Opening the eyes, hearts of at-risk youth to the Lord, allowing them to ‘just be kids’

Deacon Fernando Garcia, SYS pastoral minister, met with students at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, who wrote letters and donated Hope Bags to detained youth. (Photo courtesy of Special Youth Services)

HOUSTON — Bringing Jesus’s message of love, forgiveness and hope to at-risk youth who are hurting, in despair and living in juvenile detention centers has been the mission of Special Youth Services (SYS) for over five decades. Approximately 3,000 youth and their families are currently served annually by SYS staff and volunteers -reminding them of God’s unconditional love and mercy and that it is ok to “just be kids.”

“Ministering to these at-risk youth means opening their eyes to the Lord, which is the most apparent calling we have,” said Franchelle Lee, director of SYS. “Equally as important is providing a listening ear, a caring heart and an empathetic friend, all the while reminding and allowing them to just be kids.”

Lee said SYS staff and volunteers model the embrace of Christ through pastoral care, advocacy and faith-sharing in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Brazoria County and Walker County to remind these youth that they are children of God. They also promote and coordinate restorative services to at-risk youth and their families.

Since the pandemic, achieving its mission has been a challenge for SYS. Alejandra Maya Garza, SYS associate director, said the ministry has worked to fill in where more volunteers, clergy and seminarians are needed to provide for all the spiritual needs of at-risk youth in the Archdiocese.

Deacon Fernando Garcia, SYS pastoral minister, said during the pandemic, the detention facilities were closed to in-person visits, which required the staff and volunteers to get creative with ways to reach the youth inside. He said volunteers at each facility began to create their own Bible study hand-out that included the Sunday readings and reflections that they wrote themselves, as well as Bible-related word searches and other games for entertainment. As the only outside people allowed to visit, both Deacon Garcia and Sister Symphonie Ngo, SYS pastoral minister, distributed the hand-outs to eager youth.

“Since our in-person return to the facilities, these compositions have been combined into one hand-out with the Mass readings and games, and the reflections that continue to be written by our own volunteers,” said Deacon Garcia. “What a way for the youth at all seven facilities served to experience the universal Church together. Each in their own place, yet united with other youth in other areas and with us.”

As one of the 64 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Lee said the faithful that support the annual appeal contribute directly to the efforts of SYS staff and volunteers as they spread God’s message of love and mercy to at-risk youth.

“Whether we are purchasing a staple-less stapler because staples are not allowed in a facility, or if we are spending money to provide a physical need, such as school uniforms, supplies and groceries to our youth or their families, every penny counts, every purchase makes a difference,” said Lee. “SYS strives to be responsible and caring stewards of DSF funds. We always keep in mind the intention of which it was given and the impact it will have on our youth to receive these gifts.”

Deacon Garcia said while the most direct impact DSF makes on the ministry is financial support, an additional benefit is being able to show how the universal Church comes together throughout the Archdiocese.

“Being able to share how many other people from around the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston freely give of their treasure to support ministries like Special Youth Services shows the unconditional love which we are called to share,” said Deacon Garcia.

Tyree Roberts, a unit supervisor at Harris County Leadership Academy who has served with SYS since 2013, said he has benefited from the ministry in multiple ways and feels blessed by the support of the faithful that give to the DSF.

“While SYS has provided services to our youth for years, my greatest benefit is the valuable conversation I have with the deacon and volunteers,” said Roberts. “I feel it’s important to give to the DSF that supports ministries like SYS, because of 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, ‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.’ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Lee said if additional DSF monies were available, SYS staff and volunteers have an extensive “wish list” to enhance the programs and services currently offered by SYS, such as having a full-service building space for trainings, classes, meetings, activities, and storage space for food, clothing, school supplies and other items for the youth and their families. The facility would be crucial in maintaining confidentiality and preserving their dignity as young people.

“We also would hire more SYS staff,” said Lee. “We currently serve youth in five counties, but we are only halfway there since the Archdiocese covers 10 counties. We hope to service all, but we need more staff and volunteers to make it happen.”

Lee said with more funding and manpower available, another initiative would be the creation of an after-care program positively impacting reducing recidivism, which accompanies youth leaving facilities with the hope of reducing the risk of returning.

Lee also would use additional funding to coordinate events and workshops that provide support for families in the home. This would include a website and/or app that can serve as a resource for youth transiting back to their homes and communities, as well as “Take-Home Kits” with spiritual materials, lists of resources in each of the youth’s respective counties, and other useful information. Additional funding would also help provide scholarships or reduced tuition rates for the youth to attend the newly announced Archdiocesan technical school.

To learn more about SYS and its offerings for at-risk youth in the Archdiocese and to learn how to volunteer, go to archgh.org/sys.

To donate to DSF and support SYS and 63 other ministries, go to archgh.org/dsf. DSF supports these ministries, whether direct service or education, which require this critical funding to remain in operation. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting these ministries.