MINISTRIES

ARTICLES

VOLUNTEERS

RANCH

STAFF

CONTACT US

ADVISORY BOARD

SCHEDULE

DONATIONS

RESOURCES

2010 VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

ARCHIVE OF PAST STORIES

The C Diamond C Youth Ranch has become a program of Youth Direct Ministries

“As a residential Christ centered program for at risk boys, this wonderful resource fits perfectly with the goals and plans of our ministry”, said Youth Direct President Don Smarto.

Following a unanimous vote of the Youth Direct Board of Directors, Chairman Tony Pack said, "This is a great opportunity to reach more youth with the life changing message of Christ. The youth ranch has much promise and potential and is a welcome addition to Youth Direct.”

The 140 acre ranch, created by Gary Clay, is situated near Angel Fire New Mexico, an area near mountains, lakes, streams and forests. With 35 horses, the youth will ride, hike, and camp in 10,000 acres of wilderness adjacent to the camp.

Gary says “The ranch has multiple buildings including a bunk house, a main house with a commercial kitchen, 800 square foot decks with a stunning view of the surrounding Sangre de Christo Mountains, a guest house, a manager’s house, a lodge, and 4 arenas including a roping equestrian arena, a large lighted round arena, stalls for 10 horses, and a barn.”

The majesty of “God’s country” is a perfect setting for the youth who will come to encounter the Gospel, learn valuable life and social skills, and be guided by staff, mentors, and dedicated volunteers. Executive Director Bill Perdue says “Plans to expand housing and the development of a unique curriculum will impact at risk youth from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. The boys, from 13 – 17 years old ,will have a life changing experience at the ranch that will put them on a path of civic responsibility and spiritual reliability. God has put this professional team together.”

C Diamond C Youth Ranch Founder and President Gary Clay is a Master Horseman and Equine Therapy will be central to the program. Don Smarto adds, “This strategic alliance is a strong relationship that will benefit many youth who have lost their way and need sound structure, affirmation, encouragement, and life skills. Being a Christ centered program is central to the success of the C Diamond C Youth Ranch. We welcome Bill and Gary to our team!

Marzelle Hill March 20th
Our ministry is welcome back to the Marzelle Hill facility in March. The "Hill" as it is known is a program of the Dallas County Juvenile System.
There are fifty-four boys for residential transitional care there. Following a program, volunteers will have the opportunity to talk in small groups and share their faith. The number of volunteers will be limited so it is essential that people who sign up are sure of their commitment. "No shows" would reduce the number sharing their faith. The "Hill" is located off I 30 at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, 2600 Lone Star Drive, Dallas 75212 (214 698-2200)

11Th Annual Pennsylvania Tour April 16th-26th
Don will speak in churches, juvenile facilities, schools, jails, and drug programs in over 18 Pennsylvania cities in April. Coordinated by Wayne Benjamin (Youth Direct Volunteer of the Year 2009) this will be his eleventh straight year. In addition to sermons and banquet messages, Don will present his informative Civil War Presentation in a Civil War museum, his stimulating Writing Seminar in an alternative school and juvenile detention center, and his Stress Management Seminar to prison ministry volunteers and leaders. Don will speak and train as often as five times a day for the nine days of his tour. Prayers for safe travel, health, and a strong speaking voice are requested.

COSICANNA FACILITY May 22nd
Our volunteers will again have the opportunity to share their faith with several hundred boys (and a unit of girls) at the TYC facility in Corsicana. This 351 acre complex began in 1889 as an orphanage and is today a secure facility for sentenced youth with emotional difficulties. Melvin Adams will be on the program along with former gang leader Lamont Levels. Sign up early for this important event. TYC Corsicana, 4000 W. 2nd Street, Corsicana, TX 75110 (903 875-3200)


The "Best of" Parenting Today's Youth Now Available
The radio ministry of Youth Direct has produced 1000 programs. Many wonderful guests have been interviewed. Now, some of the best programs are available on CD at very reasonable prices. From interviews with Josh McDowall talking about why youth are not accepting basic church doctrine, to Dr. Jim Denison discussing the real threats from radical Islam, and Judge Grace Lewis reflecting on the origins of crime, plus many more guests and subjects, these CDs will be a significant addition to your library. Redeem your commute time in traffic, listen from your PC or I Pod on a plane trip, or play at home for spiritual growth and information. The interviews are lively and engaging and filled with useful facts. Whether you are a student, pastor, or parent, there is something for everyone in these recordings. Each CD is only $5.00 (plus shipping & handling)

Visit the RESOURCES page to purchase several, today. You can safely use your credit card using PayPal.

Is The Door Closing?
By Don Smarto

For many years, I heard prison ministry leaders talk at conferences about the "open door in prison ministry". That was back in the 1980's. They were right. The open door was an unprecedented accessibility of faith based programs into the prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities of America.

