Willoughby House Christmas

Willoughby House youth in Fort Worth were treated to a Christmas party and celebration with from The Potter’s House – Fort Worth Ministries. The youth were part of The Potter’s House angel tree and each received almost all of the gifts on their wish list. Youth also received numerous gifts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who have reached out to Willoughby, in hopes of a partnership.

Willoughby House Superintendent Diane Eunice said, “The Potter’s House has an exceptional group of men, who have been very generous with their time, during the Thanksgiving (they brought and served the youth Thanksgiving dinner) and Christmas holidays.”

One of the highlights for youth was being invited to audition for The Potter’s House Christmas Production for non-speaking roles as angels. Two of the youth were selected to participate.

Another youth was given the opportunity for a guitar audition with Ms. Crystal Aikin, the Season 1 winner of the current television show Sunday Best. According to Willoughby House Assistant Superintendent Felicia Reynolds, “We really appreciate them giving this youth an opportunity to showcase his talent and it was a great self-esteem booster for him. Prior to his audition, they loaned him a guitar to practice with during his recreational time and days off from work.”

Another benefit to come out of the holiday efforts is that several members of The Potter’s House, including Pastor Patrick Winfield, have expressed interest in volunteering with Willoughby youth, including partnering in future events. Community and Family Relations Coordinator Denise Caldwell noted that Pastor Winfield has a background in education and seems very passionate about working with our youth because he believes in their potential.

PHOTO: Willoughby House “Angels”

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.

Canyon Lake Evening Reporting Center

When Comal County Juvenile Probation Chief Kris Johnson joined the department in March 2011, he brought with him a long-term vision to open an Evening Reporting Center (ERC) in the county. ERCs, which require youth offenders to report to specified locations during evening hours for programming, skills building and community service, were first used in Chicago, where juvenile justice advocates needed after school programs to keep their higher risk kids from getting involved in the gang scene. They also serve as an alternative to detention pending a youth’s hearings. ERCs have become common detention alternatives in many communities throughout the United States and are based on research and best practices recognized by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Johnson believed implementing an ERC in Comal County would reduce juvenile crime by providing supervision during the hours crime is most likely to occur. Additionally, it could significantly reduce the cost of deten...

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