The participating students will experience the stress and aloneness that comes from irreversible decisions and behaviors as they stay overnight at a retreat locked away from the rest of the world. The program continues Tuesday morning at a school assembly where the student class watch as the families and the community cope with the results of this life-changing event.

This year the Directors have added a public assembly to the program. Tuesday evening, March 9 at 7 p.m. the program will be presented to the general public. There is no admission for attendance and everyone is invited to the Tomball High School stadium to see first-hand the impact this program has on young adults.

When asked why they decided to do this, Shattered Lives Program directors and coordinators agree, stating “Because every fifteen minutes someone dies in an alcohol related accident, and because changing the attitude of even one child and saving a life is better than not doing anything.”

Shattered Lives of Tomball, Inc. developed its program from Montgomery County’s example. Shattered Lives of Tomball is intended to teach high school juniors and seniors the consequences of making bad decisions. This true-to-life program is aimed at helping the student make better life decisions and choices, especially when peer pressure is involved. It has been geared toward drinking and driving, but also teaches that all decisions and actions have consequences.

Students are exposed to how final some of those consequences can be. The program is supported and choreographed with the help of emergency responders in the community: police, fire, EMS, PHI Air Medical, hospital, funeral home, judge, school officials, counselors and volunteers. It is entirely coordinated by volunteers from the community coming together with one goal: to educate young people.

This is the fifth program of Shattered Lives in Tomball schools and the third one for Tomball High School. Statistics from the Tomball Police Department show that DWIs, DUIs and DUIDs have decreased since the first program in 2006 was presented. Donations are needed in order to be able to present the program, which is supported through funds and support from the entire community in order for it to be a powerful message to our youth.

The Shattered Lives of Tomball, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, contact Rebecca Carlisle at 281-351-5451 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Donations can be made on-line at www.shatteredlives-tomball.org. Receipts are printable with each donation.

Donations by check should be made payable to Shattered Lives and hand delivered or mailed to Shattered Lives of Tomball, Inc. c/o Tomball Police Department, 400 Fannin St., Tomball, TX 77375. A follow-up receipt will be mailed.

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