A Message from Rehabilitation Programs Division Director

? I want to say ?thank you? to all of the amazing volunteers for your dedicated service, and commitment to promoting positive change in the lives of so many people. ?We create a better tomorrow by making positive changes today? Author: Team RPD

Volunteer Resources!

Recommended for all volunteers:

Handbook for Volunteers

Questions? See:

Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage volunteers to give their opinions to assist our efforts in accomplishing TDCJ's mission. Please feel free to fill out the on-line suggestions form or print a copy and mail it to the address listed on the bottom of the page.

Volunteer Suggestion/Assessment Form

Mentoring

An online course to train volunteers to participate in the Chaplaincy Mentor Program is available. Only approved TDCJ volunteers will receive credit for this training. Those who successfully complete the course meet the requirements to serve as a volunteer mentor under the direction of a unit chaplain. To start the training, please click on the following link.

TDCJ Chaplaincy Mentor Training

The following document is available for download:

Mentoring Handbook

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Volunteer Programs or Services

Volunteer programs or services must have prior approval before implementation or presentation to the inmates. A program proposal form must be completed and submitted to the Rehabilitation Programs Division. Questions about the form, as well as the completed form, may be submitted electronically to

[email protected].

The Importance of Volunteers

The role of the volunteer within TDCJ is to provide guidance in specific activities and programs, promote personal growth and development, provide support and assistance to victims and inmates, and help facilitate re-entry into the community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you are encouraged to apply (see below). New volunteer applicants are required to complete initial training, either online or by attending in-person training sessions. Volunteers are required to re-train every two (2) years.

• Apply: use the online application.?
• Train: either online or by attending an in-person training session

Be aware that new applicants, as well as current volunteers completing their two-year refresher course, must submit an application?before?training.

Completion of training is not a guarantee of approval. All applications include a criminal background check and are reviewed for eligibility according to the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must not have any pending criminal charges.
• Must have been released from an adult prison for at least 12 months.
• If you are on any type of adult supervision, you will be required to provide a letter from your supervising officer acknowledging your participation in the TDCJ Volunteer Program and that you are meeting the requirements of supervision.
• Must be 12-months from the?disposition?date of any criminal charge (excluding traffic tickets).

If you have a specific question regarding eligibility, please contact Volunteer Services at 936-437-3026, if you are checking your volunteer status, please be prepared to provide the last four of your driver's license.

Volunteer Services would love to see what our?volunteers are doing across?the state.??Please send your?photos and a brief description of the event?to Lisa Langley or the Volunteer Services Department by? email:? [email protected]

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?Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale.? And it matters profoundly.? It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.?

- William J. Clinton

Congratulations to Our 2023 Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award Recipients!

(above: 28th Annual Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award Recipients)

The Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Services Awards were created in 1995 through collaborative efforts between the Office of Governor George W. Bush and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). These awards are designated to honor volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The presentation of these awards has become a time-honored tradition and a highlight for the TBCJ and the TDCJ.

The awards were presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Patrick O?Daniel and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier at a ceremony in Austin.

?These award recipients, by volunteering countless hours, are helping to build a better Texas for themselves and everyone whose lives they touch,? said O?Daniel. ?It is an honor to recognize them for their hard work and dedication.?

?It takes a very special kind of person to give of their time and expect no material reward,? said Collier. ?These volunteers are invaluable to us and have made a lasting impact through their contributions to the public safety of all Texans.?

Volunteer Events!

Groundbreaking Ceremony Halbert Unit Chapel

(above: CID Division?Director, Bobby Lumpkin, Deputy Director, Religious Services Carlton Hazlewood, RPD Director, Christopher Carter, Regional Director, Jerry Sanchez, TBCJ Chairman, Patrick O'Daniel, Warden Patricia Williams,?Joseph's Hammer Board Chairperson,?Pam Stevenson, Board Member,?Davy Haberer, Board Member Paige Lechler,?Ellen Halbert and Chaplain Richard Cartwright)

(above:? TBCJ Chairman, Patrick O'Daniel and Mrs. Ellen Halbert)

Special Volunteer Speaker Dak Prescott speaks at the Wynne unit Change Agent Graduation

(above: RPD Director Christopher Carter, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Dak Prescott, RPD Manager IV Substance Use Programs, Andrea Canul)

(above: RPD Director Christopher Carter and Damon West)

In early 2022, Damon West implemented The Change Agent program at the Wynne Unit in Huntsville. This cognitive-based program is based on his book ?The Change Agent? and is designed to develop self-esteem and restore self-confidence, take responsibility for actions and behaviors, manage emotions, build and maintain healthy relationships, and become a servant leader. This innovative program uses inmate facilitators to deliver the curriculum to their peers. The peer-led environment provides an opportunity for the inmate facilitators to serve in a healthy way and have a positive influence on the unit?s culture.?

(above: Certified Volunteer Chaplain's Asst. (CVCA) Victor Beltran and RPD Director Christopher Carter)

Chaplain Victor Beltran, retired TDCJ chaplain at the Hughes unit from 1994 - 2010 has been serving as a Certified Volunteer Chaplain's Assistant for the past twelve years.? Serving as a CVCA he has truly made a difference in the lives of so many staff and inmates at the Hughes unit.

Thank you, Mr. Beltran for your dedication and passion for rehabilitative programs.?

Rabbi Zvi Boyarsky with the Alpha Institute during the ACA Conference in Orlando, Florida.?