TJJD News & Announcements

FORT WORTH, Texas – For the 65th Annual National Day of Prayer, Willoughby House’s special guest was Reverend Kathy Mack. Reverend Mack met with the youth and discussed how prayer can be essential, especially during the times that we’re living in. She gave a very interactive presentation, providing youth an opportunity to speak openly. Several youth reached out to Reverend Mack regarding areas of their lives that were troubling them and creating barriers, asking for her help to have peace within themselves. Willoughby House Superintendent Diane Eunice said, “It was such a moving presentation. One youth even stated that having National Day of Prayer should take place all year long, rather than just once a year! The youth have been dropping their prayers in the prayer box that was provided for them and Reverend Mack was able to acknowledge their prayers. Although our youth are from various religious backgrounds, they were open to learning about prayer and how it can be individualized...

EDINBURG, Texas – Since 1994, Emma Joe and Herbert Snyder have been traveling the state of Texas to juvenile and adult corrections facilities to tell their story. Their story is not one easily shared by others, but for them it has become a life journey. It’s a story of joy, sorrow, court battles, parole hearings, and their willingness to see justice and prevent such tragedies from happening to others. Throughout the years they have touched thousands of lives and made an impact on many juveniles, adult inmates, and staff alike. As part of National Crime Victims Week, they traveled a 572 mile round trip to the Evins Regional Juvenile Center (ERJC) to speak to the youth. Their true story recounts how February 7, 1992, was not a typical day for the Snyders. In their hearts they felt something was terribly wrong and how a phone call would in an instant forever change their lives. They recounted how their 30-year-old son Atch (Pronounced “H”) was last seen alive and how he was trying t...