TDCJ News

27th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Lott Organization Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier, Aaron Helmuth, David Kauffman, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel (l-r).

(AUSTIN) – Gospel Express of Texas in Lott, Texas was presented the Best Family Program Award during the Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today. Accepting the award was David Kauffman.

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

“These individuals have gone above and beyond in their volunteer efforts. No words or awards will be enough thanks for these individuals. We are grateful they decided to use their time and talents for good at TDCJ,” said O’Daniel.

“TDCJ and this state are better because of these award recipients. They are heroes who are making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of so many across the Lone Star State,” said Collier.

Gospel Express of Texas has been serving the Ferguson Unit in numerous capacities since 2015. They facilitate both the “Day with Dad” and Marriage Seminar programs. The “Day with Dad” program arranges a Saturday for fathers inside the units to spend quality family time with their children. It includes a breakfast, board games, a pizza lunch and even a basketball game or four square, if the space is available. At the end of the day, fathers will gift their daughter with a rose or their son with a dog tag and pray over them. The Marriage Seminar is a course for couples providing them with an opportunity for one-on-one time. A meal is provided to give the couples a ‘date’ ambiance. At the end of the day the husbands will provide their wives roses and a love note.

Gospel Express of Texas is one of 5 organizations and 17 individuals from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole or probation. They 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.

In FY2021, there were 21,310 volunteers who provided a total of 47,290 hours of service.

Note to media: For more information, contact Robert Hurst at (936) 437-6052 or by e-mail at robert_hurst@tdcj.texas.gov.