Impact Georgia, Dec. 2011

Lee Arrendale State Prison Opens Equine Rescue Program

L to R: CERT Team Officer DeShawn Jones , Warden Kathy Seabolt, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, Commissioner Brian Owens, Captain Dennis Gallman and Brooks Benton

L to R: Commissioner Owens, Agriculture Commissioner Black and Warden Seabolt

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony begins as Captain Dennis Gallman rides in with the American Flag.

Inmates with the rescued horses during the Equine Impound Opening

On October 27th, the Department of Corrections held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Lee Arrendale State Prison to formally open a new facility that will house and treat abandoned and abused horses. Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black led the ceremony at the new Lee Arrendale Equine Impound.
The Impound will house up to 15 horses that have been voluntarily abandoned by owners or seized by state authorities due to abuse and malnutrition.
Captain Dennis Gallman, who is in charge of the daily operations of the Equine Impound is currently overseeing six offenders and four horses at the center.

"We are an agency of second chances," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "I believe this center gives the offenders a unique opportunity to bond with the horses and to make a difference in another life," added Owens.
Through this program, offenders will be given the opportunity to receive training and certification as veterinary assistants and animal caregivers.
"This program is really important to Lee Arrendale State Prison," said Warden Kathy Seabolt. "We're teaching offenders skills here that are certainly transferable. They can take these skills into the community and get good jobs that will assist in sustaining themselves outside

of prison," added Seabolt.
Captain Gallman stated that he can already see a change in the behavior and demeanor of each of the offenders currently enrolled in his program.
"They're rehabilitating horses, but at the same time the horses are rehabilitating them," said Gallman.
There are currently four Impound centers located in Georgia, two of which are located at Pulaski State Prison and now Lee Arrendale State Prison.
Last year, Pulaski State Prison rescued 139 horses. Agriculture Commissioner Black also has high hopes for Lee Arren-

dale.
"The Arrendale Impound will be capable of treating dozens of horses each year," stated Black.
After the horses at the Impound are rehabilitated, the Department of Agriculture will hold a public auction and sell them back into the community.

Did You Know..Clayton TC pilot program helps male offenders connect with their children through reading.

The Department wishes all

2nd Annual Commissioner's CERT Cup Challenge

and a Happy New Year!

Headquarters Holiday Breakfast
Sign-Up sheets coming to a lobby
near you!
Calendar of Events
Thursday, December 1
Board of Corrections Meeting
Friday, December 2
Walker F&CB Prison "Family Day"
Tuesday, December 13
CJCC Meeting at SOSTC
Wednesday, December 14
GDC Holiday Breakfast
Thursday, December 15
Board of Public Safety Meeting
Monday, December 19
GDC Roll-Up "Day in Central Office"
Monday, December 19Friday, December 30
GDC Casual Attire Weeks
Friday, December 23 & 26
Christmas - HOLIDAY

Commissioner's CERT Cup Challenge 2nd Place Winners Commissioner's CERT Cup Challenge 1st Place Winners Commissioner's CERT Cup Challenge 3rd Place Winners

- Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison

- Telfair State Prison

- Autry State Prison

On November 4th, the Second Annual Commissioner's CERT Cup Challenge final took place at the Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Training Center.
The finalists were GD&CP, GSP, Autry, Valdosta, Hancock, Hays, Arrendale, Lee, Telfair and Dodge State Prisons.
Participants competed in firearm, obstacle, leadership and tug of war courses.

Awards were presented to the following:
Physical Fitness Arturo Cardenas, Smith SP Rodney Smith, Telfair SP
Marksmanship Steven Edwards, Johnson SP
Policy & Procedure Carl Hart, Autry SP James Jackson, Autry SP Robert Smith, Ware SP

Preliminary Individual Excellence Individual Event Team Winners

were:
Marksmanship Telfair SP
Leadership Hay SP
Obstacle Course GD&CP

First Place Telfair SP
Second Place GD&CP
Third Place Autry SP

Rope Challenge Dodge SP

Commissioner CERT Cup Challenge Winners were:

New Grade Level Reading Program at the Clayton Transitional Center

Contributed by Program Development Consultant Moinque T. Grier
ant Monique T. Grier explored ways of curing boredom with guided imagery.

Clayton TC was selected as the pilot site by DHS-DCSS due to the commitment and support they have shown to the Fatherhood Program.

Isaiah Goodson meets father for first time and Counselor reading with participants picks out book with the help of his father.

Research indicates that between kindergarten and third

On October 29th, GDC in

the Clayton Transitional Center. grade, children learn to read.

partnership with the State

Between fourth and twelfth

Board of Pardons and Paroles

At the event, Counselor Darren grade, children read to learn.

