Impact Georgia, Jan. 2008

Reaching our youth through song. Freedom taught through Faith and
Experience
ATC CHOIR ON THE FLIPSIDE!

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

See it on page 2
GEORGIA CUSTOMER SERVICE "Faster. Friendlier. Easier."
Mission
The Georgia Department of Corrections protects and serves the public as a professional organiza-
tion 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 partner in making Georgia a safer, healthier, better educated, growing and
best managed state.

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - January 2008
SERVING VEGANS: GDC takes fourth place honors on PETA's top ten list. Committed to applying the "GOOD TO GREAT" philosophy to eating . The follow-through to carry out the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2001 was uncomplicated. Religious freedom extended to meals. Whether Jewish, Muslim, Rastafarian or the desire to abstain from meat and meat products; the GDC Alternative Entre Program implemented eleven months ago has proven worthy of accolades from the members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Founded in 1980 the 1.8 million supporters of the organization comprise the largest, most recognized animal rights organization in the world. Although the cost of the alternative meal program is slightly higher Food Services Director, Norman Wilson, in a recent interview stated optimism on the menu options long-term effects. "Certainly, positive effects on overall inmate health care can be anticipated, long term." said Wilson. "It's too early to determine any significant healthcare benefits."
"Whenever you see convicted criminals turning away from an animal based diet, it's a good sign," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. "We commend Georgia for helping to protect inmates' health and deeply held beliefs." PETA wants every state to mandate vegetarian options for prisoners, just as the Federal prison system does.
Georgia is also nationally known for its efficient Food and Farm operations, with the ability to raise and grow enough food to feed an inmate three meals a day for under $3 dollars.

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:

ood reat
There was not a moment, in 2007, when the new edict was not able to be applied. Good to Great meant managing the business of corrections to benefit the citizens of the state.
There was no hesitation in assisting with clean-up efforts after the destruction of one of the worst hurricanes seen in Georgia history in Americus.
South Georgia reached out to Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Services team to help fight "the Monster" and 25 rake and fire crews rotated shifts seven days a week to apply their skill, dedication and experience to fight worst fire in Georgia state history. 2007 is history. The men and women of the state's largest agency will take 2008 and rededicate themselves to the agency's mission. Protecting and serving the public as professionals.
2008 Dedicated to Change

Continuation . . .

Page 2

News and Facts to Keep You Informed - January 2008

SPECIAL KUDOS!

"Remember those in prison
as if you were their fellow
prisoners..." Hebrews 13:3
Volunteer Chaplain Climon Nix and the men of the Atlanta Transitional Center celebrated the Christmas Holidays with a feature on WSB-TV. Expounding on the significance of Faith and Character Based Initiatives, the center's superintendent, Stanley Arrington pointed told the Mark Winne metro audience that the need for these men to
give back also embraced the rehabilitative process. The Atlanta Transitional Center is made up of men convicted of crimes ranging from

Atlanta Transitional Center

Choir Reaches Out

theft to

To Young People

murder. Now

they reach out especially to young peo-

ple about avoiding the mistakes the choir

members made. View the video for

yourself at WSB-TV on-demand at

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/14960769/index.html

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

SSpprreeaaddiinngg HHoolliiddaayy CChheeeerr aanndd HHoonnoorriinngg HHeerrooeess RRiinngg iinn tthhee NNeeww YYeeaarr!!

(above) Jim Mickle, a Monroe County Volunteer Firefighter, proudly collects over $450.00 dollars of donated toys and cash from the graduating BCOT class #274. Kids-Yule-Love started in 2001, has since helped over 400 underprivileged children have a Merry Christmas in Monroe County, and put smiles on the faces of the 248 graduating cadets.

Monroe County Commission Chairman, Harold Carlisle presents a special proclamation honoring 48th IBCT Soldiers who died in Iraq to the Forsyth based 148th BSB Commander, Lt. Col. George L. Fisher. The ceremony Dec. 9 honored corrections officer Philip Dodson who died Dec. 2, 2005.
(left) The Class of Dec. 2007, BCOT #274 is the largest graduating number of cadets in the history of BCOT classes held at GPSTC. The over flow crowd of family members was so large that a video signal was sent to an adjoining conference room, where upwards of 300 family members could watch the graduation. Commissioner Donald was very pleased with the large class, and stressed of all the educational incentives the department offers for their retention. During the Jingle Bell Java, (Tift Campus Relocation Update) event later that day the Commissioner inquired with the lead architect if the auditorium there could hold a class that size (It can!)

Tift Campus Relocation Update:
Growing with the Needs of the State of Georgia

Commissioner: James E. Donald
Public Affairs Director: 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

On Thursday, December 20th, Corrections hosted the 2nd Annual "Jingle Bell

Java" at the Royal Palm in

Forsyth.

The event provided an

opportunity for GDC staff

and local leadership to

discuss the upcoming

move to Forsyth. GDC Board Member Judge Tom

Salter expressed his sentiments on the move.

Mayor Jimmy Pace attended and told the crowd

(above) Commissioner James Donald, Brian Owens, GDC Assistant Commissioner along with architect Tony Aeck hold

that the citizens of Forsyth were eagerly anticipat- an open forum Q & A with Monroe County citizens and civic

ing GDC's move and looked forward to the impact leaders.

the move would have on the city of Forsyth.

Tony Aeck of Lord, Aeck and Sargent, Inc. provided an update on the recent renovations and

what would be done in the upcoming year. The event also provided an opportunity for local citi-

zens to ask questions regarding the move and express their concerns. Commissioner Donald

addressed the crowd and told everyone he is happy with the progress made so far and he looks

forward to strengthening the Department's relationships within the community.