TJJD News & Announcements

DALLAS, Texas – Advisory Councils (DYRAC) A.R.T. Program for youth at Cottrell House. A.R.T. stands for Assessing Real Talent. The program is meant to teach youth how to improve their talents as well as give them resources to pull from for future use. Wachelle Williams, DYRAC Chairperson stated, “Many of the youth at Cottrell House are so talented in music, cooking, sports and many other areas. I want to make sure that they have resources and contacts to help them pursue their talents.” With that goal in mind, DYRAC applied for and received a grant from the State Volunteer Resource Council to help youth reach their potential in the A.R.T. Program. Cherika (Che) Roundtree of Strictly DFW Radio is an active member of DYRAC. She also mentors youth at Cottrell House and knows firsthand of the talent that many youth have. Che stated, “Youth have talents that need to be guided. I want to help youth that are interested in the music business.” Lavator (Ms. T) Jefferson, Artist Manager, a...

FORT WORTH, Texas – Willoughby House youth are gaining a new and valuable skill thanks to the efforts of JCO IV Christopher Golden. Mr. Golden has created a woodworking class for youth who are interested in refurbishing furniture. Mr. Golden said he initiated this project because, “I wanted to provide the guys with an opportunity to stay busy and learn a craft, which they can later use as an opportunity to generate income. One youth has expressed to me that he wants to pursue this as a possible career, since he enjoys it so much.” Mr. Golden has donated most of the supplies, such as a sander, paint, stain, paintbrushes, and other items as needed to complete the projects. So far, the youth have completed two end tables, a card table, and they are currently working on refurbishing the television stand in the facility. Other staff have donated items for the youth to work on as well. Mr. Golden stated that this was a craft that he’s been doing for the past ten years and wanted to g...

FORT WORTH, Texas – On Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 Willoughby House youth attended a Breakfast with the Brother’s from the Potter’s House, Fort Worth. TX. The Deacons and youth shared a breakfast but the men shared wisdom as well. They encouraged the youth to consider entrepreneurship when they think about their future. Several Deacons spoke from personal experience, about how they started and continue to maintain specific businesses – ranging from construction and water removal/janitorial services to BBQ restaurants and barbershops. One Deacon discussed being a published author and encouraged the youth to write their own story. In addition, several discussed how they dealt with peer pressure and learned to NOT follow the crowd but think for themselves. But this wasn’t their first meeting. These men also provided Thanksgiving dinner for the youth as well. The Potter’s House Fort Worth, under the leadership of Pastor Patrick Winfield has become instrumental in helping the youth...