The imagery and symbolism of her and the members of the Border Hope Day Treatment Program are extensive. These troubled youth are reaping the benefits of learning the fine art of agriculture and enjoying the success that goes with activities such as this where they have grown onions, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, jalapeños and cucumbers.
"We've got a day treatment program whereby kids that are on probation and need a little bit of extra service are engaged in our day treatment program where we pick them up after school and we have program with them until 9:00 PM when they're delivered to their parents, we do this four days a week here at Border Hope Residential Facility."
When asked what levels of intervention they take with these youngsters who are one step away from doing serious jail time for mistakes they have made in their young lives.
"We've got several components such as a vocational component where the kids learn welding, woodworking and gardening. We have substance abuse treatment, daily living skills training and life-skills training," added the visionary lawman who has made a significant impact on our youth since taking over the probation department, "We also take a look at why some of our kids do the crimes that they do and try to get to the root of that. Oftentimes there are other issues in their lives and the kids are acting out, lashing out criminally. We're trying to grab hold of that and make changes in their decision-making skills and their anger-management skills.
They will have an 8:00-5:00 treatment program throughout the summer with the help of five designated staff members. Three case workers and two substance abuse counselors and a master-level social worker who assist them in doing the treatment component as well.
They even meet with the families and the parents to help them gain some control and helping them through some of these issues. They also have implemented this program in Dimitt and Zavala Counties.
The kids have built a beautiful trailer and two very nice picnic tables which they are raffling this week at $10.00 per ticket. You can contact Bruce Ballou at 773-6383 if you would like to make a donation to a very good cause.
The Eagle Pass News Gram salutes the wonderful teenagers, the incredible staff and the leader of the Border Hope Day Treatment Program who are on the way to making a significant difference in the lives of these kids.