TDCJ News

29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Thriving United Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – Thriving United of Midland, Texas, was presented the Judge Carroll Wilborn, Jr. Award 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 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.”

For the past three years, Thriving United has fostered a strong community partnership and addressed a critical need. Thriving United partners with the Midland Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD), connecting probationers with recovery programs and supporting their journey. They utilize evidence-based practices to offer peer-support, community service opportunities, recovery residences and connections to vital resources. Additionally, they provide emotional support and empower clients to build purposeful lives. Their dedication and exceptional work ethic make them stand out within our community.

Judge Carroll Wilborn Jr. began his career in public service as an Assistant County Attorney and the Assistant District Attorney for Chambers County, Texas. He served as the District Attorney for Chambers County from 1977 until 1983. In 1983, he served as the Judge for the 344th District Court, a position he held until he retired in 2012. Over the years, Wilborn served as a member of the faculty at Advanced Criminal Law Certification Courses, the Texas College for the Judiciary, and as a guest lecturer at the South Texas College of Law. He was also the Governor’s Chairman of the Criminal Procedure Revision Committee and Treasurer of the Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. In 1993 and 2001, Wilborn was appointed as a member of the Judicial Advisory Council (JAC) to the TBCJ and the Community Justice Assistance Division. As a member of the JAC, he served as the secretary, chair of the legislative subcommittee, and the liaison to the Probation Advisory Committee. Wilborn was a tireless advocate for the improvement of the criminal justice system in Texas and, in particular, an unfailing ally to community corrections.

Thriving United 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.