TDCJ News

27th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Lockhart Woman Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Pam Parkman-Thomure of Lockhart, Texas was presented the Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division award 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.

Ms. Pam Parkman-Thomure is the executive director of Empowering Women of Prison (EWOP), a program that strives to connect women with a second chance employer within their first 90 days post release, and always strives to do her best for the program. She ensures that every EWOP lady receives a purse and a backpack full of women’s necessities to take with them upon their release. The goal is to provide women with a second chance and a comprehensive solution to re-entry in a structured environment aiding in everything from travel assistance to clothing, and even online education classes. Through her hard work and dedication, she has also created a partnership with local optometrists and ophthalmologists to conduct free clinics at the facility for those who need glasses at no charge. She is very respected by her peers and the community, always showing she is a team player and that she cares about each individual.

Ms. Pam Parkman-Thomure 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.