Impact Georgia, Nov. 2007

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

GEORGIA CUSTOMER SERVICE
"Faster. Friendlier. Easier."
Mission
The Georgia Department of Corrections protects and
serves the public as a professional organization by effec-
tively managing offenders while helping to provide a safe and secure en-
vironment for the citizens of Georgia.
Vision
The Georgia Department of Corrections is the best corrections system
in the nation at protecting the citizens from convicted offenders and at providing effective opportunities for offenders to
achieve positive change. We are a
leader and partner in making Georgia a safer, healthier, better educated,
growing and best managed state.

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - November 2007
ALUTING

UR

ETERANS

Sgt. Philip Dodson -148th BCT
Corrections Officer Forsyth, Ga.
(Left) His Wife and daughter receiving an award in his memory during the 2006 GDC Employee Ceremony

An open letter to the Service Men and Women dedicated to keeping Georgia Safe!

SFC Victor Anderson - 48th BCT Deputy Sheriff Americus, Ga.

CORE GOALS
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
of our Organization

Spc. Cody R. White - 48th IBCT GDC Corrections Officer, Tactical Squad (Americus, Ga.) & Infantryman, C Co. 2/121
Sept. 2007 Joint Training Mission Dartmoor, England

Col. (Ret.) Tom Sittnick--U. S. Army GDC Corrections Executive
(With George Smith & Sarah Drapper celebrate his retirement.)
Col. Sittnick's wife currently serves as a commander in Afghanistan

Sgt. Kenaz Evans - 48th IBCT Corrections Officer, Dept. of Juvenile Justice (Columbus, Ga.) & Team Leader, C Co. 2/121
Sept. 2007 Joint Training Mission Dartmoor, England
Maj. (Ret.) "Tom" Salter - U. S. Army Georgia Attorney & GDC Board Member

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Page 2

Georgia's DOC ON THE FAST TRACK

Highlights from the CPT5 board meeting this

Bainbridge Probation

month focused on steps

S.A.T. Center and

to improve the pool of

Calhoun State Prison

potential employers.

celebrated the addition

Pat Lehn, with Risk Re-

Of a combined 380

ductions Services, ex-

plus beds as part of the

Governor's initiative to convert non-enduring

Rep. Gene Maddox addresses well-wishers applauding the

Prison facilities into opening of the new dorms at

plained that vocational and technical training of inmates while incarcerated

Effective prison space. the Bainbridge PSATC.

the timetable for Truck

is the backbone for success. She also outlined Driving/CDL license training at our Pre-release

"The Fast Track Units" opening across the

centers. Douglas County Sheriff Phillip Miller has donated a confiscated eighteen-

state will have a combined cost savings of

wheeler to rotate throughout the 7 pre-release centers for CDL training. The pro-

$2.11 million. Giving relief to county jails be- jected start up date is Jan. of 2008.

ing used to house state inmates. Eighty percent of incoming inmates self-report drug or alcohol abuse. With methamphetamine driving prison growth by nearly 300 inmates per month. The enhanced drug/alcohol treatment facilities gives DOC another weapon in it's arsenal to reduce chronic recidivism of drug

Other highlights included Debra Lyons, with the Governors Office of Workforce Development. She introduced a web site, www.gaready.org, which can be accessed for testing dates and locations. The objective is to target groups of available work forces with employers throughout the state. "The two most important things to offenders returning to society are obtaining meaningful work and suitable housing" said Commissioner Donald, "our goal is to

related crimes, which also reduces demand on reduce the amount of offenders returning to the system, therefore reducing crime".

prison facilities.

A commitment of Sharing!

Silent Auctions, Blue Jean Wednesdays, "Yard" Sales and Baby

Face match-up games and Costume Contests are just some of

the opportunities Correction's employees have had to Pay It

Forward! Georgia's 2008 Charitable Contributions Program cam

paign puts the department in the forefront as leadership waves the

banner to reach out beyond the holiday season.

Department of Corrections employees have been honored with the

prestigious Governor's Award for "Largest Increase in Contributions"

and applauded for the creative sprit with which they pursue the oppor-

tuhnity to give a little to help a great deal!

