Rockwall, TX (March 7, 2025) – One Heart Project announces the completion of its first cohort of justice-involved youth in Rockwall County. One Heart Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that equips justice-involved and at-risk youth with the skills, tools, and healthy relationships they need to navigate life successfully.
One Heart Project staff, youth participants, their families, and Rockwall County juvenile justice staff were present on Feb. 25 to celebrate the graduation of the seven justice-involved male youth referred to the program by Rockwall County Juvenile Services. The program began in October and is designed to reduce recidivism and promote better outlooks and behaviors.
Welcoming small groups of 6 to 12 youth, One Heart Project prioritizes skill and relationship development. Participants are guided by a trained Youth Development Specialist, who also provides case management. A support network is crucial, and the Youth Development Specialist builds relationships with family members and probation officers.
Notably, all seven participants who began the program completed it. One young man, who had satisfied the terms of his probation while the cohort was still in session, chose to continue attending meetings. One Heart Project staff are encouraged by this testament to the program’s effectiveness.
Family members praised the program and Youth Development Specialist Taylor Kusch. One reported that the program had fostered her grandson’s improvement: “He is more interested in his personal best and takes the initiative to show more care. He has definitely improved. And he thinks the world of [Mr. Kusch].”
“One Heart Project is incredibly grateful to Rockwall County Juvenile Services for their partnership and commitment,” said Brandon Manley, National Program Director for One Heart Project. “They are a dream partner agency, and our pilot cohort was a tremendous success—exactly the impact we desire to achieve.”
This program was made possible by a generous grant from the Texas Bar Foundation, which responded to One Heart Project’s plans in the area last spring and was instrumental in launching similar programming in Nueces County.
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 charitably funded bar foundation.
Press release submitted by Alyssa Pinnell, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.
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