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