Willoughby House Youth Tour KTVT CBS Channel 11 Television Station in Fort Worth

Willoughby House youth were given an opportunity to tour the local television station, KTVT CBS Channel 11, and learn first-hand what goes on behind the scenes.

The youth toured the broadcasting room, dressing room for the news casters, media room, audio/video room and different offices. They also learned about the different job duties and work schedules, the procedures to follow when someone calls and reports news and the importance of reporters to be the first to get to a scene and broadcast the news first.

Superintendent Diane Eunice said, “This was an exciting community outing for the youth because it exposed them to what a career in broadcasting and journalism could possibly look like and the hard work that goes into being an anchor, reporter, camera operator, and other jobs. They learned that it’s not just all glamour and being on television, but it involves a lot of preparation.”

One youth shared that he thought it was so cool to meet a guy whose main job is keep up with high speed chases and listening to radios and scanners all day, to track police activity, so that he can report it.

Assistant Superintendent Felicia Reynolds said, “Several of our youth work at fast food restaurants but we want to show them that they don’t have to limit themselves to just that one industry and to realize that there are vast career opportunities around them, if they go to college and apply themselves. We appreciate the JCO staff who initiated this endeavor and plan to continue providing the youth with more opportunities like this.”

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. ...

McFadden Ranch High School Graduates Honored

DENTON, Texas -- The Kiwanis Club of Denton recognized nine youth from McFadden Ranch who earned their high school diploma or equivalency by inviting them to their April 17 noon meeting and luncheon where they were awarded $50 each for their trust fund. Spearheaded by JCO IV Gregory Winn, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Denton, the event was truly memorable for the youth who attended. They heard a motivational and moving presentation by Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who completed the Greatest Endurance Challenge – the World Marathon Challenge – tackling seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He took the challenge after being inspired by Jonny Wade, a 7-year-old boy who battled pediatric cancer and had only one wish – ‘that no other kid ever gets cancer.’ Wade’s death led to the creation of Pediatric Cancer Foundation for which Fallon raised over $250,000 so far. Fallon, who represents a portion of Denton County, said the takeaway from his experience is that we ...

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.

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