At night, before 16-year-old Brodie goes to sleep, he reaches for two things on his nightstand.

His Bible.

And a small, deeply meaningful gift, something his little brother gave him before he left home: a colored picture and a stuffed animal.

“They’re the last things I see before I go to bed,” Brodie says. “He’s my motivation. When I get through here, I get to go see him.”

That motivation, the desire to be someone his younger brother can look up to, has fueled a transformation that once felt impossible.

A Path Headed in the Wrong Direction

Just a few years ago, Brodie’s life looked very different. At just 12 years old, he had already begun drinking and using marijuana. School wasn’t a priority. It was something to get through, or more often, avoid altogether. He skipped classes frequently, falling further and further behind.

“I wasn’t really getting my full education,” Brodie shared. “I would take notes and grab the homework, then leave so I could go work out. That was my stress reliever.”

But even that routine couldn’t mask the bigger issue. He was disconnected from his future. Assignments went unfinished. Credits weren’t earned, and graduation felt completely out of reach.

After a conflict with an authority figure led him into the court system, Brodie was connected with Omaha Home for Boys, and that moment would change everything.

A New Beginning at OHB

When Brodie arrived at OHB in January 2026, the transition wasn’t easy.

“The first month was hard,” he said. “It was a big adjustment.”

But something about OHB was different, especially at the school. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a full schedule, Brodie was able to concentrate on a smaller number of classes at a time, allowing him to stay engaged and start
building momentum.

“Part of the reason we focus on just two or three classes at a time is because it serves as motivation for our students,” explained Carla Andreessen, Senior Director of Integrated Client Services. “Once they earn that first credit, they begin to see what’s possible, and it builds from there.”

For Brodie, that shift made all the difference. He started showing up, not just physically, but mentally. He began engaging in class, asking questions, and taking ownership of his learning.

“Brodie is really smart,” Carla said. “Before coming here, he didn’t take advantage of his full potential, but he sure does now. He has really made school his primary focus.”

Discovering What’s Possible

Since arriving at OHB, Brodie has earned ten credits and is now ahead of schedule. That kind of academic progress once felt unimaginable.

“At my old school, I had concerns I might not be able to do it,” Brodie admitted. “Classes were getting harder, and I thought I might just drop out. Now I feel like graduating is a 100% reachable goal.”

For the first time, Brodie can clearly see a future, and he believes he can get there. His parents have noticed, too. They’ve always encouraged him to graduate, and today, they’re proud of the progress he’s making.

Brodie’s growth at OHB extends beyond the classroom. Through consistent support and guidance, he has developed a new perspective, learning that authority figures are there to help rather than hinder him. This shift has allowed him to rebuild relationships, accept feedback, and stay focused on his goals, even when things get challenging.

A Future Worth Working Toward

Today, Brodie is focused in a way he never was before. He’s passing classes, earning credits, and planning for his future. He’s also celebrating something he’s incredibly proud of: maintaining his sobriety for three years.

“It’s been hard,” he said. “But I’m dedicated to it.”

Looking ahead, Brodie has goals to graduate high school and build a career as a mechanic. But most importantly, he wants to be someone his little brother can look up to.

Because for Brodie, this journey isn’t just about himself. It’s about showing his little brother what’s possible.