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IEA - Inspire, Encourage, Achieve announced the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation for the nonprofit’s innovative project aimed at transforming juvenile justice intervention in Southeast Texas through careful, dedicated court coordination and advocacy.
Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $27 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitablyfunded bar foundation.
IEA Executive Director Alexis Patronis relayed information that the local youth service was founded in 1997 by Regina Rogers and the late Julie Rogers to uphold Ben Rogers’ legacy of nurturing children with dignity and respect through knowledge, compassion, understanding and love.
“Annually, IEA addresses the needs of hundreds of Southeast Texas youth who have crossed paths with the juvenile justice system or are at risk of delinquency,” Patronis shared. “IEA's project exemplifies a groundbreaking approach to addressing the challenges faced by youth across Jefferson County. Through court coordination and advocacy services offered in partnership with the Jefferson County Juvenile Court and the Jefferson County Juvenile Probation Department, IEA leads the charge in effecting enduring change in the lives of vulnerable youth.
“Often left confused and voiceless in court proceedings, youth involved in the justice system find solace in IEA's court coordination, advocacy and role as guardian ad litem. These services bridge the gap between the court, legal representation, education system and families, ensuring that youth receive the necessary care and services to prevent recidivism.”
Patronis also acknowledged IEA Program Director Joe Evans and Judge Gordon Friesz, who presides over the 317th District Court, a family and youth court in Jefferson County. With the aid of advocates such as Evans and Friesz, according to Patronis, the program is able to achieve success in changing the direction of youth embarking on a wrong path to the future.
“Rather than having to guess what services and plan may be best for each child, IEA is able to give the court a detailed analysis, in conjunction with the probation department, as to how to best attempt to provide services to our juvenile offenders in a way that can truly attempt to rehabilitate them and put them in a better position than when they first came before us,” Friesz remarked.
IEA is always seeking more mentors like Evens and Friesz. For more information or to learn more about the IEA program and volunteer opportunities, contact IEA Service Coordinator Donna Taylor at (409) 839-8778.