Willoughby House Hosts Open House

Willoughby House hosted its first open house for institution and parole staff. “We really had a nice turnout, despite the inclement weather,” said Superintendent Diane Eunice. “Our goal is to host an open house quarterly, so that staff from other TJJD facilities can get firsthand knowledge and learn about our programs and get to know us on an individual basis by putting a face to a name, since most of our interactions are done via phone.”

In addition to refreshments, visitors received a facility data sheet that provides a picture of Willoughby and a few historical facts and details about services provided. The event was attended by staff from Mart, Giddings, Fort Worth District Office, Dallas District Office and a staff from Cottrell House.

Assistant Superintendent Felicia Reynolds said, “We’re already in the planning stages for our next open house event! We appreciated the staff from Mart bringing a youth with them, to give him a glimpse of what is in store for him, as he continues to make progress and prepare for his transition. He enjoyed meeting the other youth, eating lunch with them and hearing about their jobs and various outings they get to go on. We hope more staff will come to our next open house and, if possible, bring youth that need a little motivation or are skeptical about what goes on at a halfway house. We want them to see firsthand the possibilities.”

Superintendent Eunice shared, “we want TJJD staff throughout the state to know that you’re welcome to visit Willoughby anytime! We really appreciate all who came out to support this initiative and based on some feedback, it seems to have been a positive experience, for those who had not had an opportunity to visit a halfway house before. One visiting staff commented that she had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by the facility’s décor and layout and another staff took information back to share with parents, which was a great idea! We’re looking forward to seeing more folks, at our next open house. Invitations will be sent out soon.”

Photo: 1st row left to right: Scott Griner (Giddings), Regina Dancer (Mart), Amy Wunderlich (Giddings), Courtney Farr (Giddings), Vickie White (Dallas District Office). 2nd row: Demetrius Waples (Mart) and Christopher Mitchell (Mart).

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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.

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