SPOTLIGHT: Ricardo Leal, Parole Officer, Harlingen District Office

Parole Officer Ricardo Leal is retiring in October 2017 after 35 years of service to the state and the juvenile justice field. He began his career with the former Texas Youth Commission in 1983, serving as a youth activity supervisor at the Giddings State School, Tamayo Halfway House and Beto Halfway House. In 1994, Ricardo made the change to become a parole officer, a position he has held for the past 24 years.

Ricardo said many of his best memories are meeting young men and women who he once supervised that are now living productive lives in the community.

"I’ve had 35- to 45-year-old men and women approach me in the community, introducing me to their families and sharing their life stories," he said. "After those conversations, they’ll ask if I recognize them. Some of them are now in the medical, educational or law enforcement fields."

Ricardo said some of the biggest changes he’s seen during his career revolve around technology and the ability to connect youth with community resources. He also sees a difference in the youth in TJJD today compared to youth he once worked with.

"Today’s youth and family have more needs and challenges that need to be addressed while their son or daughter is in placement."

Ricardo’s advice to young parole officers just starting out today is simple: "Be patient, resourceful, always professional, and be able to adjust to change."

The thing Ricardo will miss most when he steps away from the job is the ability to empower families to connect with community resources that will help their youth succeed back in the community. He plans on spending his time with his family and traveling. He’s also looking forward to taking his grandchildren to educational activities. He is also hoping to be able to work part-time or volunteer at the local school district with at-risk students.

Ricardo’s friends and co-workers all wish him continued success as starts this new phase of his life. He will be greatly missed by all but the impact he has had on so many lives will continue.

Photo: Ricardo Leal (right) receives his 35-Year Certificate of Appreciation while Efrain Garcia receives his five-year award.

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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