TDCJ News

27th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

“Movie Night” Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – “Movie Night” was presented the Most Innovative Program Award during the Governor’s 2022 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today. The award was accepted by Ms. Lana Bowen of Montgomery, Texas and Mr. William Darnall of Tomball, Texas.

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.

Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant Lana Bowen has volunteered at the Wallace Pack unit for the past eight years as the program Director and Teacher. “Movie Night” was presented to help motivate inmates to keep their spaces clean by participating in a cleanest dorm competition. An officer inspects every dorm and then chooses the cleanest one each month. The selected dorm is allowed to view a pre-screened movie. After Mrs. Bowen became unable to continue, Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant William Darnall picked up the program and in coordination with churches in the area, the “Movie Night” program continues to be a unique and successful program.

“Movie Night” 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.