Boys Town

Boys Town, officially known as Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1917 by Father Edward J. Flanagan in Omaha, Nebraska. Initially established as an orphanage for boys, it has grown into a comprehensive child and family care system that serves homeless, neglected, and troubled children, regardless of their background. The organization moved to a 94-acre farm in 1921, which remains its headquarters today and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Boys Town offers a variety of services, including residential care in a safe environment, education and vocational training, behavioral health services, and family support programs. It also operates a national hotline for crisis intervention. The organization admits both boys and girls and focuses on social preparation, discipline, and affectionate care to empower youth. Boys Town is known for its innovative juvenile care model, which has influenced child welfare practices across the country, continuing the legacy of its founder, Father Flanagan, who believed in treating children with dignity.