Tutors in the Home’s educational center worked with between 10 and 12 youth each weeknight helping to improve study skills and raise grades to acceptable and even above average levels.

Opportunities for artistic expression were dramatically increased through the education center’s art department. Boys were exposed to a number of artistic disciplines including ceramics, tin work, screen printing, airbrush painting, chalk drawing and sculpture.

To help parents better communicate and work with their adolescent or teenage children, the Home continued offering Parent Training education. This year more than 60 parents were educated by Boys’ Home staff. The training includes communication, youth management and behavior modification.

Operation Appreciation – a program providing our youth with excellent role models from area law enforcement – was in full swing all year. The program brings in anywhere from eight to 20 officers from the Omaha Gang and Homicide units, Federal ATF officers and officers from the County Attorney’s office every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. The boys and officers might play basketball, or just talk. Some great relationships have formed!

Thirty boys participated in the Home’s Wellness for Life education program. The program teaches life skills through group discussion and classroom learning.

Area children involved with the Campfire Boys & Girls Clubs enjoyed learning and having fun with the Home’s staff and facilities. The eight session program opened facilities such as our gymnasium, playground and pool to underprivileged children. But more than anything, the kids loved visiting Cooper Farm with all the horses, cows and other farm animals.

More than 20 older youth participated in the Home’s Independent Living program. The program is designed to prepare young people for life on their own by teaching them skills such as interpersonal relationship building, cultural diversity understanding, preparation for continuing education (college, etc.), making major purchases (cars, etc.) and managing personal finances.

Seventeen area role models volunteered and were trained to work with our boys as mentors.

Tobacco Free Teens is a tobacco cessation program designed for adolescents and young adults. Forty boys took part in the 4 week program in 1997.

Twelve former residents were awarded scholarships from the Home’s Scholarship Fund. The scholarship moneys can be used for tuition, books, room and board or other living expenses. Any boy successfully completing the Home’s behavior modification program is eligible for scholarship assistance!

The Home’s cutting edge program for young men and women – Transitional Living – continues to be productive. In 1997, 10 young people were helped on their way to self-sufficiency.