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Boys Town Chicago and Community Come Together to Celebrate 90th Anniversary
Dec. 12 was an extra special day at Boys Town Chicago. The site celebrated Boys Town’s 90th anniversary in conjunction with Our Lady Guadalupe’s feast day.
The community honored Boys Town’s commitment to children and families as nearly 1,200 people gathered for an evening Mass, where a blessing was given for Casa Tepeyac, the Boys Town Chicago’s Assessment and Short-Term Residential Center, named for the place where Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared to the peasant Juan Diego in 1531.
"Today we celebrate the beginning of Boys Town when Father Flanagan began working with five boys in 1917 in Omaha, and today Casa Tepeyac continues to provide help and hope to youth and their families," said Father Bruce Wellems, Boys Town of Chicago Executive Director. "We give a special blessing today on Our Lady of Guadalupe's feast and Boys Town 90th anniversary to the youth and everyone who works at Casa Tepeyac".
“In this community, Boys Town is a place where there is life and an opportunity for youth to really be kids. We are very tied in with the community and are trying to shed light onto these children and families,” said Rita Cardoso, Boys Town Chicago Program Director.
At the Mass’ conclusion, Boys Town Chicago children, families and employees gathered at Casa Tepeyac, reacting with excitement upon learning of
“Boys Town is how people in the community really recognize the organization, mostly because so many of the kids have lived at Home Campus,” said Cardoso.
Children and staff also viewed a special video message from Father Boes and received a t-shirt featuring the new brand.
“Ninety years is very impressive for any organization to be able to serve youth and families,” said Cardoso. “It really is going back to the spirit of Father Flanagan’s service of providing for children and families.
“This was one day, but it’s really a continuing celebration. It’s inviting people from the community in and making them part of the home, part of the family.”
