Superintendent Diane Eunice said, “We wanted to recognize youth who had attained various achievements while at TJJD, such a getting a job, earning a GED or High School Diploma, earning college credits from Navarro College, completing community service hours and obtaining vocational certifications. The youth received a certificate, cake and ice cream and most importantly applause and cheers from their peers and staff.”
The event was spearheaded by Workforce Reentry Specialist Christi Villegas who plans to collaborate with Willoughby House and make National Reentry Week an annual event while highlighting youth who have been engaged in constructive activities that will benefit them once they are released back into the community.
Felicia Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent said, “The youth really appreciated being celebrated for their achievements and it served as motivation, for them to keep working hard and investing in themselves, so that they can transition from Willoughby with tools that will be useful to them.”
Ms. Villegas comes to Willoughby House twice a month and works with the youth on employment skills.
“Next year, with Ms. Villegas help, we hope to expand this event and make it even more special for the youth,” Ms. Eunice said. “We continually stress to them how important it is to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources that are provided to them so that they can be more prepared for life outside of TJJD. For us, that’s what National Reentry is all about – getting our youth prepared for their second chance.”