Skip to main content

Giddings State School Family Worship Event

This past October, 136 members of Giddings youth’s families had the amazing opportunity to worship together with their loved ones at the first ever Family Worship Day Event held on the Giddings campus.

The event featured Christian rap artist Ivan Nacianceno, creator of Christ Like Music and Ministries out of Madisonville, Texas. Ivan shares his faith through captivating lyrics matched with undeniably catchy beats that youth, family members, and staff all enjoyed. Ivan pairs his musical gift with the inspirational message of his life story, which is easily relatable to our students.

Giddings State School staff Heather Brock (Family Liaison) and Thomas Merchant (Chaplain) did an incredible job of providing this opportunity to youth and their loved ones. The event was broken into two sessions to accommodate the overwhelming response from families. Youth were able to sit and worship with their parents, siblings, and other family members and some youth led prayers and devotionals during the service. Students whose families were unable to attend were provided the opportunity to attend themselves.

The response from both students and their families was exceptionally moving and evidenced the important impact these programs can and do have on the lives we strive to change.

“The kids have responded in great numbers,” said Chaplain Merchant. “We will have to do group class and then baptism for all those that have responded.”

Students and staff alike are looking forward to the next worship event and other exciting happenings on campus.

Popular posts from this blog

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. ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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.
Read more