Global Youth Service Day Cottrell House and Dallas Parole

Cottrell House youth turned their focus to helping those in the community most in need of a helping hand as part of their Global Youth Service Day activities. As they considered the homeless people in their community and their daily struggle, they decided that they could help provide them with a sense of worth and know that they are not alone. The youth made 55 gift bags filled with water, towels, granola bars, chips, tooth paste and tooth brushes, Christian literature and resource information.

Youth thought about friends that they knew that were homeless and things that could have helped them. While they understood that the items in the bags were not going to solve the issue of homelessness, the youth wanted the homeless to know that someone truly cares about them. Youth delivered the items to the Salvation Army and received a tour of their facility to learn about the different programs available to help the homeless. Youth were amazed at how many individuals are homeless. They learned that the Salvation Army provides shelter to over 300 individuals every night. Youth then worked in the kitchen and fed about 200 individuals that afternoon.

Youth DP stated, “These items are just a little something to help them. I wish I could do more because I do not want anyone to starve or feel lonely.”

Youth JW stated, “Wow and this is just one shelter in Dallas. This is a real problem. That’s a lot of people.”

JCO VI Stephen Miles stated, “This is good for the youth to see so that they can understand that there are people in this world struggle to do better and with help they accomplish just that.”

Youth also wanted to learn more about HIV and AIDS. The Dallas Resource Center came to Cottrell House to educate the youth on the virus. Youth learned the difference between HIV and AIDS. They also learned the different ways to contract the virus and how to protect themselves.

The Dallas Resource center has new building and youth in on parole in Dallas decided to paint motivating canvas pictures to hang on their walls. The Resource Center was excited to accept the paintings.

PHOTO: A Cottrell House youth works the food service line at the Salvation Army.

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