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 Todd Simpson 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.

Changing  Lives 

             I was about to receive my A.A. degree from William Rainey Harper College in 1997 when I returned to The Omaha Home for Boys for a visit. Nearly five years had passed since I was a resident there. I enjoyed the day with Mr. Burk, who was the Educational Services Manager while I was at the Home. Staff I had known during my years there welcomed me; I played a little basketball with the lunch hour crowd and toured the new administration building.

             But the one thing that happened during that visit that had more meaning than any pickup game of basketball, or tour of an impressive facility, were the words Allen Burk shared with me as I was getting into my car: “I knew you’d be fine because you gave me your word that you’d finish high school, and you’d go off to college afterward.”

             I don’t know how many boys Mr. Burk had helped mentor in the eight years I had been gone from the Home, but that didn’t matter — he remembered me and my promise. I remembered making that very promise at the age of 16, and it had been a beacon for me to follow in the tough times.

             During that visit I realized that Mr. Burk was deeply committed to my well-being and had been for years! It was not just a job to him — his work was his passion. He was in the business of changing lives, dedicated to an organization that touched and changed the direction of my life as well as countless others.      When I was 12 years old the living arrangements with my mother and stepfather were not the greatest. “Dysfunctional” defined my fractured family. I needed better supervision, more structure, and the security my House Parents at the Home would later provide.

             My first reaction to the Home was very positive. I enjoyed my new brothers and House Parents. The honeymoon period did not last long, however! In a few weeks, I realized that this family was far different than the one I had come from. There were rules to be followed and points to be earned if I wanted the privileges I enjoyed. The personal discipline I learned at 12 from this proven system has helped shape the successes in my life today.

             There are other great things I learned at the Home — the need to follow directions, the importance of punctuality, good table manners, a strong work ethic, and how to be assertive. I was given direction and learned how to persevere through the ups and downs in life. I also learned about giving your word — it became a promise for life.

             When I left the Home at 16, I made good on my promise to Mr. Burk by graduating from high school in 1993. That initial A.A. degree started me on a path to a B.A. degree in sociology/psychology.

             The next few years brought a life-altering trip to South Africa, marriage to my best friend, Cindy, another college degree (master of arts in education), and teaching opportunities in Chicago with physically and mentally challenged students.

            In March 2002, I was recruited by the Department of Defense's Child and Youth Services Programs located in Europe. Soon Cindy and I were winging our way to the Netherlands! We're currently stationed in Brunssum, where I work at a NATO base about 10 minutes from Germany and 15 minutes from Belgium.

            All of the NATO staff are trained for a variety of situations - from first aid and CPR to conflict resolutions and child abuse identification. My job is extremely rewarding and I love every moment of it! I often think of what the Home gave to ma and how I'm now passing it on - a world away.

            My newest challenge arrived this August after a nine-month waiting period. Her name is Skyler and I'm crazy about her! cindy and I want to give her brothers and sisters. But the rest of our dream is to move to South Africa and open a center for the under-resourced and disadvantaged people there.

            For those of you who made OHB a possibility for me and countless others, I would like to extend my appreciation for the sacrifices you've made. Your partnership with the Home is worth every penny, prayer, and tear-for you are in the business of restoration, healing, and character formation. You are ambassadors of a cause greater than you will ever imagine. I was just a lost boy then and you helped pave the way for my dreams to become my life today. For that I will forever be indebted to you and the Home. Thank you...and thank you, Mr. Burk.

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Personally Speaking
Let’s take a moment to discuss … Our Heritage

     What a treat last fall when the Boys’ Home premiered TAD, a short film shot in the late 1940s about life at the Home that had been lost for more than 40 years!  What a wonderful stroke of luck to find the film, have it restored, and get a glimpse of what life was like here more than half a century ago!

