For those of you with children or relatives who are high school seniors, you know how stressful this time of year can be -- and we aren’t talking about the holidays. The college search process can be confusing and challenging from both a logistical and emotional standpoint. Imagine the process if you are a kid who has spent the last four years of your life at Boys Town and is now living in a semi-independent house in Providence, Rhode Island.
This “kid” was introduced to you, and all loyal Boys Town supporters, through our newsletter several years ago. For privacy reasons, we used several different names including “Corey.” But on November 30, “Corey” turned 18-years-old and so now we proudly introduce you to Cody, Boys Town alum, senior at Middletown High School, AND a future member of the Nichols College Class of 2029!
That’s right, Cody, who came to Boys Town from a broken family, successfully went through the Boys Town process of teaching and learning and reached the Achievement Level, which is the highest level possible at Boys Town. He was then moved by the state of Rhode Island to a semi-independent living situation because of his success, and now after earning a 3.0 grade point average, has been accepted at Nichols College in Massachusetts where he plans to study Hospitality and Sports Management.
“Wow, what an accomplishment,” said Boys Town Director of Development, Glenn Hofmann. “It is so wonderful to see how a kid like Cody took advantage of the situation Boys Town offered, worked hard to improve all aspects of his life, and now is going to go to college. This is such a feel-good story. Cody overcame so many obstacles in his life, and to stay positive and become goal-focused… it’s just so hard to put into words how happy all of us are to see Cody’s success.”
Cody was adopted at age three and was then put into congregate care at age 12, before coming to Boys Town four years ago. He took part in the Newport Restaurant Group’s on-boarding program and then immediately was hired to work at a local restaurant, Foodlove. The person behind the partnership with Boys Town is Tobey Sanborn, Newport Restaurant Group Director of Training and Development, who is also a Boys Town Board Member.
“Cody has made some incredible progress over the past two years since I met him when I started on the board at Boys Town,” Sanborn said. “It's wonderful to see his emotional growth and confidence have flourished, especially given his initial uncertainties. It has been rewarding to witness him not only building trust and communication skills, but also discovering his passion for the hospitality industry, where he can truly thrive. His journey is a great testament to the power of personal development and finding a career path that aligns with one’s passions.”
Cody’s success in school and at work has continued this year. After spending last summer working in the Experience Newport catering area, Cody has now moved on to work at Hemenway’s, one of the most prestigious restaurants in Providence. Boys Town Board member Keith Chouinard, who is the Chief Operating Officer of IDC Inc., helped Cody in this journey.
“Six years ago, I was placed in the state of Rhode Island’s child welfare system,” Cody said. “I was separated from my parents and grandparents, living in unfamiliar surroundings with people I didn’t know. I moved from home to home with no connection to the people I was living with. It was lonely, scary and time moved slowly. There were many times I felt like I had no escape. And then my life and journey began to change when I came to Boys Town. Boys Town gave me hope to build a better future for myself.”
And that is exactly what Cody has done and will continue to do as he soon becomes a part of the Nichols College family.
If you are interested in specifically donating to Boys Town, which will help to defray the costs of tuition, room and board and other associated college expenses for Cody, please indicate so either on the enclosed donation card or in the online form which is located at New England | Boys Town New England.
