Two distinct "houses" are on display in Denison, Texas as the Grayson County Department of Juvenile Services continues to provide opportunities for its youth. The Department’s Victor House, a 2015 addition to the county’s post adjudication program, provides a new housing option for post adjudication youth. Residents that exhibit positive behavior can apply for assignment to Victor, which provides a less restrictive environment.
Victor House provides a therapeutic homelike environment, with open meeting rooms, study areas, an open kitchen and dorm rooms. The walls are decorated with colorful artwork, all produced by the youth who live there.
As an alternative program track, the Victor House emphasizes learning and interactions between staff and residents as well as independent living. The focus is on developing traits like positive leadership principles, personal accountability, and independent living skills. The residents will also have the opportunity to participate in vocational training such as construction and automotive maintenance and care.
"Previously, kids would come in and do well but receive little attention," said Director of Grayson County Juvenile Services Brian Jones. "We wanted to reward that type of positive behavior. Victor House allows us to be adaptable, to reward our kids who are doing well, and to provide specialized programming."
Jones also noted that the less restrictive environment is conducive to family participation. Victor House isn’t just for senior level cadets and any level youth can be included if they are doing well behaviorally, emotionally, and educationally.
Their primary education will continue to be provided by Sherman Independent School District. In addition, residents within the Victor House have the opportunity to continue participation in all of the programs as our traditional program.
Tiny House, Big Gains
In April 2016, the Department of Juvenile Services began the adventure of constructing their very own "tiny house." Staff are using the experience of building the "tiny house" to introduce the world of construction and architecture to the young men they are working with, giving them introductory skills in a vocational trade.
One of the biggest obstacles staff and youth encountered was the Texas summer. Scorching heat and rainy days stretched the project out longer than anticipated but the young men spent their time learning many skills that will be useful for them in the future, such as how to properly measure and cut wood, which tools are best utilized for projects, and using circular saws, carpentry squares, tape measures, drills, table saws, and many other tools.
Construction of the house continues today, with work taking place on the weekends now that school is in session. Once completed, the house will be used as a therapeutic counseling center, continuing to serve the youth of Grayson County.
PHOTOS: TOP: The Victor House has a full-sized, spacious modern kitchen. BOTTOM: Grayson County Department of Juvenile Services staff work with youth to deck their tiny house.