     As I watched TAD it occurred to me … the Home is still very much the same.  Certainly we have kept up with the times — our programs for families and youth are actually on the cutting edge of care and services available today.  But our mission – our reason for being – can be seen as easily in 1948 as it is today … a child’s sad face … eyes swelled up with tears … the need for a hug.      I see it today just as Bill Nielsen – Superintendent of the Boys’ Home in the 1930s and 40s – must have seen it in 1940.  I will watch one of the younger boys come to the Home, scared and alone, and blossom in just a few days.  The older boys, angry and confused, take longer to reach.  But in the end most, if not all, of the boys are learning, growing and healing.

     The Omaha Home for Boys’ heritage is one of helping.  Helping children who are abandoned or neglected.  Helping youth who have strayed.  Helping parents who do not know where to turn.

From humble beginnings in the fall of 1920 to today, more than 83 years later, The Omaha Home for Boys continues to make a difference for children and youth.  And thanks to loving, dedicated donors – like you – the Home’s primary care program, residential living for boys, continues to be free of charge!

     So the Home’s heritage is really your heritage too.  And on behalf of the thousands of children and families we have served, I thank you. 

John C. Furstenberg
President

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Life after The Omaha Home for Boys

     For many boys, the need for a little extra help and guidance does not end when they leave the Home.  In the first year, the stresses and challenges of life can be a catalyst for returning to bad habits or influences.

     The Omaha Home for Boys began its Aftercare Program for boys in the summer of 2003 to help ensure a smooth transition back to life with their families.

     Patricia Spellman began her career with the Home in the Transitional Living Program.  Her background as a social worker with the State of Nebraska, along with her master’s degrees in social work and public administration, made her a perfect choice for Family Services Coordinator of the Aftercare Program.

     “Many of our boys come from single-parent households, which means the working parent may not have time to meet with school officials and keep on top of what’s happening with their child," Patricia says.

     I can arrange after-school help from teachers, rearrange school schedules if needed, and explore educational options that best suit the child.”

    Patricia hopes that someday the Aftercare Program will include a component for matching mentors with boys.  “We want to give these boys their best chance for continued success,” she says. “The best is yet to come.”

     Patricia provides support for boys and their families, including monitoring their school progress, offering in-home counseling and parenting tips, and acting as a liaison between the boys and their schools.

     “Many of our boys come from single parent households, which means the working parent may not have time to meet with school officials and keep on top of what’s happening with their child.  I can arrange after-school help from teachers, rearrange school schedules if needed, and explore educational options that best suit the child.”

     Patricia hopes that someday the Aftercare program will include a component for matching mentors with boys.  “We want to give these boys their best chance for continued success,” she says.   “The best is yet to come.”

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Home Happenings

Summer Reading Program
The Omaha Home for Boys’ School Instructor, Gina Durfee, came up with an innovative way to get the boys reading more over the summer months.  The boys earned points” for each book and reading log they completed and then used the points as “money” for a silent auction to purchase reward items, such as portable CD players and gift certificates.  Richard read enough to win two CD players - he proudly announced he plans to give one to his sister for Christmas. 

Boys Help Out by Giving Blood
The Red Cross made its annual visit to the Home, and the boys and staff stepped up to donate blood. Tim reported that it didn't hurt a bit! 

 Boys Run For Charity
More than 6,000 people turned out to compete in a 10,000 meter run for the American Lung Association, including 16 boys from the Anderson and Combs cottages.  The rain dampened the chances for good pictures, but not the enthusiasm of the participants!

Fall Means Football!
Andrew, Larry and Corillian played on the high school football freshman team this past fall, while Justin, Andy and George played on the junior varsity.  Jack played on the varsity, and Josh and Richard are playing junior high flag football.  Nearly all the boys love playing on the intramural league, and their afternoons are spent on the field behind the Rec Center. 

Boys Are Champions at County Fair
The 4-H program continues to be strong, as 14 boys from the Home competed in the county fair.  Each boy won at least one purple or blue ribbon!  The boys also brought home some trophies, with Seth winning Champion Market Steer, and Chase winning Reserve Champion Market Steer.  Tim captured Reserve Championships in Showmanship and Stocker Feeder Steers.  Congratulations to all!

