 “These men and women give their time not for monetary reward,” said
Brad Livingston, TDCJ Executive Director. “They volunteer because they have a personal passion in seeing
others succeed. We are grateful for their selfless dedication.”
On Thursday, April 17, 2014, 21 Criminal Justice volunteers were recognized for their efforts in serving the TDCJ and the State of Texas during 2013.
Read more about the recipients...
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Emmett Webster Solomon, Jr., former TDCJ Director of Chaplaincy and the Founder and Executive Director of Restorative Justice Ministries Network went to be with the Lord on April 22, 2014 at the age
of 78.
In 1985, Emmett became the second Director of Chaplaincy after serving the agency for more than 20 years as a unit chaplain. After retirement he served for 20 years as Founder and Executive Director of
the RJMN comprised of people who do ministry
with prisoners, prisoner families, victims of crime and Criminal Justice
Professionals. RJMN also sponsored 14 statewide Restorative Justice Ministry
Conferences and dozens of regional conferences. During the last 8 years, RJMN
has focused on the needs of the returning citizens who were being released from
prison.
There are many ex-offenders, unit chaplains and volunteers who were personally mentored by Emmett. He will be missed by us all but his legacy, Restorative Justice Ministries Network will continue on as a leading ministry for the Texas prison system.
 You are invited on May 14, 2014 to a very special event hosted by the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, Texas called, "Hope for America from a Hopeless Place." This event will cover a broad number of topics related to the idea of "Restorative Justice," which affects all Texas communities. The featured speakers are Jim Liske, CEO of Prison Fellowship and Don Waybright, Pastor of Love & Lead Ministry at Sugar Creek Baptist Church.
Statistics show 8 out of 10 people who actively participate in the faith community are directly affected by the various topics used to describe restorative justice. Topics such as human trafficking, bridge churches, victim care and reconciliation, healing of broken families, juvenile prevention, and re-entry challenges for male and female offenders. To participate in this valuable workshop you are asked to pre-register at cbshouston.edu.
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Truth Be Told is a nonprofit service organization, headquartered in Austin TX that provides transformational tools of Community building, Communication skills, Creativity and self-Care for women behind and beyond bars. The programs provide for personal and spiritual growth and healing from past trauma through truth telling in safe communities. In Talk to Me Classes, students develop skills in writing, public speaking or performance arts, depending on which classes they choose. Volunteers encourage the offenders to have a deeper sense of responsibility, face the reality of what brought them to prison, and embrace the hope of their future to build better lives and safe communities. The programs are primarily volunteer facilitated by women who use various forms of recovery, empathy, and the ability to use the 4 Cs in their own lives. To learn more about how you can become involved, please email the Programs Director, Carol Waid or call (512)292-6200.
Visit the TRUTH BE TOLD website to watch a 5 minute video
On April 7, 2014, Golden Eagle Ministries Texas
and the TDCJ collaborated in the first ever Native American Camp Tour at the
Michael Unit. This was the first of 10
unit tours that will be accomplished this year. The day consisted of Prayer,
Traditional Music, Wisdom from the Elders, Ceremony, Cultural Education, and
sharing of a Noon Meal.
Volunteers came from Mississippi,
Louisiana, and West Texas.
Chief Warhorse of the Tchufuncta Nation Chahta Tribe was the guest speaker.
Jorie & Christie West of the NAMMY award winning music duo Sayani, performed
throughout the day, as well as other volunteers who played traditional flute and
drum music.
The vision of the “Native American
Camp Tour” is to partner with the TDCJ in bringing Tradition, Cultural Education,
Healing and Spirituality to Native American offenders. The Camp
Tours are an opportunity
for volunteers to be of service and share their wisdom, experiences &
Creator’s love with offenders searching for a better way of life.
To find out if there is a Camp Tour
in your area with volunteer opportunities contact Golden Eagle Ministries at
325-668-2563.
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Offenders assigned to the faith based dorm at the Segovia Unit closely relate to the words stated by President Barack Obama at the 63rd Annual National Day of Prayer,
"forgiveness and reconciliation will be sought through prayer." These dorms offer support and accountability, along with a faith based
curriculum and mentoring program. The programming is conducted by local
faith based community volunteers whose activities are directed by the unit
chaplain and unit administration. Faith based dorms are open to offenders of all
faiths or of no faith. Forgiveness and reconciliation are common topics covered in most every faith based dorm curriculum. If you wish to learn more about how you can become involved in the faith based dorm program contact a unit chaplain or Chaplaincy Headquarters at 936-437-3030. (pictured below is the Segovia Unit staff and volunteers in observance of National Day of Prayer)
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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.
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