Olivia Behrens, the Director of Community Support Services at Boys Town New England, has spent the past nine years dedicated to helping children and families through her work at the organization. Olivia’s connection to Boys Town began early in life, as she grew up right across the street from the Boys Town campus in Omaha, Nebraska. Although she never worked at that location, this proximity made the organization familiar to her. When she was preparing to move to Rhode Island, she noticed a job listing for Boys Town and decided to apply, drawn to the agency she had known since childhood.
Olivia’s passion for supporting children and families was cultivated during her college years. Initially pursuing a degree in psychology, she was encouraged to double major in psychology and sociology, a decision that required just a few additional courses. One of them included an internship at a group home in Iowa, where Olivia discovered her love for working in the field. This experience solidified her commitment to helping others, and she has remained in the field ever since.
As the Director of Community Support Services, Olivia plays a critical role in supporting her team as they work with families in crisis. Her daily responsibilities include training staff, developing processes and systems for the care coordination program, and providing guidance to supervisors and direct care staff. One of the main challenges she faces is helping her team navigate complex family situations to ensure successful outcomes for the families they serve.
Throughout her time at Boys Town, Olivia has seen many changes and has been involved in numerous initiatives. One accomplishment she is particularly proud of is her recent work in helping to transition a team into a new kinship role. This initiative is the first of its kind at Boys Town New England, focusing on supporting kinship families—relatives who take on the responsibility of caring for children. The program assists these families by linking them to resources, helping them participate in school meetings, and guiding them through the process of integrating a new child into their home. Olivia is excited to see how this program will positively impact the families they serve.
If you would like to learn more about Boys Town New England or explore career opportunities with us, please visit our careers page.