TJJD Hosts Legislative Open House at Giddings State School

GIDDINGS, Texas – On June 28, 2017, TJJD hosted a Legislative Open House at the Giddings State School. About 40 guests converged on the campus to learn more about the work of TJJD and specifically about the Youth In Custody Practice Model and how it is being woven into facility operations. Guests were able to hear from the YICPM consultants, tour the facility, visit with youth and staff, and hear about how the YICPM will affect TJJD’s approach to serving youth in state facilities. It was a unique opportunity for Capitol office legislative staff and an elected official to see what the agency does, rather than simply hearing about it. Other guests included members of the Texas Juvenile Justice Board, a juvenile judge from Williamson County, the Independent Ombudsman, and representatives from partner agencies. Executive Director, David Reilly, said, “I believe that as more people ‘come and see,’ more will understand and fully support the work we do. This is in large part because guests can meet the facility staff and the youth that we serve. It’s the on-site and on the ground experience that makes all the difference.”

Guests toured several posts on campus, including the school, vocational programs, an area used for incentive activities, the newly established PAWS dorm and the security unit. They were led by facility staff and youth. Guests were also treated to lunch prepared by Principal Dennis Smith.

Staff from other facilities and around the agency also attended, to highlight the good work of each facility and several programs through informational booths that guests could visit throughout the day.

A lot of work went into planning this event and the list of people who contributed is long. They include Jorge Gonzalez, Charles Kelm, Anita Schwartz, Janet Sheelar, Frederick Horton, Dennis Smith, Donna Miller, Brenda Medack, Russell Falke, Wanona Posas, Eric Mattocks, Mark Satterwhite, Jason Stork, Tommy Ewing, Gary Clopton, Keith Kubena, Nathan Dunk, Calvin Berger, Wayne Rackel, James Mitschke, Steven Rackel, Carl Williams, Jerome Gordon, John Alamillo, Darla Michalk, David Groce, Chet Rittgers, Stephanie Collins, Boris Jumper, Thurman Sims, Monica Harrison, Barbara Moore, Tanya Ragston, Ramiro Hernandez, Terri Elliott, Olumide Ogunlabi, Victoria Evans, Ramiro Hernandez, Bennie Scott, Derrick Sneed, Ace Myrick, and Spencer Caldwell.

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. ...

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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