Family the Focus for Nevada Family-Teachers
For Boys Town Nevada Family-Teachers Tim and Jill Mathews, family is at the core of what they teach their boys everyday in their home.
“One of the most difficult things we learned when we became Family-Teachers three years ago at Boys Town Nevada is that you cannot separate your personal life from the job if you want to truly help these kids,” explains Tim. “It doesn’t work if you live two separate lives. We must assimilate the kids we are taking care of into our own families because they are a part of our family.”
The birth of their daughter Elle 10 months ago gave the six teenage boys in the Mathews home a chance to be big brothers and have someone to look out for.
“Elle is the center of their lives,” said Jill. “Each of the boys has their own way of comforting her and helping out around the house. It’s so neat to see them show their softer side and sing to her before bedtime; she has really aided in the whole process of becoming a family.”
Tim and Jill first met while working at a residential treatment home in Utah. Both had a desire to work with teenagers, and Boys Town Nevada was the perfect opportunity for them. When Tim’s sister, who worked for Boys Town at the time, let the Mathews know about Boys Town and the great support and structure the organization has for Family-Teachers the Mathews jumped at the opportunity.
“We were Family-Teachers for another organization and it’s been so great to come to Boys Town Nevada and not be on our own,” said Tim. “Here, there is a whole community of people committed to the kids and willing to help your family with whatever you need.”
The Mathews family takes traditional family outings with the boys and Elle, like going on a family vacation day to Disneyland or other fun activities. They never forget the many boys who have been a part of their family over the past three years.
“This last Christmas we had a family reunion and invited all of our boys to come,” said Jill. “It was so great to see them and to see their progress! For our boys we have now, they are able to see what we are all working towards and where they could be in the future if they stick with the program.”
“I know there are hard days, but watching the boys achieve their dreams and see where they are heading keeps us going,” said Tim, who plans to stay at Boys Town Nevada for many years to come. “The boys are the reason we are here and we want to give them all a family can.”
For more information on becoming a Family-Teacher, call Boys Town’s Human Resources Department at 1.800.321.4171.