Impact Georgia, Dec. 2006

Page 1

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

"Faster. Friendlier. Easier."
Mission

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - December 2006
H I istory n

The Georgia Department

of Corrections protects

and serves the public as

a professional organiza-

tion by effectively manag-

ing offenders while help-

ing to provide a safe and

secure environment for

the citizens of Georgia.

Vision

Corrections and the Rome Judicial Circuit hosted the first Change of Responsibility Ceremony in

The Georgia Department Probation Operations at Floyd County Courthouse in honor of the appointment of new Chief

of Corrections is the best Probation Officer Chad Dabbs.

corrections system

Among the special guests who attended the ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3, were the Honorable

in the nation at protecting

Walter J. Mathews, Chief Judge and the Honorable Robert G. Walther, Senior Judge,

Ceremony first of its kind as the citizens from con-
victed offenders and at providing effective oppor-
tunities for offenders to achieve positive change. We are a leader and partner in making Georgia a

both of the Rome Judicial Circuit. "This ceremony is not only a validation of the commitment of our employees, our
future corrections leadership, to put forth their best in serving the citizens of our state, but a reinforcement of the relationships we continue to value with our judicial partners," commented Brian Owens.
new probation chief is sworn in. GDC Assistant Commissioner.

safer, healthier, better educated, growing and
best managed state.

In the spirit of service to community the Change of Responsibility ceremonies will be conducted as our probation staff unflinchingly pledge dedication to the mission of GDC.
The next ceremony will be held at the Fulton County Courthouse and is scheduled for Friday,

December 8, at nine o'clock to celebrate Ronnie Thompson as Chief Probation Officer for the

Atlanta Midtown Probation Office.

Core Goal A Safer, Healthier, Better Educated Growing, and Best Managed Georgia
Core Organizational
Principles
Value Based: Stewards of the Public
Trust
Embrace Change: Change, Transformation is
inevitable
Business Acumen: Better Business Practice
A Learning Organization: People are the Centerpiece

Silent Auctions, Blue Jean Wednesdays, "Yard" Sales and Chili Cook-offs are just some of the opportunities corrections employees have had to Pay It Forward! Georgia's 2007 Charitable Contributions Program campaign puts the department in the forefront as leadership waves the banner to reach out beyond the holiday season.
Last year Department of Corrections employees were honored with the prestigious Governor's Award for "Largest Increase in Contributions." There is no turning back now.
The greatest reward we can make to our fellow citizens is through our contributions. Achievable by following three simple steps:
1) Make a difference in a person's life by making a donation; 2) Ensure that every staff member has been informed and asked to contribute; 3) Seek to meet, (and exceed) last year's goal of $70,186.
Educating the GDC team on how their donations are put to work for our Peach State neighbors has been an added incentive to willingly donate. Full disclosure of total campaign contributions available January 2007.
A commitment of Sharing!

Continuation . . .

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SPECIAL KUDOS
Faith & Character Applauded
GDC found a unique opportunity to present the successes of its Faith and Character Based initiatives. Chaplaincy and Risk Reduction Services staffs hosted Steve McFarland, Director of the Task Force for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives with the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, at Hays State Prison and Macon State Prison on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and Wednesday, Nov. 29.
Director McFarland praised GDC for being leaders in battling recidivism. Through email correspondence McFarland acknowledged the cohesiveness of the Georgia Corrections environment.
"I sensed a unity of purpose and teamwork up and down the chain of command at both facilities. (These are) outstanding FBC programs with obvious support from top management," wrote McFarland.
Note: Read the entire letter! It is included in your information packet.
Visit our website at www.dcor.state.ga.us
Commissioner: James E. Donald
Public Affairs Director:
Yolanda E. Thompson
Managing Editor:
Tracy J. Smith
Photographers/contributors:
Paul Czachowski Mallie McCord Tracy J. Smith
Please direct comments or questions to:
Office of Public Affairs 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. East Tower, Suite 864 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Phone: 404-656-9772 Fax: 404-656-6434 Email: GDCinfo@dcor.state.ga.us

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - December 2006

"CChhoooosseeFFrereeeddoommC"aCmapmapiganig"nSSteteppssUUpp" Outreach through Community Partnerships
The "Make the Right Choice, Choose Freedom" campaign was featured during the Student-To-Student Youth Ministry celebration Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Church of the Apostles. GDC's Atlanta Transitional Center Choir led the one-hour worship celebration and shared testimonials with a congregation of youth and their parents.
"This is an exciting celebration of faith, family and community, and we are grateful for the support of Dr. (Michael) Youssef and his church family," said Corrections Commissioner James E. Donald. "The youth ministry celebration provides an opportunity for inspiration and promotes the "Choose Freedom" campaign's goal of involving offenders who are working to re-enter the community to give back to society by mentoring young people and encouraging youth to make right choices and by educating them about bad choices that lead to incarceration."
"The "Choose Freedom" events and special worship celebrations involve students who are in grades 7-12 in local . schools, churches and potential at-risk classifications punctuating the principles of faith and freedom in the church's youth ministry. (Above flyer included with your information packet)

GDC's Calendar for December 2006

Dec 5 - 2PM

Dec 15 - 10AM (two events)

* Choose Freedom Presentation - Kendrick Middle Valdosta and Hays State Prison Family Day. Em-

School, Clayton County

bracing the holidays by celebrating FCB Program

success!

Dec 6 - 6PM

Choose Freedom/Holiday Concert - Northminster Dec 16 - 10AM

Presbyterian Church; Atlanta Journal Constitution HeartBound Ministries at Al Burruss CTC; confirmed

to cover this outreach partnership

media coverage of this faith-based volunteerism -

team of volunteers will prepare 13K gift bags for

Dec 7 - 8AM

inmates

Employee Quarterly Awards -Central Office

Dec 16 - 10AM

Dec 7 - 10AM GDC Board Meeting - Central Office

Choose Freedom/Holiday Concert at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church - Atlanta TC Choir invited to sing, church will provide gifts for inmates' children;

Dec 8 - 9AM

AJC to cover this outreach partnership

Probation Change of Responsibility Ceremony Atlanta Superior Court
Dec 12 - 2PM
* Choose Freedom - Point South Middle School,
Clayton County

Dec 19 - 2PM
* Choose Freedom - Mundy's Mill Middle School,
Clayton County
*Judge Steven Teske, Clayton County Superior Court,
requests the Atlanta TC to take "Choose Freedom" Outreach team to these schools.
A commitment tYo tohueth of Georgia