The Omaha Home for Boys...

2002 September Twig Newsletter

  THE TWIG is a publication of :
The Omaha Home for Boys
4343 North 52nd Street
Omaha, NE 68104

The Omaha Home for Boys is a member of the National Fellowship of Child Care Executives and the National Association of Homes and Services for Children.

Founded in 1920, The Omaha Home for Boys is licensed by the State of Nebraska and is governed by 70 Trustees and our Board of Directors of 30 who serve as volunteers without financial remuneration. Annual operating and financial statements are prepared by certified public accountants and filed as public information with the Nebraska Department of Social Services.

The Omaha Home for Boys 75th Anniversary History Books are available. To receive your copy contact Marsha Cussen at 1-800-408-4663 today! To read the Home's complete history, click on the history book to your right. Also available is the Home's new video -- "A Vision of Caring".

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME? If you have a question about the Home, would like to receive our financial statements, or we can help in any way, call us at our new toll free number 1-800-408-4663.

Graduation 2002: Achievement through Perseverance

Graduation signifies a new chapter … in life.

Adult responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities appear before us. For the three members of The Omaha Home for Boys Class of 2002, graduation represents achievement through perseverance.

Talking with Mark now, there is very little indication of the boy who entered the Home.  That boy has become a young man, with hopes, dreams, and a vision for the future.

Mark entered the Home five years ago.  Quiet and reserved, he struggled in school and was barely passing his classes. He had a hard time accepting authority, and his self-esteem was low … very low.

As Mark began to get involved in activities at the Home he emerged from his shell. He soon found that he really enjoyed participating in the intramural sports activities. He also improved his relationships with his parents, and began setting goals.

Mark had never considered continuing his education after high school. He thought his struggles with academics would stand in the way of any further schooling. However, thanks to his improved attitude and lots of hard work, he soon found himself on the honor roll—not just once, but several times!

Mark is now planning to attend a local community college and is considering majoring in computer technology.

Friends are important, but the wrong friends can be devastating. Tim had been hanging out with the wrong crowd. He was skipping school and getting into trouble. His family decided that the Home was the best place to get him back on track. 

Since coming to OHB, Tim has settled down and worked hard to graduate. In fact, his goals now include following in his mother’s footsteps and becoming an attorney.  Tim’s self-esteem has soared and he has changed from being quiet and reserved to outgoing and sociable.

Chris has never been accused of being too shy. In fact, most considered him a bit too outgoing—he was known as the class clown and often the “instigator” of problems in school. His reputation as a troublemaker grew to the point that his parents decided to place him at the Home.

At first, Chris met the stricter system with much resistance. The turning point for him was near the Christmas holidays. Chris had made a mistake and as a result was able to spend only Christmas Day with his family, instead of a longer visit. He learned a lesson … an important one.  He realized that there are consequences for his actions and that he needed to “get with the program.”

That lesson … a true life lesson … changed Chris. He turned his class clown status into that of a role model for the other boys. Chris focused his energy on his studies and, as a result, he turned his grades completely around!

Chris could have completed the Home’s program early, but made a personal decision to stay. He believed The Omaha Home for Boys was the best place for him to achieve his academic goals. 

Chris is excited to channel his love of cars into a career.  He is now attending community college to become an automotive mechanic.

We couldn’t be prouder of the Class of 2002.

Perseverance. Strength. Resiliency. Qualities that are evident in this year’s graduates. All they needed was the opportunity to rewrite a chapter in their lives—and thanks to your support, The Omaha Home for Boys was able to help them. Join with us in congratulating Mark, Tim, and Chris as they embark on their next chapter in life.

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Personally Speaking
Let’s take a moment to discuss … New Chapters in Life

I sat watching … smiling … laughing.

I always enjoy listening to our graduates give their speeches in the dining hall. Dressed in cap and gown, in just a few hours these young men would be official graduates from high school.

Their lives are just beginning. They have opened a new chapter in their futures. And I thank God … and you … for letting The Omaha Home for Boys be here to help them.

What a difference the Home makes in boys! I’ve seen it time and time and time again. A boy comes here angry and learns control. A boy comes here making bad grades and leaves making A’s and B’s. A boy comes here alone … scared. When he leaves, he has a family and a home where he’s always welcome.

