This year we are honored to recognize Vincent’s family as one of our 2026 Families of the Year. They have successfully participated in our Care Coordination Services program in Broward County and were nominated based on their strength, perseverance and dedication.
Before joining Boys Town South Florida, Vincent faced significant challenges, including behavioral struggles at school and instability at home. Before moving to South Florida from Texas two years ago, Vincent and his mother experienced periods of housing insecurity, staying in shelters, with friends, or with relatives.
In South Florida, stable housing remained difficult to obtain, resulting in DCF intervention. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined Vincent’s mother at the time could not provide the stability and support that Vincent needed to thrive. Vincent’s aunt, Patricia, stepped in to provide stability. While Patricia was committed to helping Vincent succeed, she also recognized that she needed support and guidance to provide the structure he needed.
During this transition, Vincent’s behavior began to escalate, ranging from vandalizing his neighbor’s property to throwing eggs at vehicles. He also received multiple school suspensions. That is when Patricia turned to Boys Town South Florida. Vincent was 12 years old when he started getting help.
Through Boys Town, Patricia received parenting tools, weekly guidance and ongoing support from her CCS Consultant. Vincent was also connected to key community resources, including a therapist, psychiatrist, school social worker, an assistant principal and a guidance counselor. Together, this network created the structure and consistency Vincent needed to begin making positive changes.
Over time, Vincent has shown remarkable improvement in his behavior and emotional regulation.
As Patricia said in an interview: “I pride myself on being very independent, but I will tell families to give Boys Town South Florida a try.”
Vincent is now able to manage frustration, focus on school and respond appropriately to redirection, inspiring confidence in the effectiveness of our support services.
Along the way, he also found support from caring adults within his school community. One of the most meaningful relationships was with his middle school ESOL teacher, Mrs. Chirino, a registered foster parent who provided him with a safe and nurturing environment. For the first time since arriving in Florida, Vincent had a room of his own — a simple but powerful milestone that gave him a sense of security, belonging and hope.
These supports helped Vincent develop emerging leadership skills and thrive when provided with structure and guidance. With the right tools, mindset and community support, long-term success is within reach.
Today, Vincent continues his journey toward healing and growth through the Boys Town Family Home Program in Omaha, NE, where he is building the foundation for a brighter future. Together, Vincent, Patricia and Mrs. Chirino demonstrate the life-changing impact of compassion, stability, and community support.
Patricia and Mrs. Chirino adjusted their lives to welcome Vincent with open arms. The family's love, compassion and resilience are the reasons Vincent can move forward and thrive in the Boys Town Family Home program. It’s there he will continue the path to success and healing alongside peers who can relate to his experiences. We look forward to Vincent’s bright future.