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.

CHICAGO REPORT
This was the seventh year Youth Direct shared the Gospel in Chicago area juvenile prisons. The Lord blessed our efforts and guided us through storms. Once in Chicago, we were the guests of Awana International in Streamwood with clean and comfortable rooms. We then criss-crossed the Chicago area traveling 530 miles in 5 days. Click here to read the full report.

DENVER REPORT
After five exciting days in Chicago area juvenile prisons, with 7 hours at home, I went directly to Denver to go into three facilities as part of the Operation Starting Line outreach. OSL is a collaboration of over 25 ministries working together to bring the Gospel to prisoners across America. Since 2001, Youth Direct has been a full collaborator conducting events in 62 juvenile facilities in 9 states. The ministry was in Colorado in 2005. Click here to read the full report.

Blessings at Youth Village
51 volunteers shared with 86 boys at the Dallas Youth Village August 16th. A new vocal group GRACE did a wonderul job getting spirits up.

As always, Alan Ward mesmerized the youth with his illusions, and new performer Jacob Hope was outstanding with his great percussion skills.

Many boys accepted Christ as Savior!

Crockett

Over 55 volunteers attended an event at Crockett State School in November. The superintendent and chaplain joined us for a group photo.

Jacob Hope, Brillant Drummer, Joins Ministry
Jacob, known as J-DOG to youth, recently played on programs in Oklahoma in June and the Dallas Youth Village in August.

The youth were mesmerized by his skills from Stomp Style on pots & pans to a Buddy Rich style solo on his elaborate drum set.

He will play at Crocket and is a welcome addition to our very talented performers. Come hear him in person!

Melvin Adams to Perform
Melvin Adams captured the attention of the youth at Crockett State School recently.

Melvin's combination of humor and basketball skills are always a hit with youth.

Over 55 volunteers joined performers Brandon (Hip Hop Artist), Jacob Hope (Drummer), Alan Dee (Illusionist), and Don Smarto (sharing his family story).

The hospitality was great as the superintendent served a lavish meal of grilled chicken, brisket, and sausage to the volunteers.

Although several units went into lockdown, many seeds were planted.

In December, a program will be presented at McFadden Ranch for 55 boys.

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 2008/2009 Schedule

The new schedule includes many opportunities for our faithful volunteers to join us in 2009. There are great blessings ahead!

Don Appointed Chairman
Don was recently appointed Chairman of the Operation Starting Line Outreach Committee.

The committee will recommend evangelism strategies for reaching juveniles, women inmates, minority offenders, and families. Composed of prison ministry leaders from across the country, the committee meets by phone conference each month. OSL is a collaboration of over 20 national ministries including Prison Fellowship, Navigators, International Bible Society, The Billy Graham Organization, and Campus Crusade.

Youth Direct is a proud member of Operation Starting Line. For more information about OSL go to the Prison Fellowship web site.

The recent photo was taken at the Washington DC meeting in October with Mark Early (President of PF) presiding. Don is in the second row (fourth from the left).

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."

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.