What a difference love, guidance, discipline and good role models can make!

But these differences would not be possible without the friendship and support of people like you. Without you, boys might be left in the lurch … needing help … wanting help … with no help to be had.

Without you, the Home’s vision of additional residential cottages, more extensive educational tutoring, increased parenting skills education, and wider ranging services to families and youth might never materialize. Without you, the next chapter in these needy lives could very well be the last.

When a boy comes to OHB, he’s beginning a new chapter in his life. He will be learning skills that he will use every day for the rest of his life. He will be gaining self-confidence, self-control, and self-esteem. He will be learning the basics of how to be a better husband, father, neighbor, and citizen.

And when he leaves, I’ll be smiling … and laughing. I’ll be congratulating him on beginning a new chapter in his life.

On behalf of all of us here at The Omaha Home for Boys—especially our 2002 graduates, Chris, Mark, and Tim—thank you for helping start a new chapter in the lives of so many youth.     

John C. Furstenberg
President

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Fishers Retire after 17 Years as House Parents

More than 150 friends, coworkers, and family packed the dining room to share memories, laughter, and tears—and to say goodbye to Gordon and Loita Fisher, who retired as House Parents at the end of June.

The Fishers helped raise nearly 200 boys during their tenure at the Home. Many of the boys who lived with the Fishers over the years visited them in their final weeks at the Home, and some attended the retirement luncheon.

Thank you, Gordon and Loita, for your love, caring, and dedication to the boys and to the Home.  You will be missed.

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Home Happenings

Home Awards
The annual OHB Family Picnic, held May 17, is always a special night for the boys, their family, House Parents, and staff. The House Parents told stories, laughed, and cried as nine boys graduated from the program and returned home to their families. Best wishes to Sammy, Chris, Brandon, Tommy, Chris, Robert, Tim, Mark, and Steven.

The Wayne E. Decker Award went to Sammy. This unique award is given to the 8th grader who has demonstrated exceptional grades, behavior, study habits, and citizenship. Keep up the good work, Sammy!

The Fred Bromley Award was presented to James. This achievement award is given to the person who over the last year has shown repeated results in overcoming obstacles and difficulties. Way to go, James!

The James D. Collins Award is given for top athletic achievement. Tim, through hard work and determination, showed he had what it took to win. Congratulations, Tim!

 Shear Madness!
As the boys gear up for the upcoming county fairs, Cooper Farm’s Mike Pallas and Kelly Armburst held a workshop, Shear Madness, that taught the boys and other 4-H participants how to shear cattle and sheep for competition. More than 35 youth, ages 8–17, from three counties attended the seventh annual camp.

In addition, Cooper Farm’s 4-H program held its first annual Clover Kids camp. Twenty-one kids, ages 5–8, were introduced to the world of 4-H by other 4-H members and volunteers.

 Fountain of Youth
Combs Cottage House Parents Bob and Diana Rugg like to encourage projects that all of the boys can participate in and that everyone can enjoy. This spring, the boys decided to design and build a beautiful garden with a water fountain in the front of their cottage. They are justifiably proud of the results!

 Special Connection
Nick has special ties with The Omaha Home for Boys. His connection spans across two generations! Not only is Nick a current resident, but his grandparents were employed at the home in the 1950s.

 Honor Roll
Congratulations and a big pat on the back to the boys who made the 2002 final semester honor roll:

• Steve, Shrine Cottage, 8th Grade
• Matt, Combs Cottage, 7th Grade
• Lucas, Combs Cottage, 9th Grade

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House Parents’ Corner
God’s Plan ... and Ours 

We prayed about it a lot.” That was Cherese Watson’s response when asked what made her husband, Gilberto, and her decide to join The Omaha Home for Boys as House Parents.  “We’d been thinking about working at the Home for a long time. We prayed about it and felt that it was God’s plan … and ours … that we come to work with the boys here at OHB.”

Growing Up Worlds Apart

Cherese comes from the close-knit town of Anthon, Iowa. She grew up with strong Midwestern traditions and values. Family is an especially important aspect of Cherese’s life, which she attributes to her mother, a single parent of five, who always worked hard to make family an important part of her children’s lives.

