MART, Texas – Juvenile Justice Training Academy trainer Terry Williams took a break from teaching staff in the classroom to teach CPR to youth in TJJD’s Capstone Project at McLennan County Juvenile Correctional Facility. Mr. Williams has been an employee with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department for over 33 years and sees great value in the opportunity to utilize his passion for teaching others beyond the scope of training staff. “Teaching these kids skills that could potentially save lives is another great way the agency is making a positive impact toward empowering our youth to return back to the community and help others,” says Williams. The Capstone Project is an agency wide initiative implemented at each of the five secure facility locations to assist youth with skills necessary to successfully transition back to the community and achieve long-term positive outcomes. The program targets leadership, social, life and job skill development based on the youth’s specific risk factors.
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. ...