TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Buda Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Tim Rouen of Buda, Texas, was presented the Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight 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. Rouen is a Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant (CVCA) who serves as a spiritual leader, counselor and prayer warrior for the female inmates at the Coleman Unit, as well its staff on a weekly basis. His vast experience and exceptional spirit has been a great blessing to everyone. His testimony has made a huge impact on the women he ministers to and interacts with inside the facility. His mission is to equip the women with a firm foundation that will transform them prior to transitioning back into society. In addition to leading in the ministry, he has made generous donations to the facility but, more importantly, he has donated his time and heart to the inmate population and staff. His genuine care for the incarcerated is evident in his twenty-five plus years of dedicated service to the agency.

Mr. Rouen 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.