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 case a youth i

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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