BOYS TOWN GIVES COUNSELORS TRAINING

A group of local counselors learned a new approach for dealing with at-risk families and children during a program developed at Boys Town.

Three trainers from the Omaha, Neb., agency spent two days with the 69 counselors talking about techniques to help families set and achieve goals and ways to promote family independence.

Boys Town was founded in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan and is home to 550 troubled boys and girls. In addition to Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, Boys Town offers a national resources and training center.

Several Cape Girardeau schools are using Boys Town techniques to encourage positive behavior among students.

The workshop was sponsored by Community Counseling Center, Cape Girardeau County Juvenile Office, Caring Communities and Bootheel Counseling Services.