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 . . . Page 2 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