Piece of History: Four Oaks has been helping kids for 50 years

In 1973, the founders of Boys Acres --- now called Four Oaks — looked into the faces of young people and families who were struggling and chose to see their potential for success.

Fifty years later, “Expect Success” remains the goal of the nonprofit, which has grown from a single location helping 10 children to a statewide organization helping nearly 26,000 children and families per year.

It all started in a red brick farmhouse in rural Bertram. Ed Daley, the founder and first director of Boys Acres, wanted to provide a homelike setting for boys who had nowhere else to go. He recruited a board of local businessmen to raise funds and help grow the venture.

The group home sat on 9 acres and housed 10 boys, ages 10 to 15. The boys earned allowances by doing chores on the small farm.

The residents found a safe environment and attended school in Cedar Rapids, participating in extracurricular activities. They received counseling and experienced the stability of caring adult role models.

Then Four Oaks Executive Director Jim Ernst came on board in 1979, the group home was redesigned to offer residential treatment, with the goal of transitioning the boys back to their homes or into foster homes.

The History Center will open a new exhibit, “Four Oaks: Helping Iowa’s Children and Families for 50 Years,” on July 1.

Tara Templeman is curator at The History Center. Comments: curator@historycenter.org

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