In 1974, residential treatment programs for abused and neglected teens in the Columbia community were initiated. In April 2001, at the invitation of the original organization, Boys & Girls Town assumed management of the facility in an effort to strengthen and expand services for children and families. Boys & Girls Town reopened the existing residential homes and provided a new structure, good business practices, technological improvements and new operating procedures to strengthen the agency framework.

Boys & Girls Town opened a new campus in 2005 which originally served 24 children. At that same time, the State of Missouri Division of Children's Services had identified the need for additional residential services in Columbia for children suffering from severe behavioral and emotional problems. Many local children were being referred to other facilities in the state, away from family and friends. Boys & Girls Town board of trustees developed a plan to address the increasing demands for residential treatment in the Boone County area. In September 2008 the campus expanded by adding two new cottages and currently serves 48 youth between the ages of 12 and 21 in residential care.  Work continues on a combined centralized dining hall and recreation center.

I am writing to say goodbye and I want you all to know that each and every one of you had an effect on my life while I was at Boys & Girls Town. I appreciate all you’ve done for me and if you think you haven’t touched anyone’s life, know that you have touched mine. ~Peggy, age 17