‘Men of Distinction’ Deliver Valentine Sweets to Nursing Home

GAINESVILLE, Texas – The Gainesville State School “Men Of Distinction” arose early on Valentine’s Day, with one thing on their minds: To bake valentines cookies.

The cookies they prepared were oval shaped sugar cookies adorned with red and pink hearts. The youth collected them into little red gift bags with a shimmery gloss. They added three chocolate heart shaped valentine candies to each carefully packaged bag, taking pride in ensuring each one was just right.

They arrived at the Pecan Creek Nursing and Rehab center in Gainesville with their goodies in tow. They met up with the Activity Coordinator Meagan Arrington who identified the residents who could have a goodie bag. Gainesville Dorm Supervisor Carla Lane said the residents were very excited to see the boys and find out that they were bringing Valentine’s Day gifts. “Are those for us?, I haven’t had a sweet in a long time,” said one of the residents.

The young men presented each of 25 residents with a gift bag. They sat and chatted with several of the older people. The Men of Distinction youth, who are 18 and nearing their time of release, earn the privilege to participate in the program, which focuses on living skills for when they are on their own. They learn about cooking, writing resumes and maintaining finances. They were excited to visit the nursing residence and said they can’t wait for their next visit when they plan to build a set of raised flower beds, enabling the nursing home residents to garden.

The visit made an impact. One of the students reports that he wants to become a registered nurse and would love to do his internship at a nursing care center.

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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