TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Georgetown Church Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Award

TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel, Mark Balderson of Celebration Church, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier.

Celebration Church in Georgetown, Texas, was presented the Community Service Award during the Governor’s 2023 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 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.”

Celebration Church has served the Coleman Unit in Lockhart for the past ten years. They have graciously agreed to begin volunteering to provide worship services, Radiant Conferences and support various initiatives to improve morale at the facility. Celebration Church has exceeded in all areas of services and has been faithful to the inmates and staff at the Coleman Unit. They serve in various capacities that assist in repairing and rebuilding the lives of the female inmates. In addition, they have hosted three Radiant Conferences in the last year where they share testimonies, worship and have activities to assist with healing mind, body and soul. Celebration Church also provides food for the inmates and staff during these conferences. The entire Celebration Church staff has consistently been faithful throughout the years and the Coleman Unit staff is very appreciative for their heart of service to equip the women with a firm foundation that will transform them prior to their transition back into society. They not only lead Dave Ramsey Financial Peace classes but they have also made generous donations to the facility over the years towards Christmas gift bags that are distributed to the inmate population and Employee of the Week meals for the staff. They genuinely care for the incarcerated and it is evident that they have the desire to be a blessing to all. Their commitment to volunteerism is an inspiration.

Celebration Church is one of 23 organizations and 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 inmates while aiding and comforting their victims.

In FY2022, there were 23,376 volunteers who provided a total of 146,649 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.