 Shriners Donate Tickets to Boys 
The Omaha Home for Boys began as the Masonic Home for Boys 83 years ago, and the connection to the Masons remains strong  today. The elected officers of Omaha’s Tangier Shrine organization donated 110 tickets for the boys and House Parents to attend an all-you-can-eat spaghetti feed.  The boys had a wonderful time and can’t wait to return next year!  Special thanks go to Jim Parks, Potentate, and the Tangier Shrine for their generous donation.

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House Parents Corner
The Dunlops ... An Inspiration to us All!

     Terry and Mary Ellen Dunlop, or “Ter and Mare” as they are known around the campus, think working as House Parents is just about the best gift they have ever received.

     That’s a tall statement coming from the parents of seven children and three grand children between them!  Even so, the Dunlops truly believe working with the youth here at The Omaha Home for Boys is a gift from the Lord.

     “Even the way we found out about the Home is a miracle,” laughs Mare.  “ I was using some old newspaper someone gave us to start a fire in the fireplace.  I noticed one ripped-off corner of the want ads … just a little piece … that had Omaha Home for Boys written on it.  I picked it up, found a phone number, and the rest is history!”

     Terry and Mary Ellen first met while working for a marketing company.  Terry explains, “Mare was my trainer on my first day … I know a good thing when I see one!”  Not long after, the couple decided to join hands for life.

     On Christmas Eve, 2001, Terry and Mary Ellen were married at Mare’s daughter’s home.  From the very beginning, Mare and Ter knew they wanted to work with kids.  Terry had been a teacher for 14 years and directed the music ministries at church.  Mare, with three children and three grandchildren, simply loved kids.

     The Dunlops first considered becoming foster care parents.  “We went through all the training, but felt uncomfortable with the relationship and communication with the various agencies.  Then Mare found the ad for The Omaha Home for Boys.

     “Terry got home from work and I told him about the newspaper ad and how I found it in the fireplace.” Mare explains.  “We both had a good laugh.  But then we decided to call the Home and find out a little more about the operation.”

     The Dunlops were impressed with their first contact with the Home.  After discussing the opportunity, Mare and Ter decided to come to Omaha for a visit.     “When we first got on the campus we knew that The Omaha Home for Boys was a place we wanted to work.  The staff was so nice, and so helpful!”  After their initial interview, the Dunlops even asked to come back the next day to ask more questions and watch the House Parents interact with the boys.

     “They just couldn’t get rid of us,” laughs Terry.

     The Dunlops give a large share of the credit for their decision to Director of Youth & Family Services Kevin Orr.  “Kevin told us ‘If you want to make a difference and grow as a person … this (the Home) is the place to do it,’” Mary Ellen said.  “And he was absolutely correct.”

     Currently, the Dunlops work as Alternate House Parents … providing critical breaks for other House Parents … in two cottages here at the Home.  As such, they have had the opportunity to work with a number of different youth.  They have had many positive experiences … and a few tough ones too.

     “I love each and every one of these kids,” says Mare.  She was especially excited about a recent incident where a 16 year-old boy finally began to trust his House Parents.  “He told me about something he’d done wrong at school, and then said ‘I know I’ve got consequences coming, but you’re always fair with me.’  What a turnaround!”

     The tough times can be just as poignant.  “We lost a boy not long ago when he was pulled from  the program by a guardian.  He was doing especially well here at the Home.  He was about to move up to a new level, he was doing great in 4-H and he didn’t want to go.  We’re just praying he learned enough skills to help him grow to his full potential.”

     To potential House Parents, Mare and Ter say “Come in with your eyes wide open and with unconditional love, and you won’t believe how much you’ll grow.”  Terry boiled it down to the base when he said “You’ve got to have the heart to help the kids make the right choices … that’s what being a House Parent is all about.”

     The Dunlops think serving as House Parents is a gift.  That may be, but one thing is certain, the Dunlops bring their own special ‘gift’ to The Omaha Home for Boys, and share it with the boys every day. 

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83rd Anniversary Includes "Premiere" of Long-Lost Movie

          The Omaha Home for Boys celebrated the Home's 83rd Anniversary with a formal dinner and premiered a long-lost 1948 film about the Home on September 19th, 2003.  How the film returned to the home - in the nick of time before it was beyond restoration - is a story of good fortune and the Internet.

