TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

El Paso Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Michael Moss of El Paso, Texas, was presented the Correctional Institutions Division 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.”

Since 2016, Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant (CVCA) Michael Moss has demonstrated the highest standard of dedication and unwavering commitment to the Chaplaincy Department and the Sanchez Unit. He brings spiritual transformation and moral rehabilitation as he renders pastoral care and quality programming to the inmates. He is the co-pastor of the Del Sol Church at the Sanchez Unit where he and other volunteers conduct a Sunday evening service for the inmates. They also facilitate weekly small group programs, a correspondence ministry and a reintegration ministry. Michael has participated in Sanchez Unit Crusades, Recreation Tournaments, Day with Dad events, baptism services, marriage seminars and other special events in addition to making emergency calls for inmates and handing out literature. He has faithfully and consistently assisted the Chaplaincy Department ministering to staff and inmates.

Mr. Moss 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.