DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS GGEGEGOGEOEROEROGORGRIGRAIGAGIAIAIA Page 1 News and Facts to Keep You Informed - February 2008 "Faster. Friendlier. Easier." Mission The Georgia Department of Corrections protects and serves the public as a professional organization by effectively managing offenders while helping to provide a safe and secure environment 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 part- ner in making Georgia a safer, healthier, better educated, growing and best managed state. GDC employee Lynette Fulford received a commendation from the Governor's Office of Customer service for Excellence in Customer Service. This commendation recognizes meritorious actions that enhance the public image of customer service or improve the way customer service is provided in Georgia. At the ceremony, Ms. Fulford received a commendation signed by the Governor as well as a group photo of the commendation recipients with Governor Perdue. A 19 year veteran of Corrections, Ms. Fulford is employed in the Food and Farm Division. She was nominated by her colleagues for going above and Lynette Fulford is congratulated by Katie Christopherson, Director of Continuous Improvement, Governor's Office of Customer Service and Assistant Commissioner Brian Owens. Fulford has been lauded by her peers for mentoring and leading the charge, going above and beyond. beyond the call of duty to support them and to keep the Food Distribution Unit going strong. Ms. Fulford's colleagues wanted to recognize her mentoring skills and her ability to keep the business running during shortages. In their words she is "a very valuable part of the Food and Farm Services Unit." FASTER, FRIENDLIER, EASIER The Governor's Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service nominees are selected on the basis of consistent high levels of performance and/or going above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their jobs while still accomplishing their normal job responsibilities. Nomination instructions, eligibility information and forms can be found on the Team Georgia website (team.georgia.gov) under the customer service tab. 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 The first graduating class of the new pilot program "Boot Camp Plus" was celebrated at Scott SP in Milledgeville on Jan. 30th 2007. Thirty- four inmates attained their certificate of completion. Milledge- ville Mayor Bentley and senior Corrections staff attended the event. Team Georgia. Ready to Serve. The Georgia Department of Corrections first began operating this pilot program in August of 2007. The inmates are referred to the program by the Pardons and Paroles Board. The length of the program is six months, consisting of four phases, each six weeks long. In addition to attending classes, morning and evening physical training, and two hours of drill, each participant receives a minimum of 17 hours of intensive therapeutic treatment per week. After reporting to their parole officers, they will continue after care treatment in their communities. "This is the first program of its kind in Georgia, combining the discipline of a military style boot camp with an intensive substance abuse treatment curriculum," said Corrections Commissioner James E. Donald. "We know that 97 percent of offenders in prison will return to the community, and programs like this will give these participants the tools they need to re-enter society and be successful." Continuation . . . Page 2 SPECIAL KUDOS News and Facts to Keep You Informed - February 2008 OOUURR GGDDCC EEMMPPLLOOYYEEEESS Georgia Department of Corrections is committed to its employees. As the centerpiece of our business we are privileged to "brag" on the good works of the men and women of corrections and the pride each employee takes in taking our the mission from "Good to Great,,," With that, we take each opportunity to say.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT! The 2007 GDC Annual Awards is our time to let those who `do the job' everyday identify the best of the best among their peers. Some of the categories include: The Georgia Department of Corrections, in collaboration with State Personnel Administration and Atlanta Technical College, recently kicked off college classes in Twin Towers for State employees in the Capitol area. Correctional Officer of the Year Probation Officer of the Year Facility of the Year Volunteer of the Year Corporate Sponsor of the Year Faith Based Contributor of the Year The first class began January 8, 2008 with opening remarks by GDC Commissioner James E. Donald followed by an orientation session led by Atlanta Technical College and other service agencies critical to success of the program (GDC, SPA, Georgia Building Authority, Nomination forms and criteria outlines may be obtained through human resources by contacting Brian Nabors at 404.656.0390 or via email, naborb00@dcor.state.ga.us. Deadline for submissions: Feb 29, 2008. Capitol Police and Allied Barton Contract Security). Classes began with two groups pursuing the same degree objective, the Associate of Applied Science in Business and Administrative Office Technology. One class, with 21 students enrolled, meets three Commissioner: James E. Donald nights per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This group is expected to complete the Associate Degree by December, 2009. The other class, with 12 students, meets one to two nights per week on Public Affairs Director: Mondays and some Fridays. Completion of the degree will be based upon the Susan Phillips Managing Editor: Tracy J. Smith Photographers/contributors: Paul Czachowski Mallie McCord Tracy J. Smith number of classes completed each quarter by the students. LEADING CHANGE, OUR VISION The student population is representative of five State agencies including the Georgia Depart- ment of Corrections, State Personnel Administration, Community Health, Education, and Hu- man Resources. Students from these agencies have worked with GDC and Atlanta Technical College to attain college admission and financial aid assistance since Summer, 2007. Almost all of the participating students have received HOPE grants to help pay tuition, fees and book expenses. Please direct comments or ques- The Georgia Department of Corrections has imple- tions to: Georgia Department of Corrections mented a statewide Education Initiative to promote career development with opportunities for department Office of Public Affairs 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. employees to attain the associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees. Commissioner Donald's support of East Tower, Suite 864 the Governor's vision for making Georgia the best Atlanta, Georgia 30334 educated and best managed state has led to an in- Phone: 404-656-9772 Fax: 404-656-6434 Email: clusive educational approach that has opened GDCinitiated college partnerships to other agencies. This move has created a "Win Win" position for all con- GDCinfo@dcor.state.ga.us cerned. www.dcor.state.ga.us