Gilberto’s childhood was very different.   Gilberto grew up with crushing poverty, violence, drug abuse, and alcoholism all around him in Panama City, Panama.  Fortunately, he had parents committed to their children and an internal drive to make a better life for their family.

After high school, Gilberto was selected to play basketball for various club teams in Central America. There he spent time playing for teams in countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Honduras.

“I was lucky,” says Gilberto. “I had God-given abilities and they helped change my life. I always tell the boys to use what God gives them to the fullest extent.”

After a few years playing for different teams, Gilberto knew it was time for a change. That’s when he was contacted by Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.  Gilberto jumped at the chance to secure his education and spent the next few years going to class, playing varsity basketball, and running varsity track at Briar Cliff.

A great thing about moving to Sioux City for Gilberto was that he was reunited with his childhood friend and teammate Amado Martinez, who also was going to college and playing ball at Briar Cliff.

During his junior year, a friend introduced Gilberto to Cherese. They had a nice conversation, but nothing came of it then. Cherese had been with MCI for several years and Gilberto was finishing up college when they met again, by chance, on a jogging trail. “He looked very familiar so I said ‘hi,’” Cherese recalls. “When I heard his accent I knew who it was.”

Gilberto says in no time he knew he wanted Cherese to be his wife. Luckily for him, she felt the same way.

In 2001 Gilberto graduated from college with a human resources management degree and a minor in business. However, Cherese knew he was not cut out for an office job. “I knew Gil was meant to work with youth, and I suggested it along with his advisor and former coach,” she says.

As a result, after college Gilberto joined the Juvenile Court Authority in Sioux City, where he worked directly with the kids.

The Right Move

Then, on a trip to visit Amado and June Martinez, Gilberto and Cherese learned about The Omaha Home for Boys. June and Amado joined the Home as House Parents in 1998. While visiting, Gilberto got a very good feeling about the Home.  Cherese did too. “I told Gilberto we could do this,” says Cherese. “But we wanted to be sure it was the right move.”

After a lot of consideration and prayer, the Watsons decided the Home was truly the place for them. They applied and were hired in October 2001.

“All my life I’ve had coaches and mentors who’ve helped me,” confides Gilberto. “They made a difference to me, and now I want to try and make that same kind of difference.”

The Watsons agree that seeing the boys struggle is the toughest part of the job. “My heart breaks when I see a boy struggling with obstacles and challenges,” says Cherese. “Even though I’m proud when they make the right choice, it’s still hard to watch.”

They both light up when they talk about the wonderful successes they have seen, like Jerry, who was having severe problems in school. “He really hated school,” explains Cherese. “He wouldn’t go, and when he was there, he wouldn’t do the work. But we kept working with him and working with him. He ended the year with no bad marks on his report card. He even says he wants to stay here at the Home until he graduates from high school.”

When asked how long they might remain as House Parents, Cherese and Gilberto both laugh. “We said we wanted to beat the Fishers,” says Cherese. “They just retired after 17 years. Looks like you’re stuck with us a while!”

“Stuck” with a dedicated, caring, resourceful couple who love working with children and each other … how lucky could the Home get!

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You’re Never Too Old ...
Education Center keeps boys ahead of the technology learning curve

Five boys from the Home caught the computer bug after listening to Donna Shirley, an expert on robotics and the team leader for building the Sojourner Rover used on Mars.

Eric was especially interested in what robotics is all about. His rural and mechanical background let him imagine all the possibilities for using the robots in repairing farm equipment and trucks. “They could be used to lift heavy equipment and for getting into hard-to-reach places,” he says.

Matt remembers the day he got to go to the Strategic Air and Space Museum for the robotics exhibit. “It was a lot of fun. My favorite robot was the golf one.” All the boys particularly enjoyed the robot with the seven-foot-high arm for shooting baskets.

The boys were joined by Education Center staff Ruth Roose and Sharon Oakman. They continue to encourage the boys with their robotics interest by acquiring the computerized chips that are made to turn Legos into animated objects. Upon completing these fun structures, the boys control their actions using the computer and an infrared beam. Ultimately, the boys would like to learn more about this new technology to create sumo wrestler robots!

