Over the weekend, nearly 3500 people along with volunteers from area churches, law enforcement agencies, school districts, and organizations took part in the first annual Decision House Fall Festival.  The event, which was sponsored by Citizens in Support of the CCPD Police Foundation, Corpus Christi Caller Times and the Scripps Howard Foundation, and the Faith Based Services Coalition, offered people of all ages live music, games, and food.

The most popular part of the festival featured a walk through drama called, “Decision House.”  Volunteer actors profiled two teenaged boys whose decisions have devastating results, which not only gravely impact them, but their families, friends and many others.

On Friday 494 people toured Decision House , on Saturday the number increased to 826. Decision House included four scenes.  The first, a videotape featuring actors from the Police Department’s Explorer Post#133, which set up the scenario, the second, a wreck scene featuring several Corpus Christi Police Officers, the third scene, a death notification scene, and the fourth, a courtroom scene which featured several members of the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, including District Attorney Mark Skurka and City of Corpus Christi Municipal Court Judge Maria Flores.

Before participants left the tour, they heard testimonials from three local men, who told tour groups how their bad decisions sent them to prison for many years, how difficult it has been being accepted again by family and friends and the public, gaining employment and what changes they have made to lead a more positive life.

Many participants also took advantage of an area called “Crossroads” where clergy of all faiths and professional counselors offered assistance requested by participants, from prayer to just listening.

The first annual Decision House Fall Festival was a wonderful example of how volunteers from different faiths, organizations, school districts, and area law enforcement agencies, can work together to provide a meaningful event for the enjoyment of all ages.

For more information on Decision House please visit their Facebook page.