There were several reasons. Many wardens and superintendents were Christians and bold about their faith. As an example, Norm Carlson the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons would welcome Charles Colson and ex-offenders into his Washington, DC office with discussions about the role of faith in regeneration. Chaplains were often strong evangelicals like Harry Howard of San Quentin, Manny Craig of Leavenworth, Al Worthly of Springfield, and Emmett Solomon of the Texas Department of Corrections.

read more

NEW EXCITING DVD AVAILABLE!

Don Smarto has presented his testimony with unique visuals to over 100,000 people in churches and schools across America. Now, for the first time, this dynamic presentation The Youngest Brother is available on DVD. This digitally mastered program includes sound effects, music, and 500 photos, some seen for the first time. This is a powerful, true story that has received critical acclaim. The DVD is a great companion to the book Family Secrets and the Audio Book, too. Don is an expert storyteller and delivers this presentation with captivating facts and Biblical applications. Share this modern day parable with your teens, in a church group, or in a Christian school. Go to Resources to get your copy today. The PG Rating advises parents that some themes and visuals may not be acceptable for small children.

click here to buy now

TARRANT COUNTY FEBRUARY 13TH

Juvenile Detention in Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas has extended an invitation to Youth Direct. Chaplain Mike Brown is coordinating this event with new staff member Kevin Cook. More information including directions will be available, soon. Mark the date in your calendar.

NEW LANYARDS

The ministry has new polyester lanyards with IDs for our volunteers. All volunteers may keep them but are encouraged to bring them to events to control ministry expenses. We are grateful to Dr. Tommy & Naomi Sessums for this gift!

SCRIPTURE BOOKMARK

The ministry has two new resources for our volunteers, a Bible laminated bookmark with MINISTRY STANDARDS on one side and SECURITY GUIDELINES on the reverse side. Also new is the SCRIPTURES FOR SALVATION bookmark with important themes for teenagers on the reverse side. Volunteers may keep these valuable resources or purchase additional copies at cost.

NEW AFTERCARE SEMINAR

Don has created a new seminar Planning Adult & Juvenile Reentry. This dynamic Powerpoint incorporates the latest research and Don's personal travels to view over 200 aftercare programs in 25 states.

He presents model programs in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas. The seminar presents ideas on ex-offenders keeping jobs, accountability, learning styles, and experiencing community.

Elaborating on the ideas in his books: Keeping Ex-Offenders Free, Faith-Based Mentoring, and Lost & Found, Don gives practical examples of why some juvenile and adult ex-offenders succeed and why others fail.

This is an important presentation for correctional professionals, prison ministries, and churches that mentor and work with ex-offenders.

Don presented this seminar at the Texas Corrections Association Annual Conference in Galveston in June.

Please read OUTLINE, SOURCES, and MODELS.

FREE TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

As a public service to schools, community groups, PTAs, and churches, Don is offering an important and new Powerpoint seminars The Dangers of Technology. After an enthusiastic reception to this seminar in Pennsylvania, it became obvious that the information in this seminar is essential for parents and grandparents.

The seminar praises the benefits of computers and the Internet but informs parents and youth about dangers with Facebook, You Tube, My Space, The Internet Chat Rooms, and other technologies. The content is approriate for high school and middle school teens and elementary children, too.

Parents are amazed by their understandable ignorance of text abbreviations, public domain issues, and predators schemes. Common sense principles are presented for safe use of computers. Also, Don evaluates inappropriate video games and cell phone abuse.

A secular version for public schools in available. Biblical guidelines are available for churches. This seminar is offered free as a public service from Youth Direct to the community.

You will not be disappointed by this spirited and entertaining, yet informative seminar. To set up a seminar, use the feedback form on this web site. You will receive a timely and prompt response.

The Sexual Offender Dilemma
By Don Smarto © 2009

For thirty years, I have closely observed the restoration of criminal offenders. Christians in particular, embrace the power of God to change people who were criminals through the stages of remorse, repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness. People of faith believe all sins can be pardoned and (with the exception of doubting the Holy Spirit's ability to cause that change) they consider no sin is beyond God's mercy and grace.

Now, this is a theological exposition of Biblical truth, but I do not always observe this mercy in the hearts of all people when it comes to sexual offenders. As a society, America does not practice the old axiom: "Time served pays your debt to society". As a matter of fact, the punishment phase continues for sexual offenders after release in the form of banishment, heightened observation, prejudice, mapping, community alerts, and Internet postings.

click here to read more

BOOK WINS AWARD!

The Excellence in Media Award (Angel Award TM) was given to the book Mended by God; The Tony Pack Story. Accepting the 2009 Silver Angel honor was the book's author, Don Smarto.

