Taking It To Another Level

EDINBURG, Texas – Even when not at work, for Evins Regional Juvenile Center (ERJC) JCO Eric Aleman, the call for duty is usually close to him. In July, Aleman was enjoying his day off from work at South Padre Island appreciating the nice breezy weather with family and friends when he spotted a swimmer in distress who had gone out too far from the shoreline. Without hesitation, he did what he does naturally -- help out when he is summoned. He quickly grabbed a inflated toy ring from a beachgoer and went in after the troubled swimmer. When he finally reached the swimmer, he noticed that there was more than one person on the verge of succumbing to the depth and waves of the sea. Quickly he was able to get the two swimmers to hold onto the inflated ring, while two surfers approached and assisted them.

“Mr. Aleman is one of seven JCOs that were just certified last November as lifeguards,” said ERJC Recreation Specialist Jose Castellanos. Castellanos went on to say that the lifeguard training program was coordinated with the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation Department at the Pharr Aquatic Center and focused on intensive swimming sessions to increase swimming endurance, practice multiple active drowning scenarios, submerged victim rescue scenarios, and the 300-meter swim, all in preparation for the test to earn the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. “Mr. Aleman acted in professional manner, and because of his unselfish action, those two men are still with their families,” said Castellanos.

PHOTO: (L TO R) Coach B. Maldonado, A. Camargo, N. Rodriguez, B. Ramirez, J. Chavez, D. Garcia, E. Aleman, A. Delgado, Coach J. Castellanos

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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