TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Stafford Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel, Jayant Vedanayagam, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier.

(AUSTIN) – Jayant Vedanayagam of Stafford, Texas, was awarded the Chaplaincy Department 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.”

A Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant (CVCA), Mr. Vedanayagam has volunteered at the Memorial Unit for the last seven years. He began volunteering for the Malachi Dad program and decided to inquire about assisting in the Chaplain’s office. He began volunteering there in 2015, coming in one day a week and was on-call if the unit Chaplain needed special assistance. He has assisted with several special events such as the Mother’s Day program, Man Up Summit and Marriage Seminars. In addition to being a CVCA, he is an active volunteer with the KAIROS organization where he participates in the Prayer & Share on Saturdays.

Jayant Vedanayagam is one of 23 individuals and 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 inmates, as well as 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.