By Y. Denise Caldwell
Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office
FLOWER MOUND, Texas -
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.
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| Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer |
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 is leaving early – I don’t
want any kid to leave without one. I really enjoy doing this for them.”
“I’m glad they do this,” said one youth, who was echoed by
others. The boys said they really like getting to keep the backpacks, which each
contain a notebook, snacks, socks, toothpaste and other toiletries, and that
this gift provides them with something to do and eat on their route home.
Gateway Church provides the funding for the backpacks.