In today’s rapidly changing world, technology seems to be advancing at warp speed. The Education Center has found that combining fun with education keeps the boys ahead of the learning curve and prepares them for future careers.

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Horsing Around

The creak of saddle leather. The warmth of the sun on your back. The quiet stillness of a green pasture, punctuated by the sounds of birds singing, the hum of insects, and the swish of a horse’s tail. Antonio leans back as his horse, Sherman, picks his way carefully down a slope, while Josh handles Sly like a pro, despite it being his first time on a horse. They smile and wave as they head across the pasture.

Bill Auxier, Athletic Recreation Program Manager, is in charge of the summer activities at The Omaha Home for Boys. Along with canoeing, fishing, and golf, Bill organizes the horseback riding that is held at the Home’s Cooper Farm. His biggest responsibility is ensuring a safe ride for each boy—but his favorite part of this job is creating memories.

 “Over the years, I’ve found that most of the boys that graduate from the Home will have two things they remember about the recreation program—basketball and riding the horses. They will know the name of the horse they rode, what they saw that day—small details to most of us, but imprinted forever in their minds under the category of ‘happy childhood memories.’ To me, that makes my job worthwhile and is a testament to our activities here at the Home,” Bill says.

Each morning, Bill introduces Sherman, Sly, and the other horses to the boys. Then it’s off across the beautiful green pastures of Cooper Farm to make some memories!

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Lifelong Friends

Meeting with friends and donors … sharing the Home’s story … learning why some folks care so much … that’s what makes working with the Boy’s Home such a wonderful opportunity!

Just the other day I received a note from a donor whose mother had recently passed away. She talked about what a blessing her mother was and shared some of the many wonderful lessons she learned from her.

Her mother had been a supporter of the Boys’ Home for years, and had even remembered OHB in her estate plan.  Jennifer closed her note by saying, “Mom taught me about giving back, too. That’s why, like her, I’m now a lifelong friend to The Omaha Home for Boys.”

Friends like Jennifer, her mother, and you are what make The Omaha Home for Boys possible. Thank you so much for caring enough to share.

R. Todd Simpson, CFRE
Director of Development

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Why Write a Will?

The planning and writing of a will is both a family obligation and a personal privilege.

We live in a nation of laws. Throughout our lifetime, different laws apply to us. When we are born, our birth is registered as required by law. During life, we comply with legal requirements in purchasing a home, in paying taxes, in securing a passport, and in many more of life’s activities.

When we die, our life’s passing is noted in securing a death certificate and in the probate process. In all of life’s activities, the law is there to guide us.

One of the most important legal opportunities each of us faces pertains to the future ownership of our possessions. Before we die, we can make a will that determines who will receive our estates.

In the event we do not have a will, the court or others will decide for us, often ignoring our important preferences. Deciding not to write a will is a lost opportunity to demonstrate our love to those whom we cherish.

Every person has the legal right to make a will. Details of your will include the naming of an executor, deciding who will serve as guardians of minor children, providing guidelines concerning how they will be raised, determining the use of accumulated wealth, and expressing gratitude for all of life’s blessings by giving to the charity or charities of your choice. Life includes a series of choices, and the most important choices we make involve the use and disposition of what we have. This is called stewardship, the management of our resources.

Our acts during our lifetime become a statement of our faith. Our last act, our will, serves as a final testimony of our faith journey in life. We exercise a spiritual privilege when we plan and write a will.

For additional assistance, you may want to contact your attorney. Or, perhaps you would like to talk with Todd Simpson, Director of Development at The Omaha Home for Boys. Todd can provide basic information about wills and bequests, as well as relate various ways others have included The Omaha Home for Boys in their estate plans. You can reach Todd by calling (800)408-4663 or (402)457-7014.

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GIFT ANNUITY RATE CHART
The following chart is based on a gift of $5,000:

American Council Gift Annuity Rates as of July 1, 2001

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME? If you have questions about the Home, would like to receive our financial statements, or we can help in any way, please call us at our toll free number 1-800-408-HOME.

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