Ain't No Stopping Us 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

Yulanda Wells, (facing) 2008 CCC coordinator and HR Assistant, helps a shopper with a find at the GDC CCC Yard Sale. Below a shopper browses the board room `aisles' for special Christmas gifts at the Book Sale. "We all want to doe our part to help our neighbors," Wells stated.

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 con-

tributions available January 2008.
GDC employees paid into a `cauldron' for an opportunity to compete in several categories of a costume contest. One of several opportunities during the agency's fundraising efforts for 2008 CCC.

Page 3
Visit our website at www.dcor.state.ga.us

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - November 2007

Story Reprinted by permission of The Deaf Prison Ministries Network
Scott DeLoach, Executive Director & David Luxner, Programs Director

Last month during the Deaf Prison Ministries Network conference in Virginia, Warden Alexis Chase, who was

one of our keynote speakers, invited Scott DeLoach, our Executive Director, to come and visit her prison.

Warden Chase is in charge of the Men's State Prison in Hardwick, Georgia where all the Deaf inmates in the

State of Georgia are incarcerated. On October 1, 2007, Scott DeLoach had the opportunity to go and meet

the 12 Deaf men at the Men's State Prison.

The purpose of the meeting was to intro-

duce Deaf Prison Ministries Network to the

Deaf inmates there and tell them about our

aftercare facility, Healing Hands Ranch.

When Scott arrived at the prison Warden

Chase had a special treat for all the Deaf

inmates. Food was brought in from outside

and a cake was served. The cake read "God

& DPMN Loves you all!" It was a special

time for the Deaf inmates to eat and fel-

lowship. Scott shared with the Deaf men

about the Deaf Prison Ministries Network

and Healing Hands Ranch. The Deaf inmates were very appreciative of Warden Chase and Deaf Prison Ministries Network

Scott DeLoach (plaid shirt) with the Deaf inmates at Men's State Prison in Georgia. Mike Gahan (blue shirt) is the Deaf pastor who regularly visits the Deaf in prison. (Photo courtesy of DPMN)

for caring about them. Our meeting ended

all too soon when it was time for the

Deaf inmates to return to their cell

blocks. It was a moment that the

Deaf inmates at the Men's State

Prison will never forget.

Thank you Warden Chase for arrang-

ing this special meeting and thank

you Mike Gahan, Nathan Crowe and

Ron Lozinski for your sacrifice of time

to regularly meet with the Deaf in-

mates in Georgia to show them that

God truly does love them!

CELEBRATING OUR FAITH BASED PARTNERS! The 2007 Deaf Prison Ministries
Network Convention featured
speakers from around the world! From South Korea Dr. Joo Kang spoke of his

Warden Alexis Chase, Ph.D. address participants of the 2007 Deaf Prison Ministries
Convention in Virginia.

outreach program for deaf inmates in foreign countries. Speaking on the needs

of Georgia's prison system was keynote speaker Warden Alexis Chase, Ph. D.. Warden Chase is the warden for

the Men's State Prison in Hardwick, Georgia. This prison houses all of the disabled and elderly male prisoners

for the State of Georgia. There are 12 deaf men at this prison. Warden Chase helped us understand better how

the prison system sees their inmates and why they do the things that they do. Warden Chase has a big desire

for the Deaf in her prison to know the Lord and be on "Life Row" with Christ.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Page 4

HEALTH AND FITNESS FOCUS

SPECIAL KUDOS
Being healthy lends to productivity and the DOC continues to make information available to all its employees, and our partner agencies, on the benefits of diet, exercise and preventative care. Claire Pate, Project Director and a health and wellness coordinator for GDC was one of the folks responsible for coordinating this year's health fair and the pre-season flu shots. "Our goal as an agency is to make all the healthy alternatives available to each employee," Pate stated. "An employee content with his, or her, well-being will be more productive and pro-active on the job."

