Impact Georgia, Oct. 2011

A Message from Commissioner Brian Owens

time with the Department.
"One Team" is not just a saying, it is a proven action, as I witnessed during this tragic time. Staff members came together to honor Officer Bishop and lend support to her family and to one another. I am honored to be surrounded by such noble and dedicated employees.

Assistance Program for those who wish to speak with someone. The Department has also coordinated with Georgia State Patrol to offer Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) for those who were directly involved.
Thank you all for what you do to make this the best team in state government.

On August 31st, we lost one of our own. Probation Officer Tiffany Bishop, of the Rome Probation Office was fatally injured during a routine training

exercise at the GD&CP Training Center. She was a dedicated officer who displayed loyalty and unwavering attention to duty during her

Hundreds of cards and notes of condolences have been received from Georgia citizens, correctional and law enforcement agencies from around the United States, and even the Mounted Police in Canada. All expressed heartfelt messages to the family, friends and coworkers of Officer Bishop during this very difficult time.
Counseling services are still available through the Employee

Walker State Prison Faith & Character Based Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On September 7th, a commissioning ceremony was held at Walker State Prison to commemorate the establishment of the first Faith & Character Based Prison in Georgia.
"The Faith and Character Based Program is an opportunity for the Department to work with our community partners to enhance existing risk interventions and services," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "Our common goal is to equip offenders with the skills they need to live productive, crime free lives and reduce recidivism," added Owens.

"It gives those offenders who really want to make a positive change in their lives, an opportunity to do so while also acknowledging their background in terms of a spiritual background," said Director of Reentry Services A.J. Sabree.
A change of leadership also took place during the commissioning ceremony. Warden Tom Chapman assumed responsibility of Walker State Prison from James Lanier who retired from the Department with 34 years of service.

Left to Right: Board of Corrections Members Roger Waldrop and Dr. Henrie Treadwell, State Rep. Jay Neal, Director of Facilities Operations Randy Tillman, Commissioner Brian Owens, General James E. Donald, Warden Tom Chapman, Sr Field Rep Denise Clopton and Director of Chaplaincy Services Danny Horne

The facility will be a model Faith and Character Based Prison that demonstrates a holistic program, secular in nature, designed to equip its participants to explore and choose alternatives to criminal thinking and behavior through emphasis on spiritual, moral, and character development.

Inmates will be exposed to and learn about different types of religion and learn life skills such as how to balance a checkbook, write a resume and ace an interview.

Lee Arrendale's Deputy Warden Care & Treatment Brooks Benton singing the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony

Director of Facilities Operations Tillman presents State Rep. Neal with a gift from Walker SP for his support in securing a F&CB Prison in GA and at their facility

Did You Know...Walker State Prison is the 1st Faith & Character Based Prison in Georgia

October 6-16
1-75 @ Exits 134 & 135 Perry, Georgia
Calendar of Events
Thursday, October 6
Board of Corrections Meeting
Monday, October 10
COLUMBUS DAY - HOLIDAY
Tuesday, October 11
Rome DRC Graduation
Thursday, October 13
Board of Public Safety
Monday, October 17
GDC Roll-Up "Day in Central Office"
Thursday, October 20
BCOT Graduation
Tuesday, October 25
GDC Quarterly Awards & Northwest DRC Graduation
Thursday, October 27
Business After Hours

Department of Corrections Honors Jerry Watson with Retirement Celebration

On October 4th, the Department honored Georgia Correctional Industries Executive Director Jerry Watson with a retirement celebration in Roberts Chapel at SOS at Tift College.
Watson joined the Department of Corrections in 1988 where he served in an array of positions including Auditor, Director of "The Commissioner's Awareness Program," Director of Food and Farm, and Director of Support Services. In 1999, he was appointed to Executive Director of GCI, where he remained until his retirement. Watson was the longest serving Director at GCI.
Many gathered in Roberts Chapel to toast Watson during the celebration of his extensive career with the Department.
"The hardest part of retirement is missing the people you have worked with all these years," stated Watson.