This is the author's ninth book, and his first book to receive an Excellence in Media Award. The award is reviewed by an expert panel of judges representing The National Association of Broadcasters, American Women in Radio & Television, The Greater Los Angeles Press Club, and The National Association of Family & Community Education.

click here to read more

Bible Studies for Adult and Juvenile Prisoners
By Don Smarto

Bible studies in jails and juvenile facilities are important for discipleship and evangelism for the "almost persuaded". A new Christian needs direction, and a systematic course of study.

"Bible Study" sounds good but I have witnessed prisoners fascinated by the Book of Revelation yet combining the truths of that book with new age philosophy and the prophecy of Nostradamus. The imagery and metaphors are rich but Revelation should be reserved for Bible Study Grad School. Most prisoners were unchurched growing up and are biblically illiterate. They require the basics (Elementary Education) of the Gospel of John, for example. Read more....

In 2010, Lives Will Be Changed!
This year join our dedicated volunteers and impact troubled and lost youth with the power of the Gospel. Fill out the 2010 APPLICATION (on this web site) and check our SCHEDULE. We will provide training.

Want to see a Youth Direct program? Come to our March 6th event in Grand Prairie.

Strengthening Youth & Families Conference
In Austin in November, Don gave a presentation on Helping Youth with Mental illness in the Juvenile Justice System. An article from his presentation can be dowloaded from the web site. This is an important subject and one seen as a stigma and often met with denial. Please read this important article.

Youth Direct Performers
Allan Dee, Melvin Adams, Don Smarto, Brandon, Jacob Hope (L - R)

MENDED BY GOD
Don’s new book MENDED BY GOD is an inspirational story of a near fatal accident and the courage and faith his family demonstrated as they went through a roller coaster of emotions.

Mr. Tony Pack has donated the proceeds of the book to the work of Youth Direct with lost and troubled youth.

Press RESOURCES to obtain a copy using PayPal.

You will not be disappointed.

Visit the archives to learn more about this ministry.

See 2010 Schedule

The new schedule includes many opportunities for our faithful volunteers to join us in 2010. There are great blessings ahead!

Faith-Based Mentoring
This new book by Don Smarto is a practical manual for mentoring troubled and delinquent youth. The book has 51 separate subject headings with applications for adult mentors. The book is 265 pages.

Important features include supplemental training guides, a bibliography, and a profile of an incarcerated Texas youth.

As Don's eighth , it comes from his experiences having mentored 12 young men, each for one year and his observations from years of research and study of programs across America.

There are 1700 mentoring programs in America but few that have a biblical world-view. The author believes that a faith based approach leads to lasting change and suggests that the building of trust and relationships ( which take 1-5 years ) is preferred over short term measurement like reduction in truancy and better grades.

The book is priced at $12.95 each (+ $2.50 shipping and handling). Prison or Youth Ministries receive a discount for a box of twenty books.

ORDERS: Youth Direct
PO Box 764499
Dallas, Texas 75376

CHECKS PAYABLE TO AUTHOR

Order a copy online today!

Billy Graham

Billy Graham has said "Don knows that the answer to America's correctional crisis is by a change of heart in the offender's life. This has been his life's work."

Charles Colson

Charles Colson has endorsed several of Don's books. The founder of Prison Fellowship as called Don "one of America's experts working with incarcerated youth". Youth Direct is a proud member of Operation Starting Line (OSL).

Josh McDowell

Josh serves on the Youth Direct Advisory Board. Josh has said, "Don is an expert when it comes to working with delinquents. His ministry has set the standard for evangelism to youthful offenders."

Tony Campolo

Tony Campolo is on the Youth Direct Advisory Board. Dr. Campolo has said "Don understands that listening to youthful offenders is more important that preaching at them. That is why he has been successful in reaching so many."

 

WRITING SEMINARS

The new writing seminars for incarcerated youth are being received with enthusiasim. Seminars are scheduled for McFadden Ranch and San Saba. Don will read selected writings on his daily radio show Parenting Today’s Youth, 100.7 FM, at 8pm. Invite your friends to listen to our radio ministry.

Don Goes to Schools

Resources can be found on a new website about Don's special ministry to schools. If you are a teacher or administrator, take a few minutes to review the material at www.donsmartpresentations.org

Visit the archives to learn more about the ministry.

Parenting Today's Youth Radio Program
Listen to Parenting Today’s Youth on 100.7 FM (Dallas) Monday – Friday at 8 pm. Subjects include School Testing, Drug Abuse, Teen Depression, Choice of Friends, Competition, Discipline, and Boundaries. E Mail questions to donsmarto@gmail.com.

Order Family Secrets Today!

New-Family Secrets

320 Pages, Paperback

Click here for more information and to order.