TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Pineland Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Jim Whitton of Pineland, Texas, was presented the Restorative Justice 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.”

Mr. Whitton has served at the Goodman Unit as a volunteer since May 2019. He currently facilitates classes such as Malachi Dads, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous and is involved with Overcomers. Even though he is not a pastor, he has a pastor’s heart. He has an overwhelming desire to render pastoral care and facilitate quality programming which helps to bring about a spiritual transformation in the lives of those placed under his care. He has an unwavering desire to help these men experience positive change in the classroom so that they can reintegrate back into society. Mr. Whitton helps these men see that moral rehabilitation is not enough. What he helps them see is a spiritual transformation is imperative to success beyond the walls. And that journey begins at the foot of the cross. The Goodman Unit chaplain spoke with several inmates who Jim facilitated in the Malachi Dads program. They spoke of how well he was able to initiate a group discussion among those who seemed to be distant and detached from the class. Every Chaplaincy Department around the state would greatly benefit from having someone like Jim Whitton as part of its programming. His enthusiasm is contagious. He truly cares for people. His zeal and persona are reflected in his actions as well as his attitude towards others.

Jim Whitton 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 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.