Skip to main content

Evins Youth Enjoy July 4th Celebration

Evins youth celebrated the 4th of July weekend with an “Independence Day Challenge,” an activity that rewards good behavior with an enjoyable campus outing.  The youth were asked to be on their best behavior and meet certain criteria to qualify for the event three weeks prior to the event. Eventually, 43 youth were able to meet the challenge and enjoyed a full fun day of on-campus activities.


Although it was a hot day, the youth were able to enjoy a watermelon eating contest, chili cheese hotdogs, chips, and nachos while listening to music and having fun by the pool and a giant inflatable waterslide.  One youth said, “Oh my God, we ate so much watermelon.  It was perfect for the occasion and it was so sweet.”


Watermelon harvest season is in full swing in South Texas and the Evins Volunteer Council was able to purchase plenty for the youth.  Some of the criteria to qualify to attend were no major rule violations, working all aspects of program and remaining in proper dress code.

Popular posts from this blog

Employees Receiving Tenure Awards

TJJD would like to recognize the following employees who have received a tenure award since November 2015. On behalf of the agency, we extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for their dedication and service to the State of Texas. November 2015 FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Adrian B. Jones, McFadden Ranch Christy L. Watson, McLennan CSJCF David I. Whitson, Ron Jackson Deborah K. Unruh, Austin (Ombudsman) Dwight A. Sadler, Austin (Ombudsman) Frederick D. Clemmons, McFadden Ranch Frederick D. Mask, Gainesville Iyesha S. Bellard, Giddings James R. Williams, Giddings Jarrett R. Massey, Giddings Juan C. Fernandez, Schaeffer HWH Roxanne S. Martinez, McFadden Ranch Victor O. Hughes, McLennan CSJCF TEN YEARS OF SERVICE Charlene M. Hunter Lane, Giddings Mary M. Perez, Ron Jackson Natasha E. Brown, McLennan CSJCF Royce R. Myers, Austin (Human Resources) FIFTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE Carl M. Smotherman, McLennan RTC Darrell S. Lewis, McLennan CSJCF DeLana D. Smethers, ...
Read more

Employees Receiving Tenure Awards

TJJD would like to recognize the following employees who have received a tenure award since February 2016. On behalf of the agency, we extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for their dedication and service to the State of Texas. February 2016 Five Years of Service Debra G. Foster, Gainesville Andrea G. Brazell, McLennan CSJCF Brandon E. Spears, McLennan RTC Ron’Neshia D. Spears, McLennan RTC Maria A. Muhammad, Cottrell HWH Mario Ramirez York, HWH Ten Years of Service Robin C. Motley, Gainesville Debra A. Sullivent, Giddings Jimmy W. Loewe, Giddings Raul De La Torre, Evins Stephanie A. Allen, McLennan CSJCF Timothy A. Redic, McLennan RTC Christi R. Villegas, Dallas Distict Office Fifteen Years of Service Donna L. Box, Ron Jackson Twenty Years of Service Cristopher L Burton, Austin (State Programs & Facilities) William L. George, Ron Jackson Joe I. Barraza, Evins Twenty-five Years of Service Venita Y. Foran, Gainesville Mary L. Mahon, Giddings Richard C. Anderso...
Read more

A Message From the Director

May has been a big month for TJJD.  We completed our first site visit at Giddings for the Youth In Custody Practice Model (YICPM).  It was great having the YICPM consulting team of Ned Loughran with the Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, Shay Bilchek and Michael Umpierre with the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, and Kelly Dedel with One in 37 Research, Inc., on campus and meeting with our implementation team.  Giddings staff were gracious hosts and the time was well spent.  I am extremely excited about the opportunity the YICPM brings to TJJD.  This will give us a proactive chance to thoroughly examine ourselves to create safer campuses, help kids be more successful, become more cohesive and collaborative as an agency and establish a more positive culture.  Self-examination is never easy, but the result is worth it.  I look forward to the next 18 months. Our Capstone Project continues to move forward with the Ron Jackson and Gaines...
Read more