“Volunteers are so important to this organization” – with that declaration, Thomas Adamski, the superintendent for the Brownwood facility, expressed the purpose of Thursday night’s sixteenth annual volunteer appreciation banquet for those associated with the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. The banquet was held on June 21, 2012 at RJSJCC chapel.
The theme of the banquet was “Volunteers Are the Apple of Our Eye!”
Superintendent Adamski opened the banquet with a quote from Bill Meyer, a baseball manager/coach, “Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” The importance and choice of being positive is one of the many life-changing messages conveyed to students by the volunteers.
Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex is fortunate to have 231 active volunteers who spend thousands of hours of service. In fiscal year 2011, volunteers gave 9,408 hours of their time to provide mentoring, tutoring, Bible study and chaplaincy services, served as members of the Community Resource Council, and many supplemental groups such as Girl Scouts, the drama team, art classes, anger management classes, and Learning for Life to name a few.
Volunteers change the lives of the youth by providing encouragement, support, conveying the message that Jesus loves them and much more.
Tammy Holland, manager of volunteer services for the department, returned to Brownwood to personally extend her appreciation to the volunteers. She was accompanied by her husband, Bill Holland.
The evening’s meal was catered by Cook’s Fish Barn and was enjoyed by all. The RJSJCC students who are members of the Gospel Truth Praise Team performed a dance to a song by Kirk Franklin. Penny Riggs, Community Relations Coordinator, provided a story of The Three Apples which paralleled the commitment and dedication of volunteers. Pairing Achievement with Service (PAWS) program students along with their canine companies demonstrated their training techniques and skills.
Isola Johnson, community relations clerk, was surprised with an arrangement of pink roses in recognition and appreciation of her retirement after 25 years of state service. A formal retirement celebration will be held at a later date.
The following awards were presented to volunteers:
Outstanding Mentor Award to Laura Lucero (pictured above center), for mentoring 2 students per week and remaining in contact with students after release to provide encouragement. The award was presented by April Jameson, Asst. Superintendent (above left).
Volunteer Achievement Award to Dr. Kent & Gloria Comolli, over 14 years of continuous volunteer service in the chaplain’s outreach program. The Comollis were not able to attend the banquet.
Dr. Edward Garrett Individual Volunteer Award to Claude Cox (above center) for dedicated chaplaincy and mentoring volunteer. Claude has clocked over 2,000 of volunteer service. The award was presented by Thomas Adamski, Superintendent.
Mickey Harr Chaplaincy Volunteer Award to Sarah Collum, a chaplaincy and mentor volunteer. Sarah attends family day and other events when the student’s family is not able to attend. Sarah wasn’t able to attend.
Family Award to the Reggie and Suzi Pillans (above center), who both volunteer in Epiphany Ministries, leaders for Learning for Life, and mentoring. They also have sponsored summer picnics and Christmas dorm celebrations. The award was presented by Debbie Carroll, Director of Security.
Group Volunteer Award to the Epiphany Ministry (pictured at top); is an ecumenical Christian ministry with a mission to facilitate a positive change in the lives of incarcerated youth. The award was presented by Allison Voss.
Employee Volunteer Award to Serena Madlock, JCO (pictured center). Serena has made it a habit of reaching out to others through her church and volunteer work. Presenting the award was April Jameson.
Spirit Award to Sue Thomas, who demonstrates appreciation and concern for all; and lends a helping hand in innumerable ways. The award was presented by Thomas Adamski.
