TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Sugar Land Woman Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Lunetta Mitchell of Sugar Land, Texas, was presented the TDCJ Employee Volunteer 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.”

Ms. Mitchell is the founder of Tree of Life Ministries and is a dedicated employee of the TDCJ Chaplaincy Department where she has four years of service to the state of Texas. Prior to her role as a TDCJ Chaplain, she served as a volunteer starting in 1994 rendering services at several units within Region III, such as the Memorial Unit, the Plane State Jail and the Terrell Unit. Even after her employment with TDCJ, she continued her volunteerism teaching the Voyager program to the inmates. Even outside of her regular duties, she participates in the Wraparound Program at the Plane State Jail. She has seen countless men and women give their lives to the Lord while in prison and return to society to become productive citizens and defying the dangers of recidivism.

Lunetta Mitchell 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.