A Luau themed reception and awards program was held at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex chapel on Saturday, May 14, 2011. The reception is held each year to express appreciation for all volunteers at the Complex.
The Christ’s Way Drama Team consisting of RJSJCC students provided a skit. One of the students provided her rendition of “Thank You” by Ray Boltz. Another student presented the keynote address — “The volunteers have played a big part in my success. Volunteers have taught us how to respect others and ourselves and to persevere. You, the volunteers, did not have to volunteer, but do it because your want to and because you love us, she stated.”
The Outstanding Mentor Award was the first presentation of the afternoon and was presented to James Wall. This award recognizes Mr. Wall who has exceeded expectations in his mentoring role by inspiring his mentees to accomplish great things.
Dr. Athena Bean was recipient of the Volunteer Achievement Award. She has demonstrated a long-term commitment of 14 years of service and volunteerism at the RJSJCC facility. Dr. Bean is currently serving as the Brownwood Community Advisory Council for the Benefit of TYC Youth president.
Individual Volunteer Award honors exemplary volunteer service of individual. This award was presented to Ciera Culpepper. Ms. Culpepper has been mentoring students and recruiting other mentors. She is very dedicated to the helping the students.
Chaplaincy Volunteer Award acknowledges exemplary volunteer service of an individual involved in religious services, programs, or activities such as leading worship services, small group religious studies, and chaplaincy counseling. Because of his faithful service and dedication to the youth at Ron Jackson, Nathan Giddings was presented the 2011 Chaplaincy Volunteer award.
Gary and Debbie Gibson, and their children Jeremiah and Tiffany have dedicated their time, prayer, and service to the Ron Jackson facility in many faithful ways. Gary, Debbie, and Jeremiah serve in the Epiphany ministries, which ministers to both units through a twice yearly 3-day weekend and monthly reunions. Every time they serve, their goal is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the hurting. They believe that God created and has a plan for each of the youth that they meet. Each member of the Gibson family brings a special and unique ministry characteristic to the students at Ron Jackson. Their faithfulness and service are commendable and the reason that they were chosen as the 2011 Family Award recipients. Pictured above: The Gibson Family, receive the Family Award from Allison Voss, Chaplain at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex.
The Group Award was presented to the Adell Community Fellowship members.
Members of the Adell Community Fellowship began their ministry at Ron Jackson through the Epiphany ministry. Wanting to further their ministry at the facility, they adopted a dorm for weekly Sunday chapel services, sends birthday cards to all students on the dorm, and meets regularly with the students after chapel service to provide chaplaincy support to the youth as well as assist with Christmas dorm parties, summer cookouts, and attendance at extra-curricular events, the Adell volunteers show their support through their encouraging presence. This group believes that no youth is hopeless and that everyone deserves a chance to be loved. Their message of hope and healing through Jesus Christ inspires the youth to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Nelle Coursey was the recipient of the Employee–Volunteer Award for her distinguished and faithful service to the youth of Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. She has been a volunteer since 2000 and consistently sends birthday cards each month to the youth. She has a heart for the youth and knows the importance of them being recognized and receiving a card on their birthday.
Spirit Award recognizes a TYC staff member who has made extraordinary contributions and commitment to the agency’s programs. The Spirit Award is designed to recognize those employees, who go beyond the call of duty to promote volunteerism, integrate volunteers within the program, educate and recognize volunteers, or demonstrate the value of volunteer involvement. Donna Tyson was awarded this year’s spirit award for her assistance with the American Correctional Association accreditation. She is an active member of the Wellness Committee, Employee Appreciate Committee and the Beautification Project.
The Texas Youth Commission recognizes that all youth, including TYC youth, have a need for a wide range of experiences and positive relationships in order to accomplish the task of normal growth and development. The Texas Youth Commission believes that, through volunteers, the community has the ability to enhance lives of youth by providing meaningful activities and resources that promote pro-social, educational, emotional, and spiritual growth, and healthy family relationships; thus, expanding services provided by staff.
Below are photos of award recipients.
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This year’s Outstanding Mentor Award was presented to James Wall and receiving the honor from Penny Riggs, Community Relations Coordinator at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. |
Ciera Culpepper was the recipient of the Dr. Edward Garrett Individual Volunteer from Riggs. |
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Donna Tyson receives the Spirit Award from Penny Riggs, Community Relations Coordinator at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. |
Nathan Giddings was awarded the Mickey Harr Chaplaincy Volunteer Award from Allison Voss, Chaplain at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. |
