GROVETON — Sheriff Woody Wallace is taking his passion for helping the children of Trinity County to the next level.
Wallace has created different ways to work with young people through programs, such as Junior Deputy, Hunter Education, Don’t Meth with Me, and the Sheriff’s Breakfast Trade School Scholarship.
“Those programs have changed lives, and I firmly believe the best way to reduce crime is to invest in our youth before they ever need law enforcement,” Wallace said.
In order to maximize that interaction, Wallace said he and his team created the Trinity County Youth Outreach & Scholarship Foundation.
The Foundation was established as a separate Texas nonprofit corporation and is currently awaiting final IRS approval as a 501(c)(3). Creating an independent nonprofit allows youth programs and fundraising efforts to operate separately from Trinity County government and the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office while meeting all applicable legal and financial requirements.
The Foundation will be funded entirely through private donations, sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and generous community support. No taxpayer dollars are used to fund these programs.
The Mission
The mission is simple: invest in the future of Trinity County’s youth by supporting youth outreach programs throughout the county and provide trade school and technical education scholarships to graduates of Trinity County public schools, private schools, and homeschool programs.
“While we absolutely encourage young people to pursue college degrees and proudly support those who choose military service, we also recognize that many students graduate with overwhelming student loan debt,” Wallace said. “Our goal is to encourage students to first learn a skilled trade, begin a rewarding career, and, if they choose to attend college later, use that career to help pay for their education instead of relying on large student loans. We believe there is tremendous value and opportunity in America’s skilled trades.
“Just as important, we want to help young people find direction, purpose, and opportunity,” he said. “When young men and women are learning a skill, working toward a career, serving their community, or building a future, they are often less likely to spend their time making choices that can lead them down the wrong path. By providing education, mentoring, job skills, and positive opportunities, we hope to reduce some of the circumstances that contribute to crime and help make Trinity County an even safer place to live for generations to come.
Governed by community leaders
The Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of respected men and women who have dedicated much of their lives to serving Trinity County. Their experience and commitment help ensure the Foundation remains focused on its mission of serving our youth.
Our current Board of Directors includes:
The Board of Directors serves on a volunteer basis and receives no compensation for their service. This allows the Foundation to direct donations toward youth programs, scholarships, and community outreach rather than administrative salaries. Every board member shares a common goal: investing in the future of Trinity County’s young people.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can support this mission:
A website is currently under construction and will soon include information about our programs, upcoming events, and the ability to donate directly to specific causes that are important to you.
“We want every young person in Trinity County to know there is a path to success,” Wallace said. “Whether that path leads to a skilled trade, a technical career, college, military service, or entrepreneurship, we want to encourage, equip, and support them as they build productive lives.
“I have spent my career in law enforcement, and I have learned that the best way to fight crime is not just by making arrests; it is by preventing crime before it ever happens,” he said. “If we can inspire even one young person to choose education, a trade, meaningful employment, or service to others instead of a path that leads to addiction or crime, then we have succeeded. Together, we can build stronger families, a stronger workforce, and a safer Trinity County.”
One of the easiest and most valuable ways to help is to Like, Follow, and Share our Facebook page. Every new follower helps us reach more people who believe that investing in our youth is one of the best investments we can make in the future of Trinity County.
Information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/1JNfMJ9zHN/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
