El Paso County Takes To The Big Stage

The El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department’s Challenge Academy is the department’s long-term residential program that provides evidence-based programming, substance abuse treatment and life skills for the overall growth and development of youth and their families.

Since 2013, the Challenge Academy Explorers Post has been an active participant in the annual Sun Bowl Parade, building parade floats that have special meaning for the youth. It all started with an idea to give back to the community and experience what the community has to offer to our youth. The first float in 2013 drew on the motivation and dedication that fictional boxer Rocky Balboa displayed in not giving up and fighting to win. It was titled “Eye of the Tiger” and received an honorable mention by parade judges.

In 2014, Challenge Academy youth and counselors drew from the fact that most of the youth have to learn to be adults before their time at the expense of their childhood. The group’s entry that year was their “Angry Birds” float which received the Governor’s Award (Best Presentation of the Parade Theme).

The Challenge Academy’s 2015 “Space Shuttle” float stressed that, to reach for the stars, all you need is dedication, motivation and hope. The message to youth was that the sky is the limit and they should reach for the stars in their dreams and goals in life. “Space Shuttle” received the General’s Award (Most Outstanding Small Float).

Every float comes with its set of goals, lessons and rewards. Team advisors Lee Camack, Alfredo Saucedo, Rocio Estrada and Margaux Marquez and a set of youth work hours and hours, days to days and even months to raise the money for the float and built it from the ground up. Congratulations to the El Paso Challenge Academy staff and youth for their dedication, hard work spirit of excellence.

PHOTO: 2015 “Space Shuttle” parade float.

McFadden Sends Youth Home with Backpack of 'Hope'

By Y. Denise Caldwell Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer McFadden Ranch Volunteer Larry Bossaler enjoys his assignment: Making sure that every youth who leaves the McFadden halfway house knows that people are praying for him and wishing him the best in his future. He is the man who brings them their “Good-Bye” backpack. When he delivers the backpacks, he makes sure to do three things – visit with the youth, show the contents of the backpack (because staff put them in the lockers until the youth leaves), and lastly close the visit with a heartfelt prayer. The youth enjoy and appreciate the backpack, the visit and the prayer. Many are a little anxious and scared to leave but knowing that the McFadden volunteers care enough to send them off in this special way, helps them feel a bit less worried. “I always bring an extra backpack,” Larry said. ...

IN MEMORY AND APPRECIATION: Trayce Haynes Alexander

Trayce Haynes Alexander, of Cat Spring, Texas passed away in April. She was a JCO IV at the Giddings State School and began her employment with the Texas Youth Commission on January 5, 2009, as a JCO III. She was promoted to a JCO IV on April 1, 2010. Trayce was a hardworking, loyal and dedicated staff member and friend. Her number one priority was the youth in her dorm and she would drive one hour and forty minutes everyday (even in ill health) to try to make a difference in the lives of the youth she worked with. She was well respected by both staff and youth due to her extraordinary work ethic. The boys could always depend on her to hold them accountable. She is survived by her husband Geoff Alexander and two daughters, Kristyn and Robyn Alexander. Trayce was born on September 3, 1952. She earned a BS from Southwest Texas State University in Law Enforcement.

The House of Eli

Situated on a quiet corner lot in a Sherman, Texas neighborhood is a turn-of-the-century home recently renovated to its former grandeur. And just as the house has undergone a renewal, those living inside the house are engaged their own transformations. House of Eli, Inc. is a transitional living home for boys ages 17-21. The driving force behind the home is Tawni Hodge, the home’s executive director and visionary who has discovered an outlet for her concern for young men in difficult situations. Hodge has a passion and expertise in working with young men from her years as a foster parent and her experiences as a chaplain working with juvenile services. Her vision of a home where young men could grow spiritually and emotionally, learn life skills and make lifelong family connections was enough to convince local community and business leaders to provide the necessary resources to make House of Eli a reality. Guidance is provided by Hodge, two additional house parents, and two...

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