          In 1948 The Omaha Home for Boys (known as the Masonic Home for Boys at that time) was approached by local movie producer Harold E Chenowcth with the idea of making a promotional film that could be shown to interested groups, and even mailed out over the country ... a very novel idea for that time.  The storyline featured a boy named "Tad" whose family had fallen on hard times and needed a place for him to live.  The result was TAD, a full-color 27minute production, and it proved to be a tremendous public relations asset for the Home.

          When the Home's 75th Anniversary History Book was released in 1995, a section noted, "Sadly, and for unknown reasons, no copies of TAD can still be found and this look at life in our Home nearly half a century ago, may be lost forever."

          In June 2003, a native Nebraskan now living in California saw the note about the film in the history section of the Home's Web site, and contacted the Home in order to put us in touch with Bob Chenoweth, the son of Harold Chenoweth.  Bob Chenoweth, who had spent a number of years restoring, preserving and digitizing the films of his father, found the film in his garage and spent several weeks restoring TAD.  He sent the finished version to the Home, and made a personal visit to the campus in August 2003.  Bob Chenowith also made an appearance at the 83rd Anniversary dinner via videotape to share his memories of the making of TAD.

            Nearly 200 boys, staff, trustees and friends of the Home celebrated with a formal dinner and a viewing of the movie at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Omaha.  "We thought it was gone forever," said an overjoyed John Furstenberg.  "We can hardly believe it."

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Collecting Apples......and Memories

What tastes better on a cool fall day than an apple plucked right off the tree? Well, maybe a fresh apple pie, homemade applesauce, or apple butter!

Dr. Larry Trussell has been a member of the Home's Board of Directors for 12 years. He and his wife, Sharon, live on a farm near Louisville, Nebraska, with a beautiful apple orchard. Dr. Trussell thought the boys might enjoy coming out to pick apples, breathe the fresh air, and experience the best of the fall harvest.

The boys had a grand time, and they collected many memories along with the fruit. Shawn found a perfectly round, bright red apple and carefully set it aside to enjoy later. He decided it was just too flawless to eat, but did allow the other boys the opportunity to pose for a picture with his special apple!

The boys loaded their apples onto the truck and thanked Dr. Trussell for their wonderful day in the country. Having fun ... making memories ... and giving thanks is what The Omaha Home for Boys is all about.

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Does This Cow Look Familiar?

Ben knows all of his cows by name. and every morning and evening he herds them into the barn to be fed and milked. He's been doing this for 53 years!

Ben has been thinking about his farm and what he will do with it when he gets to old to handle the chores. He could sell the property, equipment, and livestock, but that seems even now to be an insurmountable task.

But what if he could hand it over to someone else and receive a lifetime flow of income for himself and Mrs. Farmer? And what if he could do it without incurring an tax on the transfer?

Then Ben learned about planned giving.  All it took was a brochure from the college in a nearby town, followed by a pone call and visit from the college.

Before long, Ben knew enough to explain the plan to his wife. and soon after that, he met with his tax advisor and started to make arrangements to create a charitable trust with college.

Here's what he did: He and Mrs. Farmer established what is known as a charitable remainder unitrust. Into this trust they transferred the farm. The trustee (the college) sold the farm and livestock and used the cash to buy stocks and bonds that earn investment income. The Farmers now receive a portion of the trust earnings every quarter, and this will continue for the rest of their lives.

A dream come true! They didn't have to deal with selling the farm, nor did they have any capital gains tax to pay.

And after they are both gone, whatever if left in the trust will got to the college to create scholarships for needy students.

Ben likes to think of it as giving the farm and keeping the income. Or, as he says, "We're giving the cow and keeping the milk."

If you would like to learn more about charitable remainder trusts, please call Todd Simpson at 1-800-408-4663. Todd will be happy to discuss options and explain the workings of planned giving with you.

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

OHB rates American Council Gift Annuity Rates as of July 1, 2003

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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.