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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 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.

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