TDCJ Volunteer Services Newsletter March 2014

Texas Department of Criminal Justice Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services Newsletter March 2014


19th Annual Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Services Awards Ceremony

vol pin

On Thursday April 17, 2014, twenty-one Criminal Justice Volunteers will be recognized for their efforts in serving the State of Texas during 2013.

Read more about last year's award recipients...


Volunteers Needed for Offenders with Mental Illnesses and Developmental Disabilities

Volunteers are needed in the Richmond and Gatesville  TDCJ Correctional Facilities specifically Jester IV and Crain Unit Valley Satellite to help facilitate programs for offenders, such as arts & crafts, garden therapy, music therapy, and others.  For more information contact Volunteer Services.  


SHSU Students Get Involved in Volunteer Activities

SHSU

In support of Sam Houston State University's mission and motto, "The measure of a life is it's service," the university's Center for Leadership and Service present opportunities through the TDCJ Volunteer Services as an avenue for students to become involved in their community.

The mission of the Center for Leadership and Service is to provide students with, structured educational training opportunities that expose them to the concepts of leadership theories, skills, and applications that promote community service as an integral aspect of education.

There are a number of ways for students to volunteer in the TDCJ.  TDCJ Volunteer Services recently participated in the SHSU Volunteer Opportunities Fair and was able to visit with students interested in becoming involved.  Opportunities offered to student volunteers include volleyball or softball with offenders through the University Heights Baptist Church Sports Reach Ministry, programs such as A Day with Dad, Re-entry, Literacy and volunteer opportunities at the Hospitality House in Huntsville, Texas.  For additional information visit the Center for Leadership and Service website.

 


How to Ensure You Receive Unit Specific Information

Email Updates

During the month of March, Volunteer Services notified more than 1100 volunteers that the facilities they actively volunteer at were on lockdown status.  The email further directed them to contact the unit administration prior to their next visit to ensure the unit has resumed volunteer activities. 

Our goal is to notify all volunteers of this type of information and other unit specific information.  To ensure you are notified we encourage you to do YOUR PART in assisting us.

  • Go to the TDCJ Volunteer Services Webpage at http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/divisions/rpd/rpd_volunteer.html
  • Enter your email in the Email Updates Box (pictured above)
  • Click on Subscriber Preferences
  • Click on the tab labeled Questions  answer the various questions such as the region of Texas where you reside and the unit or units you actively volunteer.