This year’s winners of the Innovation Grants include practical new programs that will help TJJD youth learn how to make simple house repairs, maintain cars and improve their physical fitness and emotional well-being.
The grants, which total $10,000, are made possible by the State Volunteer Resource Council for Texas Youth. Judges report they had a difficult task winnowing the many deserving proposals to the eight winning projects announced last week.
Here are the winners:
HOME REPAIR MADE EASY (WILLOUGHBY HALFWAY HOUSE)
Grant Award: $700
In this project, community volunteers will teach the youth at the halfway house how to make simple home repairs through hands-on learning. They will focus on repairing floors, drywall and painting, and landscaping, and youth will complete a 12-week course. Grant funds will be used to purchase supplies, equipment and tools for the repair projects.
CAR SMART (MCFADDEN RANCH)
Grant Award: $500
Community volunteers will teach the youth at the halfway house how to maintain cars, through hands-on learning. They will learn car maintenance safety, how to do a minor tune-up, check the brakes, and how to change the tires and oil. Youth will complete a six-week course. Grant funds will be used to purchase supplies and tools for the projects.
TORNADO RANCH (GAINESVILLE STATE SCHOOL)
Grant Award: $2,550
In this project, high-needs youth at the Gainesville facility will participate in a trauma-informed equine-assisted psychotherapy program, led by clinical professionals. Volunteer mentors will be involved in the program. Grant funds will be used to purchase equine equipment for grounded and mounted therapy, and pay for facility membership to the Natural Lifemanship Program.
CLOTHES CLOSET (MCLENNAN COUNTY SJCF)
Grant Award: $2,500
Youth being released from the secure facility will be fitted for and receive several outfits to help them ease the transition of returning home. Correct-fitting and appropriate outfits will help them in searching for a job, returning to public school, and entering their community. Grant funds will be used to purchase racks and shelves, and a basic clothing inventory to get the project started. Community volunteers and staff will assist with this project.
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS (RON JACKSON SJCC)
Grant Award: $958
Youth who earned behavioral incentives will be able to participate in fun, age-appropriate cardio recreation activities using music and dance. Community volunteers and staff will be involved in the project. Grant funds will be used to purchase a multimedia projector and screen and several sets of exercise DVDs.
REEL TALK PROGRAM (GAINESVILLE STATE SCHOOL)
Grant Award: $1,250
In this project, community volunteers will engage youth in a video production project learning to write and produce short films, documentaries, public service announcements and music videos. This will begin by focusing on highlights of the facility’s sports teams. Grant funds will be used to purchase a video camera and equipment.
INCARCERATED YOUTH GIVING BACK (RON JACKSON SJCC)
Grant Award: $510
Community volunteers and staff will engage youth in a project that will encourage youth in the public schools to avoid delinquency behavior. Youth will record public service announcements and speak to classrooms about their experiences in the juvenile justice system. Grant funds will be used to purchase a camcorder and voice recorder.
COOKING ON A BUDGET (GIDDINGS STATE SCHOOL)
Grant Award: $1,000
Community volunteers will teach youth to plan a menu, budget for meals, and prepare simple meals using kitchen equipment and tools. Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for the classes.
A special thank you to our judges this year for their careful analysis and consideration.
· Diana Leggett, Gainesville Council Member
· Edda Ratliff, Brownwood Council Member
· Wachelle Williams, Dallas Council Member
· Scott Rohloff, Giddings Council Member
· Mike Turner, TJJD Administrator
· Amy Miller, TJJD Manager
· Cathy Berryhill, TJJD Educator