TDCJ News

29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Dallas Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Robert Diggs, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier (L-R).

(AUSTIN) – Robert Diggs of Dallas, Texas was presented the Carol S. Vance Award as the Volunteer of the Year during the 29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony today.

The award was presented by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) Chairman Eric Nichols, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Executive Director Bryan Collier during an online ceremony.

“These award recipients, by volunteering countless hours, are helping to build a better Texas for themselves and everyone whose lives they touch,” Nichols said. “It is an honor to recognize them for their hard work and dedication.”

“These volunteers are true heroes,” Collier said. “Their compassion and commitment make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of many Texans. TDCJ, and the entire state, is better because of their service.”

Diggs, a Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant, has volunteered for the TDCJ for over 25 years. Diggs facilitates spiritual growth classes such as Overcomers and Family Education. His work with the Family Education program is unique in that he acts as liaison between the client’s family and services available. Diggs helped develop and present family education to the families of addicted clients, he coordinated the clothes closet, organized the annual turkey drive, assisted the chaplain with organizing and restarting the Dallas Community Partnership Council, helped with the Success Celebration, as well as provided encouraging words at the new arrival orientation. Diggs created a "welcome back guide" booklet that clients receive at new arrival orientation. This guide booklet has 14 pages of resource information vital to clients in their efforts toward reintegration.

In 1999, the TBCJ named the Volunteer of the Year Award after Carol S. Vance, former TBCJ chairman and board member, former TBCJ Rehabilitation and Reentry Programs Committee Chair and current chaplaincy volunteer (since 1996) at the Darrington and Jester Units. This award recognizes his many contributions in the development of rehabilitative programming offered to inmates to effect change.

Diggs was one of 22 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 lives.