mint to produce a series of coins commemorating Boys Town’s 100th anniversary in 2017. The legislation was sponsored by current "Each time a person looks at any one of these unique designs, and past members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation. it will spark an interest in learning about the history of U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford attended Tuesday’s ceremony, along with Boys Town, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts made by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and former lawmakers Ben Nelson this organizations to give comfort and purpose to children in and Lee Terry. Ashford praised Congress’ bipartisan efforts to allow need, and recognizing the significant contributions of Father the coins to become a reality. (Edward) Flanagan." “There are a lot of issues that — RHETT JEPPSON divide Congress, but when you tell them about Boys Town, there is no DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES MINT divide,” he said. In 2015, a team of artists traveled The heads side of the $5 gold The heads side of the silver $1 to Boys Town to gather ideas. Three coin features a portrait of Flanagan, coin depicts a young girl sitting designs were selected by the mint Boys Town’s founder. Inscriptions alone under the branches of an and will be featured on gold, silver include “Boys Town Centennial,” oak tree, looking up. The empty and clad (layered metal) coins. “In God We Trust,” “Fr. Edward space around the girl is “deliberate “Each time a person looks at Flanagan,” and “Liberty.” The tails and meant to show the child’s any one of these unique designs, side, which says “The Work Will sense of loneliness, isolation and Continue,” depicts an outstretched it will spark an interest in learning helplessness,” Jeppson said. about the history of Boys Town, hand holding a young oak tree growing from an acorn. This design Inscriptions include “When You Help acknowledging the extraordinary A Child Today....” efforts made by this organizations represents “the potential of each to give comfort and purpose to child helped by Boys Town to grow The tails side depicts an oak children in need, and recognizing the into a productive, complete adult,” tree offering shelter and a sense significant contributions of Father Jeppson said. of belonging to the family holding (Edward) Flanagan,” Jeppson told The gold coin was designed by the audience. artist Donna Weaver. See “U.S. Mint Unveils”: Page 6 5 Boys Town Youth Elect 116th Mayor

t Boys Town, we teach girls is also a National Honor Society and boys citizenship through member. After graduation he plans class elections. Each year to go to college and medical school A since 1935, the youth of to become a doctor. His Family- Boys Town elect a Mayor and Vice Teachers are Ryan and Shani Meehl. Mayor from the upcoming senior Kymani Bell is on the basketball class. In order to run for mayor, team, football team and runs track. there are guidelines a candidate He has been student of the quarter must abide to, including: five times and is on the honor role. » Respect all other candidates After graduation, he plans to attend » Campaign can only last two weeks college and pursue a degree in business. His Family-Teachers are » Don’t make promises you Aaron and Kendal Robertson. can’t keep » Items can’t be used as campaign Boys Town founder Father Edward incentives or gimmicks Flanagan once described his work as “building good Americans.” He » Candidates can post only a certain believed that being a good citizen number of flyers and posters required active participation in the This year, the girls and boys political process and voting. To give Cordell Cade of Atlanta, Ga., is sworn into office as the elected Cordell Cade of Atlanta, his boys a chance to experience and 116th Mayor of the Village of Boys Town. Ga., who was elected the 116th experiment with these activities, he Mayor of the Village of Boys Town set up a system of self-government elections have drawn national on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Kymani at Boys Town. attention, and Boys Town has Bell of Jacksonville, Fla. was In 1935, Boys Town residents went become famous for having the elected Vice Mayor. to the polls to elect their very first youngest “voters” in the country. Cade is 17-years-old, and says he mayor and Village commissioners. The mayor’s duties include wants to take on a bigger leadership The elections allowed all the boys to welcoming special guests to the role on campus. “I want to be the have a voice in running the Village. Village and representing face and the voice of campus. I want Even to this day in Boys Town’s Boys Town and its young residents to make a difference.” mayoral elections, the residents at official ceremonies. Cade is on the football team, create political parties, hold debates Congratulations Cordell and basketball team and runs track. He and have campaign rallies. The Kymani!

Jeppson said. Inscriptions include U.S. Mint Unveils Boys Town “Healing Families.” Commemorative Coins The clad coin was designed by artist Chris Costello. Continued from Page 5 The mint will issue no more than hands below it, including the girl 50,000 gold coins, 350,000 silver coins from the other side. It is inscribed and 300,000 clad half dollar coins. with the words: “...You Write the The Boys Town choir heralds the grand unveiling. The price of each coin will include a History of Tomorrow." surcharge: $35 for each gold, $10 for The silver coin was designed by Boys Town. Inscriptions include each silver, and $5 for each clad half artist Emily Damstra. “Saving Children.” dollar coin. Revenues first will cover The heads side of the clad half The tails side depicts a present- production costs. Some revenue also dollar depicts a boy holding the day Boys Town home, where will go to Boys Town, which will use hand of his younger brother in 1917, children are schooled and nurtured. the money to provide services. walking toward Father Flanagan’s “Out of these homes come young The coins will be available in Boys Home. The 1940s-era tower adults who graduate from high 2017; the mint will announce the represents what would become school and the Boys Town program,” exact date.

