TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

The Change Agent Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel, members of The Change Agent, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier.

(AUSTIN) – The Change Agent was presented the Most Innovative Program Award during the Governor’s 2023 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today. The award was accepted by Mr. Damon West of Nederland, Texas.

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.”

In early 2022, Damon West implemented The Change Agent program at the Wynne Unit in Huntsville. This cognitive-based program is based on his book “The Change Agent” and is designed to develop self-esteem and restore self-confidence, take responsibility for actions and behaviors, manage emotions, build and maintain healthy relationships, and become a servant leader. This innovative program uses inmate facilitators to deliver the curriculum to their peers. The peer-led environment provides an opportunity for the inmate facilitators to serve in a healthy way and have a positive influence on the unit’s culture. The University of Houston is currently conducting research on the program’s effects on inmate’s institutional adjustment.

The Change Agent is one of 23 organizations and individuals 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.