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - November 2007
ColumbusGEORGIA GEORGIA ON THE MOVE GGEGEOEORORGRGIGAIAIA Governor "Sonny" Perdue has asked agency heads to broaden opportunities to move state government outside Atlanta for a few days. The idea is to provide a unique occasion for Georgians and communities to access top state agency leaders and key staffs. Hopefully this access will benefit our citizens in many ways: clearer understanding of state services; opportunities to
provide input directly to state officials; and opportunities to ask questions about various programs. We envision that this process will help bridge the gap between Atlanta and the rest of the state. Community involvement and partnerships will drive our efforts to continue leading change and expanding how we use "best practices" to be the best managed state in the nation.
We welcome your participation, and look forward to seeing you!

NOVEMBER 6 - 8, 2007

Mike, a GBA USPS employee takes advantage of the pre-season flu shots offered through Georgia's DOC. (photo by Tracy J. Smith)
Visit our website at www.dcor.state.ga.us
Commissioner: James E. Donald
Public Affairs Director (acting): Susan Phillips
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

Tuesday, November 6

10:00AM - 2:00 PM

9:00AM - 11:00AM

Tours of Correctional Facilities

Make the Right Choice, Choose Freedom

Rutledge State Prison - 7175 Manor Road.

Multi-agency team conducts motivational presenta-

Public is invited

9:00AM - 11:00AM Make the Right Choice, Choose Freedom
Public is invited

tion at a local area middle schools to educate

youth on the consequences that come with making 1:00PM - 4:00 PM

bad decisions.

Governor's Commission on Mental Health

Public is invited

Services Delivery Meeting

The Foundry, Columbus Convention and Trade

10:00AM - 2:00PM

Center, 801 Front Avenue. Customer Service

Georgia Department of Corrections Career &

extends to our citizens with special needs. This

Recruiting Booth

meeting encourages your feedback on how to

Student Center, Columbus State

modernize and provide adequate health care

10:00AM - 11:30AM Board of Corrections Meeting
Room 205, Columbus Convention and Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue. An opportunity for interested citizens to attend the Department of Correction's monthly Board of Corrections meeting.
Public is invited

University, 4225 University Avenue. Personnel will be available to provide information on career fields and opportunities within the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Public is invited

and substance abuse rehabilitative services. Public is invited
Note: Following the open meeting, the Governor's Commission travels to

10:00AM - 2:00 PM Tour & Demonstration Rutledge State Prison - 7175 Manor Road.
An opportunity for interested citizens to visit and take a limited tour of the

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Rutledge State Prison for tour/presentation.

Education Symposium

Columbus State University, 4225 University Ave- 7:00PM - 9:00PM

nue. Opportunity for partnering community educa- Town Hall Meeting & Agency Displays

tional institutes with State Law Enforcement Agen- The Foundry, Columbus Convention and Trade

cies in providing continuing adult education pro-

Center, 801 Front Avenue.

Rutledge State Prison facility. The event will conclude with capabilities demonstrations by the Department of Correction's Special Operations K-9 Teams and Tactical Squads.
Public is invited

grams.

Public is invited

Public is invited

2:00PM "Georgia On the Move" -

Wednesday, Nov. 7

Thursday, Nov. 8

Columbus adjourns
"Together, we can build a new Georgia

9:00AM - 11:00am Make the Right Choice, Choose Freedom
Public is invited

8:00AM - 10:00AM Inter-Faith Breakfast & Faith & Characterbased Re-entry Roundtable Forum

the educated, healthy, safe and growing Georgia that we all desire."

8:00AM - 9:30AM

The Foundry, Columbus Convention and Trade

"Georgia On the Move - Columbus" Kick-Off

Center, 801 Front Avenue. The breakfast and

Event Columbus Convention and Trade

Roundtable Forum will provide an opportunity for open dialogue and discussion by community

Governor

"By Invitation Only"

clergy and public officials about current and

future faith and character based re-entry initia-

10:00AM11:30AM

tives and partnerships.

Board of Public Safety Meeting Room 205, Columbus Convention and Trade Center

"By Invitation Only"

Improving Customer Service Faster

Public is invited

Friendlier

Easier