(PAP), Ferst Foundation and the Selph, Volunteer Jermoe Pattillo, Through a concerted effort the

Department of Human Services Reverend Paul Brown and youth Grade Level Reading Program

Division of Child Support Ser-

participant, Isaiah Goodson,

was designed.

vices (DHS-DCSS) launched the read stories to the children and

Grade Level Reading Program at Program Development Consult- The goal of the program is to

have fathers provide age appropriate books to their children during special visitation at the facility as well as personally mail books to their children on a monthly basis. In addition, children begin to experience receiving gifts from their fathers and develop a love of reading and learning.
The Grade Level Reading Program will be replicated throughout the state at other TCs. All residents enrolled in the Fatherhood Program will be encouraged to participate. Through this collaboration the partners hope to ensure that all students are proficient in reading by the end of third grade.
All books for the Clayton TC pilot program will be sponsored by the Ferst Foundation.

2nd Annual Ball Brawl at Bulloch County Prison

Contributed by Business Manager Dana Schiller

On November 12th, the Second Annual Ball Brawl Softball Tournament was held in Bulloch County at Mill Creek Park.
This is the second year Bulloch County Prison has competed in support Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots, a program established by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy gifts.
Teams from Effingham County Prison, Georgia Southern Univ-

ersity Police Department, Bulloch County Sheriff's Department and Bulloch County Prison entertained the crowd and enjoyed the fellowship in hopes of a joyous holiday for the less fortunate.
Although, only one trophy was taken home that day, each team was equally excited to support Toys for Tots.
Congratulations to the 2011's Ball Brawl Softball Tournament Champions, Bulloch County Prison!

Bulloch CP 2011's Ball Brawl Champions

Phillips Transitional Center Superintendent McCard Receives Patriot Award

L to R: Counselor Bonnie Hardeman, Superintendent Lester McCard, Secretary Florence Garner and Officer Betty Green

Contributed by Counselor Jennifer Grey

On November 3rd, retired Brig. ation devoted to promote

Gen. Joel Seymour of the

cooperation and understanding

Northeast Area and Vice Chair between reservists and their

of the Georgia Committee for

employers.

Employer Support of the Guard

and Reserve presented Phillips Superintendent McCard was

Transitional Center Superin-

nominated for this award by

tendent Lester McCard with

Correctional Officer Keesha

the Patriot Award in recognition Jackson. Officer Jackson is

of his support of the National

currently in Kosovo serving on

Guard and Reserve Force.

active duty in the United States

Army Reserve.

The Patriot Award is given to

employers who practice leader- "My Superintendent is very sup-

ship and personnel policies that portive of my duty to this coun-

support employee participation try; he respects the troops and

in the Guard and Reserve.

what they do for this country. I

appreciate his support and the

Employer Support of the Guard staff has been supportive of my

and Reserve (ESGR) is a De-

duties to this country as well.

partment of Defense organiz-

I love this center," Officer

Jackson stated in her nomination.
Phillips TC staff surprised Superintendent McCard with a small reception following the presentation of the award.
"This award is for our whole staff. We work as a team to support Officer Jackson in her service," said Superintendent McCard.
To nominate your employer for the Patriot Award, submit a nomination at: http://www.esgr.org/site/ Programs/PatriotAward.aspx.

Family Unification Network Honors GDC Employee

Contributed by Continuous Improvement Cathy Smith-Curry

Making a difference in the community is a daily commitment for an everyday hero like Edd Sanders. Warden Edd Sanders is known as an everyday hero in the Pike County community where he serves on over a dozen boards and committees.

youth in an effort to keep them together, promote family team building and promote communication. Warden Sanders believes that we will make Georgia a better state, one community at a time, by investing in the lives of the citizens.

These values will transcend into their local communities once they return home.
Warden Sanders, thanks for being an everyday hero!

Warden Sanders and his wife, Alisa, in College Park

Among his contributions are Keep Pike Beautiful Authority Board, Pike Community Resources Network, Strengthening Families Alliance of Pike Committee, Boys & Girls Club of Pike, Pike County DFACS Board of Directors, Pike County Interagency Collaborative Board, just to name a few.
During the summer, Warden Sanders was honored as an Everyday Hero at the Third Annual Everyday Heroes Ceremony for the Family Unification Network. This non-profit organization provides services to families and

Sanders is the first Georgia Department of Corrections employee to be honored by Family Unification Network, Inc.
Warden Sanders is personally committed to improving the community and instilling the same sense of community pride in the offenders at West Central Pre-Release Center. The offenders work in the Pike County community with various landscaping projects and help maintain the grounds and buildings at DOC headquarters, State Offices South.

Lee Arendale State Prison Honors and Remembers Those Touched by Cancer Contributed by Warden Kathy Seabolt

Lee Arrendale employees participating in Cancer Awareness Month

On October 20th, Lee Arrendale celebrated Cancer Awareness Month.
Staff members lit 40 luminaries, all bearing the name of a staff member, family member or friend who had been touched by cancer.
The luminaries were displayed in

the lobby of the main buidling at Lee Arrendale for two weeks in honor and in memory of these men and women.
Operations Analyst Marsha Black, wrote the names on each luminary and carried those names with her while she walked during the 2011 Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure.