During the ceremony, Commissioner Brian Owens, Assistant Commissioner Tim Ward, Assistant Executive Director Scott Stallings and Director of Food & Farm Services Norman Wilson gave formal speeches.
Commissioner Owens was first to address Watson during the reception. Commissioner Owens recognized Watson's 25 years of faithful service by presenting him with a Commissioner's Coin and by retiring Watson's GCI #09 Badge.
"Jerry is a wonderful human being," stated Commissioner Owens. "Thank you for your personal friendship and service to this Department," added Owens.
Assistant Commissioner Ward followed the Commissioner and presented Watson with a retiree card. The card will allow Watson to visit all GCI farms after his retirement.

Burberry watch from all the GCI staff.
"It is a token of your leadership and friendship for all these years," stated Assistant Executive Director Stallings.
Director of Food & Farm Services Norman Wilson, was the last formal speaker. He stated that in the years that Watson was Executive Director at GCI, it was him who made it a bigger, stronger and better organization.
The floor was then opened to guests to share their experiences with Watson. His son, Jason Watson, took the stage and told his father, "I am proud of you and proud to be your son."
The celebration continued in Rutland Hall where guests had the opportunity to personally congratulate Watson on his retirement.

"There is one word to describe Jerry: a Straight Shooter," stated Assistant Commissioner Ward.

Assistant Executive Director Stallings presented Watson with a

Dir. of Food & Farm Services Wilson, Commissioner Owens, Executive Dir. Watson, Asst. Commissioner Ward and Asst. Commissioner Ward
Dir. of Food & Farm Services Wilson, Executive Dir. Watson, Commissioner Owens and Asst. Commissioner Ward
Dir. of Food & Farm Services Wilson, Executive Dir. Watson, and Asst. Commissioner Ward

Phillips Transitional Center Family Day Picnic Contributed by Superintendent Lester McCard

Left to Right: ITAV Volunteer Harold Stewart, ITAV Volunteer Tracy Mosely, PTC Security Supervisor Sgt. Christopher Philbert, PTC Counselor Victor Rodriguez, ITAV Volunteer Clarence McDaniel, ITAV Coordinator Rev. Paul Brown, PTC Superintendent Norman L. McCard, and PTC Counselor Bonnie Hardeman

Father enjoying Family Picnic Day with his family at Bogan Park in Gwinnett County

On September 24th, Phillips Transitional Center partnered with It Takes a Village Today volunteers to conduct a "Reconnecting Fathers with Their Children" Picnic Family Day at Bogan Park in Gwinnett County.
It Takes a Village is a re-entry fatherhood program which strives to preserve children through the values of fatherhood. The organization provides resources for all men to become better men, fathers and community leaders.
Family days at Phillips TC reoccur every three months with the

intention of promoting family services through the reconnection of fathers with their children and families. At these events, families are given the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with staff regarding a successful reentry into society for their family members.
During the ITAV Family Day, participants enjoy a picnic style lunch, outside activities with their children and a small graduation ceremony for residents who have completed the ITAV program.

The ITAV program focuses on family unification or reconnecting the family and children with the father. The program requires active group participation and weekly homework assignments. Classes include role-playing, problem solving, developing life and job interviewing skills. The program also assists residents with possible child support issues and drivers license reinstatement.

and staff to unite in promoting a successful life, after incarceration without recidivism," stated Phillips TC Superintendent Lester McCard.
Additional family events are currently being scheduled at Phillips TC to coincide with the upcoming Holidays.

"I think the family day picnic is a great event for all involved! Informal events, such as these, provide an opportunity for families

Green Tift Initiative at Tifton Day Reporting Center

Contributed by Center Administrator Kay Simpson

grant from the U.S. Department of Labor last year to provide financial help for low income students or persons on probation or parole by paying for admission and enrollment for training in "Green Friendly" practices.

The grant covers transportation, childcare, internships, job coaching and case management.

Tifton Day Reporting Center students, Case Manager Andy Wortham and Instructor Tony Grahame working on the construction of the zero-energy house in historic Tifton.

