Announcements

2012 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

Lake Jackson Ministry Receives Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer Award

Photo of Award Winner(s) (AUSTIN) - During ceremonies in Austin today, Dickson de la Haye accepted the Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer "Most Innovative" Award on behalf of the Operation Rebound.

The award was presented by Oliver Bell, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston.

"Each of this year's award recipients personify a selfless dedication to helping offenders succeed both while incarcerated, and once they're released," said Livingston.

Operation Rebound is a Billy Graham Prison ministry reentry initiative program faithfully led by volunteer Dickson de la Haye within the Clemens and Scott units. The significance of Operation Rebound is its tailor-made design to assist offenders successfully through the reentry process.

In preparing them for their return to the outside world, Operation Rebound teaches classes in social skills, employment interviewing techniques, business-related skills, and practical "how to's" for living on the outside. These classes have the flexibility to be tuned to the needs of the individual offender, while maintaining its core principles. Operation Rebound incorporates the offender's past with their present in such a meaningful way as to enable the offender to realistically begin a new and productive life.

Originally from Canada, Dickson moved to Texas and quickly became involved in prison ministry. In 2005, he participated in a mentor program at the Clemens Unit which eventually developed into Operation Rebound.

Dickson de la Haye and his wife, Sally, have three children. The family became US citizens in 2007.

Operation Rebound is one of 6 organizations and 13 individuals from across the state recognized today for their efforts to help offenders and those who are on parole or probation.

Note to media: For more information, contact Jason Clark, TDCJ Public Information Officer, at 936-437-6052 or by email at jason.clark@tdcj.state.tx.us.