SPOTLIGHT: Van Foster, Parole Officer, Dallas District Office

Parole Officer Van Foster was the August 2017 recipient of the TJJD Employee Excellence Award. Van began his employment with the agency in September of 1995 as a Program Administrator and is currently a Parole Officer III. Executive Director David Reilly said, “We want to publicly thank Van for his commitment, dedication, initiative, and excellence to the agency. We encourage all of you to express your appreciation to him, as well.”

What enticed you to become a Parole Officer?
I knew becoming a parole officer would allow me to be involved in shaping the lives of children and families in their communities of origin.

What drives you to do a good job?
I want all children to know that there are people in this world that really have their best interest at heart. I want the youth I serve to be successfully reintegrated into their families and communities so that the children have opportunities to create a new path. If I tie youth and families to community resources, opportunities for successful reintegration increases.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen during your career?
Kids are tougher, families are less supportive of reintegration and communities seem to offer fewer resources for the children I serve. I really like that TJJD has moved towards a social service approach to decrease recidivism.

What is your proudest moment?
Marrying the love of my life and sharing eight kids with her.

What do you do in your spare time?
I spend my spare time being a husband, father, and grandfather. My life outside of work revolves around my wife and children. I like to stay active in the gym, listen to music, and practice shooting my handguns at the range.

What do you wish people knew about you?
People should know that I was a foster child for seven years. I myself became a foster parent to give back to a system that gave to me. After fostering for over 20 years, my family and I adopted five children. Yes, I have eight children!

What advice do you have to young employees just starting out today?
Don't expect windfall success when working with our youth but continually look for small approximations of success and build up from there.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I pray that others will search their hearts and find my passion to care for hurting children.

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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