On May 19th, 2016, McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility received 60 visitors to celebrate the mothers of youth on campus at a Mother-Son Banquet. Families enjoyed a song written and sung by one of the youth and a presentation of the seven habits to practice raising strong children by the recreation staff. Then, while eating lunch, the mothers were encouraged to stay strong by a guest speaker discussing the importance of mothers in a child’s life. The sons presented a certificate of appreciation to their moms for being there for them through the good and bad times. The afternoon wrapped up with a few rounds of bingo and family photos.
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. ...