TDCJ News

27th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Fulshear Woman Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier, Dr. Jeanette K. Winters, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel (l-r).

(AUSTIN) – Dr. Jeanette K. Winters of Fulshear, Texas was presented the Judy Burd Award from the Windham School District during the Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today.

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.

Dr. Winters selflessly volunteers her time to women releasing from the STRIVE program at the Mountain View Unit, as a part of the Windham Women’s Workplace Success Coaching Program. This program asks both volunteer coaches and releasing residents to commit to ten weeks of hour-long telephone coaching conversations. During these calls, the volunteer coach mentors the former resident and gives them a safe place to talk about their struggles and victories in preparation for success, both in the workplace and in their personal lives. Dr. Winters volunteered for the program because the client she was paired with has been very successful since her release and has even taken the time to write back to her teacher in the STRIVE program and share her success story. Not only has Dr. Winters volunteered her professional services for free but she also went out of her way to help her client locate a local resource for acquiring work-appropriate attire.

The award is named in tribute to curriculum specialist Judy Burd who was employed with the WSD where she developed the nationally recognized pre-release program CHANGES. She was also the WSD volunteer program coordinator and, in that capacity, encouraged many to give their time in service to others. Judy Burd was well qualified for this role as she volunteered at the local alternative education program and for several years taught adult education at night in her community, helping many to learn to read and write.

Dr. Winters is one of 17 individuals and 5 organizations 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.