TDCJ News

27th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Alvin Woman Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) –Ms. Sherri Blood of Alvin, Texas was presented the Pathfinder Award from the Victim Services Division during the Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today.

The award is given to an individual or group that has demonstrated leadership qualities in their volunteer service and made significant contributions to the welfare of victims.

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.

Ms. Blood has selflessly given of her time and resources to volunteer as a panelist for the Victim Services, Victim Impact Panel Program since 2006. She shares how the murder of her brother, Michael, on September 18, 1991, has and continues to impact her and her family. He was shot and killed while trying to stop three juveniles who had robbed a store at a shopping mall in Tarrant County. Sherri does a great job of explaining the long-term effects of a crime on survivors and touches on the cost of crime on inmate families. She is very honest and upfront about her experience and does an excellent job of sharing the intended and unintended consequences of crime. She participates in the panels to not only make a positive difference but to also honor her deceased brother. She has stated that if it prevents one victimization, it is worth it. Not only is Sherri making a positive difference in the lives of parolees, but she also finds speaking on the panels to be therapeutic for herself.

Ms. Blood 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.