In 2010, the Tifton Day Reporting Center was included in a federal grant with Moultrie Technical College that prepares students for a future in the fields of energy

efficiency, renewable electrical power, and green construction.
Moultrie Technical College received a $3.75 million

The Tifton DRC collaborated with Moultrie Technical College and received funds to hire a Case Manager to work with felony offenders within Tift County.
According to Tifton DRC Center Administrator Kay Simpson the Case Manager was hired

on a contractual basis and works with our probationers and other felony offenders by assisting with their continued education and job training through Moultrie Technical College.
Since March 2011, students have been assisting with the construction of a zero-energy house in Tifton's historic district. The hope is that the home will be finished within the next few months.
The house is part of the Green Tift initiative for students to learn hands-on training skills in construction of a green home.
The Green Tift initiative offers certificates and diplomas in Green Building, Energy Management and Alternative Electrical Systems Technology such as

Soalr, Wind and Geothermal Power.
"The Green Tift partnership with Moultrie Tech has permitted our participants to continue their education, take care of their families and obtain employment with more opportunities and better pay then the national economy as a whole," stated Administrator Simpson.
For more information about the Green Tift initiative call Center Administrator Kay Simpson at 229-391-6937.

Valdosta Transitional Center Partner/Provider of the Year Award Contributed by Superintendent Tommy Fountain

On September 21st, the Valdosta Transitional Center received Vocational Rehabilitation Services Region 11 Partner/ Provider of the Year Award from the Department of Labor.

Valdosta TC. Her nomination was based on the excellent collaborative partnership between the Department of Corrections and the Department of Labor.

"I am extremely proud of this recognition as it is reflective of the hard work and dedication show by the VTC Staff, most notably the efforts of the Employee Manager Mrs. Amy Smith and our counselors Mr. Andy Nash and Mr. Hollis Cherry," stated Superintendent Tommy Fountain.
Tifton Vocational Rehabilitator Cindy Clark nominated

Valdosta TC has created an environment where residents and Vocational Rehab staff can work together toward a beneficial means of assisting residents in a smooth transition into the community.
"Mrs. Smith, Mr. Nash and Mr. Hollis have worked hard to establish and maintain the relationship with the Department

of Labor and have made it a very successful partnership," added Fountain.
For more information contact Tommy Fountain, Superintendent or Amy Smith, Employment Manager at the Valdosta Transitional Center 229.293.6280.

Left to Right: Cindy Clark-Tifton VR, Andy Nash- Valdosta TC, Tommy Fountain-Valdosta TC, Yulie Germani- Douglas Pilgrims Pride, Cherrell Campbell-Street-Regional Director VR, Angela Parrott- Tifton VR

On September 20th, the Georgia Department of Corrections, in conjunction with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), hosted an Opening Ceremony at Phillips State Prison.
The Key Speakers for the ceremony were Commissioner Brian Owens, State Representative Jay Neal, Associate Dean of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Innovative Learning Dr. Jimmy Dukes and Director of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminar Phillips Extension Center Dr. Francis Kimmitt.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Opening Ceremony

Contributed by Chaplain Danny Horne

Ministry.
"This program is a unique opportunity for offenders to earn a degree and serve within their prison," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary gives them valuable tools to better prepare for life outside of prison," added Owens.
In December 2010, twenty-five students graduated from the program and now assist with the Department's Faith and Character Based Program and serve as Chaplain Assistants.

inmates a two-year, seventysix semester hour Associate's degree in Christian Ministry and a four-year, 126 semester hour Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry.
These fully accredited college degrees are designed to provide a broad foundation for ministry within the prison system and are based upon eight ore competencies: Biblical Exposition, Christian Heritage, Servant Leadership, Interpersonal Relationships, Spiritual and Character Formation, Disciple Making, Worship Leadership and Life Skills.

"This is a miraculous opportunity for the inmate students to prepare themselves and inspire their fellow inmates to prepare themselves for re-entering society right where they are," Director of Chaplaincy Services Danny Horne.

The event marked the second class to enter into the program since its implementation in 2008.
The ceremony was a celebration of the beginning of an academic journey for twenty-eight offenders who began studies to receive an Associates and Bachelors degree in Christian

The Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program began at Phillips State Prison in April 2008. It is modeled after programs at Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana and Parchman State Prison in Mississippi.
The Extension Center offers

In addition to earning a degree, offenders will minister within the Georgia prison system under the direction of a Chaplain.

