Announcements

2013 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

Waco man receives TDCJ volunteer award

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

(AUSTIN) - Keith Norman of Waco was presented the Governor’s 2013 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award today in recognition of his dedication to helping offenders incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Oliver Bell and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Executive Director Brad Livingston during a ceremony held in Austin. Norman 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.

After a 17-year effort, the Eastham Unit Chapel renovation project was completed in 2012. Norman served as a hands-on foreman/contractor and saw the project through to completion. Norman, an ex-offender from Angola Prison in Louisiana, came to faith following his release in the 1970s. He has since served as a missionary to Africa, India and Central America, in addition to his prison ministry. Norman, a man of strong devotion to assisting others, was selected to receive the Religious Service Volunteer Award.

Norman 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.