Announcements

2013 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

Harris receives TDCJ volunteer award

TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston, Mr. and Mrs. Harris, Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett and TBCJ Vice-Chair Tom Mechler (l-r).

(AUSTIN) - League City resident Brenda Harris received the Governor’s 2013 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award for Religious Service today in recognition of her dedication to helping offenders incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Oliver Bell and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston during a ceremony held in Austin. Harris is one of 20 recipients from across Texas recognized for their efforts to help state offenders and those who are on parole or probation.

“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.

Harris has been a volunteer at the Carole young Medical Facility in Galveston for more than six years, currently serving as a volunteer chaplain’s assistant. Her work with offenders focuses on personal development. She further assists in the transitional needs of offenders by partnering with various businesses, church groups and charitable organizations. She also coordinates the Celebrate Recovery Program and provides one-on-one pastoral care to terminally ill patients.

Harris is one of thousands of concerned volunteers who donate many hours of their personal time every year with the goal of changing the lives of convicted offenders, and aiding and comforting their victims. Annually, approximately 18,000 volunteers make 163,000 visits to criminal justice facilities and work with offenders who are on supervision, donating over 526,000 hours of service.

Note to media: For more information, contact John Hurt, Director of Public Information, at 936-437-6052 or by email at john.hurt@tdcj.state.tx.us.