L to R: Cancer Survivor Sherron Davis, Operations Analyst Marsha Black, and Cancer Survivor Michelle Trimiar.

Luminaries displayed in main building of Lee Arrendale State Prison

"We plan to make this an annual event," said Warden Kathy Seabolt.
Operations Analyst Black has walked in the 2010 and now 2011 Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure.
The walk is a total of 60 miles in the span of three-days.

In order to walk, you have to raise a minimum of $2,300.
Each year, Lee Arrendale has helped Black reach her goal!
"Lee Arrendale staff have supported me in this cause for both years by either buying baked goods, Tupperware products, breast cancer jewelry or just

making a donation," said Black.

Montgomery State Prison 2nd Annual Pistol Tournament Contributed by Warden Tom Gramiak

L to R: Jackson State Prison Steve Goen, Michael Moore, and Warden Carl Humphrey along Law enforcement participants during tournament with Montgomery State Prison Warden Tom Gramiak

L to R: Kenneth Howard, Special Ops and Montgomery SP Warden Tom Gramiak

In 2011, Montgomery State Prison hosted their 2nd Annual Pistol Tournament.
This year's tournament consisted of over 100 shooters from law enforcement agencies around the state.
"I sincerely appreciate all the staff and participants who made

this event a success," stated Warden Gramiak.
Team Event Winners: 1st- Jackson State Prison 2nd- Georgia State Prison 3rd- Wilcox State Prison
First Flight 1st- Jeff Davis County Sheriff's Office

2nd- Wheeler Correctional Facility 3rd- Coffee Correctional Facility
Second Flight 1st- Johnson State Prison 2nd- Mt. Vernon Police Department 3rd- Montgomery State Prison/ 1st shift

Individual Event Winners: Championship Flight 1st- Kenneth Howard 2nd- Clinton Westbrook 3rd- Tim Sweat
First Flight 1st- Michael Moore 2nd- Todd Tripp 3rd- Joshua Williams

Second Flight 1st- Johnny McDaniel 2nd- Waymon Hinson 3rd- William Sikes

Hays State Prison Offenders Contribute in Summerville

Life Sized Christmas Decorations made by Hays SP offenders

Contributed by Continuous Improvement Cathy Smith-Curry

The holiday season in Summerville, Georgia is all about historical scenes from the Victorian Era, both home and abroad.
Seven years ago the Victorian Christmas Art Guild of Summerville began decorating downtown store fronts for the holiday season.
With the help of numerous volunteers, this event continues to expand by attracting visitors from as far north as Illinois.
Offenders in the Faith and Character Based program at Hays State Prison are contributors to this annual event.

For the past three years Hays SP has provided life-sized props made of paper mache.
Displayed in the Victorian Inventions window, offenders designed three beautiful seven foot tall stained glass panels for the nativity scene, three fireplaces, a typewriter, a gramophone and a camera. In the Toy Shoppe window, offenders have created two six foot tall toy soldiers, Noah's Ark with miniature animals, a hot air balloon, a three foot tall drum and a rocking horse. In the Little Womens window a paper

mache piano is displayed. The newest addition to this year's decorations include two desks, two seven foot tall lamp posts with life sized figures of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Charles Dickens.
There will be a total of twenty store fronts decorated and will include a specially designed scene of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan with braille for the visually impaired.
This year's event begins on December 4th with a guided tour and continues through early January.

Employee Assistance Program: The Resource For All Seasons

Contributed by GDC Statewide Employee Assistance Program Coordinator Julie Harnage

We at Employee Support want to remind all GDC employees that there are many resources through EAP that can support each of us throughout this holiday season and beyond:
Timely Articles -
Captiva: Executive Operations> HumanResources>Employee Menu>Employee Support
GDC Public website: For Corrections Staff> Employee Support

make an appointment. No referral needed. Please keep in mind that your spouse, children under the age of 18 (23, if in college) and any legal dependant living under your household are eligible for three free visits as well.
Contact your Local EAP Coordinator or Statewide EAP Coordinator -
They can provide a listening ear, list of possible ideas, resources and articles customized to your specific situation and geographic location.

Take care of yourself during the holidays and remember the words of Rona Barrett,
"The healthy, the strong individual, is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he has an abscess on his knee or in his soul."

Confidential EAP Counseling -
As a GDC employee, you are eligible for three free visits a year. Call 1-800-869-0276 to

Statewide EAP Coordinator Julie Harnage harnaj00@dcor.state.ga.us or 478-992-5160.

Submit your article & photo to Gwendolyn Hogan,
by December 14th
for the January Newsletter

Commissioner Brian Owens Public Affairs Director, Joan Heath; Managing Editor, Gwendolyn Hogan; Public Relations and Information Specialist Kristen Stancil