Quarterly Community Stakeholders Meeting at Macon Transitional Center

Contributed by Superintendent Terry Seltzer

Left to Right: Superintendent Terry Seltzer, Ivey Webb-DOL; Rick Henderson-DOL, Terry Jones- Employment Manager, George Sheffield-DOL

Mary Booth from the GDC Risk Reduction Unit speaking to group

On September 15th, the Macon Transitional Center held its quarterly Community Stakeholders Meeting and Luncheon.
Local community partners, the Department of Labor, Georgia Department of Corrections Volunteers and the City and County of Macon attended the luncheon.
The keynote speaker of the event was Social Services Program Consultant Mary Booth from the GDC Risk Reduction Unit.

Booth discussed the What Works Theory and the four common characteristics known as the Principles of Effective Intervention.
Assistant Superintendent Kenneth Barnes was presented with an award from Church Of God in recognition of the partnership they have shared over the years.
"We received tremendous community partner support during this meeting and luncheon," said Superintendent Terry Seltzer.

Northwest Day Reporting Center and Dalton Probation Office Fourth Annual Chili Cook-Off

Contributed by Center Administrator Rod Weaver

On September 29th, the Northwest Day Reporting Center and the Dalton Probation office participated in the fourth annual chili cook-off with community partners to recognize National Recovery Month.
Community partners included Carter Hope Center, Celebrate Recovery Oakwood Baptist Church, Conasauga Drug Court, CDC Alumni, Georgia Hope, Narcotics Anonymous, New

Women's Center, Penfield Christian Homes, Providence Ministries and Women's Outreach Rome.
The 2011 monetary donations will benefit the Ringgold Tornado victims.

"Your efforts indicate your support for substance abuse recovery," said both Center Administrator Weaver and Chief Beggs.

NWDRC Center Administrator Rod Weaver and Dalton PO Chief Corey would like to thank all staff for a job well done.

Left to Right: Angela Zeigler, Brandi Byrd, Brian Croft, Jerri Allen, Debra Scott, Wanda Mack, Marcia Bachelor and Rod Weaver

Georgia State Prison Healthcare Facilities Receive Blevin Award of Excellence Contributed by Georgia Health Media Relations Manager Toni Baker

"The maximum-security prison's overall healthcare facilities also were ranked exceptional in all the committee's essential 33 standards," said Committee Chairman Dr. Patton Smith.
Standards include access to care, accurate methods for reporting patient care activity and a proven emergency response plan.

managed since 1983.
"We are grateful for this affirmation from our accrediting body," said Director of Georgia Correctional Health Care Robert Bradford. Georgia Correctional Health is a division of Georgia Health Sciences University that has provided health care to offenders of the state Department of Corrections since the 1990s.

On September 22nd, the healthcare facilities at Georgia State Prison in Reidsville received the Blevin Award of Excellence from the Medical Association of Georgia.

"A physician must supervise all aspects of medical care at prison health care facilities," said Dr. Smith.
Dr. Dean Broome is the Medical Director at Georgia State Prison.

Bradford noted that approximately 80 cases managed monthly at Georgia State Prison's required prisoner transport to Augusta State Medical Prison or a Southwest Georgia hospital.

The Blevin Award honoring a founding member of MAG's Correctional Medicine Committee has been given only a handful of times in the last decade.
The selection of Georgia State Prison healthcare facilities for the honor follows the committee's 2010 accreditation site visit.
"The prison's three-year-old Mobile Surgical Unit, featuring outpatient services including orthopedics, general surgery, podiatry, urology and gastroenterology, was a particular highlight during the site visit," said MAG Director of Correctional Medicine Clyde Maxwell.

"The department is very proud of our healthcare facilities at Georgia State Prison for receiving this honor from the Medical Association of Georgia," said Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens. "This award of excellence demonstrates the high level of professionalism and quality care they provide on a daily basis."
MAG helped develop the National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards which it uses to assess Georgia facilities.

"We have pretty well taken ambulatory surgeries into the prison system at this point," said GCHC Medical Director Dr. Ed Bailey.
GCHC created the Mobile Surgical Unit to accommodate the fast-growing role of outpatient surgery while avoiding the expense and safety concerns of transporting offenders to private facilities.

MAG surveys eight county jails and 33 state prisons as part of an accreditation program it has

Please submit your story and photo to Gwendolyn Hogan,
no later than October 17th
to have your article featured in the November Newsletter

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