TDCJ News

27th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Dallas-Based Program Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Free World Bound Project START of Dallas, Texas was presented the Reentry and Integration Division Award during the Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today. Accepting the award were Nadia Mitchell and Daron Kirven.

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Patrick O’Daniel and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier during an online ceremony.

“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.

Free World Bound Project START is a linkage and risk-reduction intervention for persons with HIV who are returning to the community after incarceration. Project START cases workers interview inmates in the prison setting prior to release to start the referral process. Upon release and return to the community, clients are helped to identify and address issues and challenges they may face upon release. The issues may include housing, employment or living with substance use and mental health concerns. Project START focuses on increasing client awareness of risk behaviors after release by providing them with tools and resources to reduce their risk. Participants begin the program prior to release and continue in the community for three months afterwards. Project START works with participants to develop step-by-step solutions to strengthen their abilities to link into medical care after release. The program also uses assessment and documentation tools to provide a structured program that includes education and linkage to care, behavioral risk and re-entry needs assessments, goal setting, strengthening motivation, decision making and facilitated referrals.

Free World Bound Project START 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.