FAQ | Omaha Home for Boys

What is the Omaha Home for Boys?
The Omaha Home for Boys is a residential group home founded in 1920 by members of Omaha Masonic Lodges who recognized the need for a facility to provide a home for boys at risk.
How much does it cost to have a boy in the Home?
There is no set fee charged for boys to live at the Omaha Home for Boys. Families are asked to pay what they can. No child is refused service based on a family’s inability to pay.
What type of boys live at OHB?
Boys of all racial and religious backgrounds from all over the country have lived at the Omaha Home for Boys. Most residents, however, are from the Midwest. Having family members close with an ability to participate in the program is very beneficial to a residents long term success.
How many boys live there and how old are they?
Current capacity on our main campus is sixty four boys. There is no minimum age for acceptance, but the behavior modification program is generally most successful with boys 12-18 years of age.
How does a boy get placed at OHB?
The majority of our residents are private placements. Parents or other custodial caregivers recognize a need and apply for placement. In approximately 25% of the cases, a court system or other social service agency is involved.
What are the living arrangements for residents?
Boys live in individual cottages with a maximum of seven other residents. Professional House Parents live within the cottages and serve as primary providers. A “family atmosphere” is created as much as possible. House Parents are responsible for teaching basic social skills needed for successful completion of the National Family Home Program.
How long do boys stay?
While a minimum of one year is recommended, each boy’s length of stay is based on his own ability to work and learn the skills necessary to advance through the behavior modification program.
Do boys ever go home while they are living at OHB?
Oh, yes. In fact, as boys advance through the program they are encouraged to take weekend passes home. The regular weekend visits are encouraged to help the young men, and family members, with reunification. Boys can also receive day passes with families, and Sunday family visitation hours are always encouraged.
What about school?
All residents attend public school near our campus. A beautiful learning center is on campus and is staffed by both full and part time education professionals who provide extra academic tutoring and support.
What other facilities are there on campus?
On the main campus there is a Learning Center complete with library, computer lab, art center, tutoring center and a cooking lab. There is also a Recreation Center which houses a large gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, gameroom, tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, racquetball court, weight and fitness room, a baseball field and wood shop. Our Cooper Farm campus provides a large indoor arena for boys interested in pursuing 4-H projects.
What is your religious affiliation?
Each boy attends church in the Omaha area each week. Most attend with the other residents in their cottage along with their House Parents. There is no chapel or church on campus. Prayers are spoken before meals and a daily devotional is read following the evening meal.