6 BOYS TOWN NATIONAL HOTLINE® : 1-800-448-3000 A Call for Help Answered

ulie knew that what her grandpa’s friend had done Jwas wrong. The 13-year-old girl lived with her grandparents. The friend would come over often to visit with her grandpa or go hunting with him. One day, as Julie was sitting on her bed, the friend came into the house saying he was looking for a tool. Then he sat down next to her, lifted her dress and touched her. Before he left, he warned her not to tell anyone. Julie had noticed him staring at her during earlier visits. Now, besides being frightened for herself, she also worried about her siblings and cousins, who also lived in the grandparents’ home. The problem was Julie didn’t know where to go for help. If she told her grandpa what had happened, she was afraid he would Julie reached a trained Hotline Police investigated and, as a confront the friend. She wasn’t sure counselor and told her what had result, the family friend — a her grandma would believe her. happened. During their convicted sex offender — was arrested, found guilty of indecency Later that day, Julie saw an ad conversation, Julie tearfully asked the counselor if she would talk to with a child and sent to prison. on television. It caught her When she didn’t know where to attention because the announcer her grandma. The counselor calmed the teen and asked her to turn, Julie found the courage to said there was a number kids tell someone she was being hurt. put her grandma on the line. could call for help. She grabbed a The Boys Town National Hotline pen and wrote it down. After explaining the situation, the was there to make sure it didn’t It was the number for the counselor told the grandmother happen again. ® the Hotline would be making a Boys Town National Hotline . The stories provided about the children and families in our care police report. Julie’s grandma was are real. In some cases, names and details may be changed, Julie decided to make the call. and stock photos may be used, to protect their privacy and very understanding and grateful. therapeutic interests. Youth just like Julie have been calling the Hotline for more than 20 years to seek help for problems such as school pressures, being bullied by Thank You to Our Sponsors classmates, thinking about using ids like Julie find the immediate help they need through the generous alcohol or drugs, feeling isolated by support of our corporate and foundation partners from across the country. their friends — and sexual abuse. K We are grateful to them for helping us raise awareness about the Boys Town Parents, grandparents and other National Hotline’s life-saving resources. These organizations include: caregivers across the country also depend on the Hotline for advice on a » American Legion » Nebraska Medicine variety of child behavior issues, Child Welfare Foundation » Southwest Omaha Rotary including not following rules, being » Astellas USA Foundation Night Club disrespectful to others, throwing » Century Link » Yahoo Employee Foundation tantrums, self-injury, drug and » Godfather’s Pizza alcohol use and others.

7 Giving Stock for a The Benefits of Year-End Giving Good Cause Consider the many ways you can enjoy tax and income benefits while helping to further Boys Town's mission of saving children, healing helly, a retired nurse, families and strengthening communities. inherited a significant portfolio of securities from S her father. Over the years, Gift of Cash or Property Shelly became interested in Would You Like to Save on Your Taxes? investing. She sold some of her stock just as the market peaked For a gift of cash, you will receive a charitable deduction for the full cash and then bought again when it value. If you make a property (real estate or stock) gift to Boys Town, you was at a low. Last year, she avoid any tax that would otherwise be due upon sale. We then sell your wanted to unload some of her property tax-free and you enjoy the benefits of a charitable tax deduction. low performers, but before selling at a loss, she learned about the benefits of giving her Charitable Gift Annuity stock to charity. Are You Looking for Secure Future Income? Shelly contacted Boys Town When you make your gift of cash or appreciated property to Boys Town, and was excited to learn that we promise to pay you fixed payments for life (with rates based on your she could make a gift of her age). You will receive a charitable deduction for the value of your gift and a stock and receive an income tax portion of your payments could be tax-free! deduction this year. “I loved the fact that I didn’t have to sell the stock at a low or continue to Charitable Bequest hold onto it while it possibly fell Make a Future Gift Now! even lower in the market,” Shelly said. Boys Town would be pleased to send you our helpful guide on planning your will or trust. You will want to contact your attorney about how to Best of all, she was thrilled that include a bequest in your estate plan. Once your bequest is made, please her gift would help Boys Town let us know so we can recognize and thank you. touch even more lives.

For more information about these types of charitable gifts, please visit our website at boystowngift.org or contact our Office of Gift and Estate Planning today at 888-332-3219 or [email protected]. INQUIRE TODAY! The information contained in this briefing does not constitute legal or tax advice, and it is recommended that you seek the advice of your attorney, professional tax advisor and/ or financial planner prior to making arrangements for a planned gift.

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