TDCJ News
28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards
Lago Vista Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award
(AUSTIN) – Sean Oliver of Lago Vista, Texas, was presented the Health Services 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.”
Mr. Oliver was a peer educator at the Polunsky Unit in 2006 until his release in 2019. During that time, he educated many inmates and continues to do so today. He continues to lead with his work and devotes his time to work in consort with community-based organizations that work in the local community and within TDCJ. Following COVID-19, he volunteered for AIDS Foundation Houston to provide a virtual learning video for peer educators in lieu of the annual conferences. These learning videos have been viewed in multiple units across the state.
Sean Oliver is one of 23 individuals and organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help offenders 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.