Boys Town is a private institution for homeless, abused, neglected, and disabled children of every race and religion. It is based near Omaha, Nebr. Boys Town includes housing and recreational facilities, and a grade school, high school, and vocational career center. More than 8,500 boys and girls receive care there each year. Boys Town also runs centers for youth development in campus sites around the country and an institute that cares for children with communication disorders.

Boys Town, also called Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, was established in 1917 by Edward J. Flanagan, a Roman Catholic priest. He believed that if boys were given the best possible home, education, and training, they would grow up to be productive members of society. Flanagan borrowed $90 to rent an old house in Omaha to care for five boys. As more boys moved into the house, it became necessary to move to larger quarters.

In 1921, Father Flanagan bought a 160-acre (65-hectare) farm. Over the years, the farm was enlarged, and today, Boys Town covers 1,300 acres (590 hectares). About 900 acres (364 hectares) are used for farming. Boys Town was incorporated as a village in 1936. Girls were first admitted in 1979.

SOURCE: IBM 1999 WORLD BOOK