Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Gives Ties to McFadden Youth

The Denton County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. conducted an EMBODI, (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program at McFadden Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.

Eight women from DST, and three men, representing Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternities, presented a powerful program that impacted McFadden Ranch’s more than 50 youth in a big way.

First Vice President Robbin Robinson, Shade Lester and Kalilah Coulter spearheaded the event which is part of the Sorority’s outreach and mission. Their program emphasized the importance of being successful in life, having good self-esteem, getting the right education for you and having a positive and professional presentation.

Representing different professions, everyone shared their stories and experiences with college, careers and life with the youth. They led group discussions and allowed the youth to share their view points as well, concluding with a tie tying demonstration with each youth getting to keep their tie.

Alex Coulter led the LIFE group and shared how his decision to NOT take a gun to a party saved his life and his future; Courtney Thompson and Tiffany Scott demonstrated the value and importance of getting an EDUCATION by sharing and comparing salaries and careers; Leslie Ekpe and Robbin Robinson explained SELF ESTEEM and how it impacts decision making; and everyone demons t rated how to tie a tie.

In closing, many youth expressed appreciation and thanks, saying that they learned a lot, from how important it is to feel good about yourself and keep a positive attitude, to getting more than a high school diploma if you want to have certain things and how emotions – such as fear, embarrassment and anger impact decision making but they especially enjoyed learning how to tie a tie.

Photo: Sorority and fraternity members assist McFadden Ranch youth with learning how to tie their ties.

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. ...

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.

The House of Eli

Situated on a quiet corner lot in a Sherman, Texas neighborhood is a turn-of-the-century home recently renovated to its former grandeur. And just as the house has undergone a renewal, those living inside the house are engaged their own transformations. House of Eli, Inc. is a transitional living home for boys ages 17-21. The driving force behind the home is Tawni Hodge, the home’s executive director and visionary who has discovered an outlet for her concern for young men in difficult situations. Hodge has a passion and expertise in working with young men from her years as a foster parent and her experiences as a chaplain working with juvenile services. Her vision of a home where young men could grow spiritually and emotionally, learn life skills and make lifelong family connections was enough to convince local community and business leaders to provide the necessary resources to make House of Eli a reality. Guidance is provided by Hodge, two additional house parents, and two...

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