TDCJ News

29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Dallas Non-Profit Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Award

TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Sebahattin Gokaydin, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier (L–R).

(AUSTIN) – The Wise Path Platform in Dallas, Texas, was presented the Community Service Award during the 29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony today. The award was accepted by Sebahattin Gokaydin, director of the organization.

The award was presented by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Nichols, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (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,” 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."

The Wise Path Platform is a non-profit Muslim organization that focuses on supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. Their volunteers regularly visit TDCJ facilities in the Dallas and Gatesville areas and beyond. Wise Path Platform volunteers conduct Taleem and Quranic study programs and provide religious items such as Qurans, books and prayer rugs to the chaplaincy departments.

The Wise Path Platform 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.