Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Hosted in partnership with several agencies to provide services for veteran offenders

FORSYTH, Ga. – On January 6, Rutledge State Prison hosted their third Annual Veteran’s Stand Down. This event partners with several agencies to provide services for veterans who will be homeless or in need of assistance upon release.

“It is imperative that we provide every resource available to assist our veterans as they take their first step toward becoming returning citizens,” said Commissioner Dozier. “This event allows us to bring those resources together in one place and helps us meet the needs of those who have served their country.”  

The Stand Down event brings together several agencies and service providers to offer a comprehensive system for veteran offenders in need, as they transition back into society. The partners that attend are subject matter experts (volunteers and professionals) that can address unique needs concerning housing, employment, education, general benefit counseling, behavioral health services, financial services, and substance abuse services.

The agencies that attended this year’s Stand Down were Georgia Department Of Community Supervision, Department of Veteran Affairs, Central Alabama Veteran’s Health Care System, Volunteers of America Southeast, Inc., Department of Human Services, Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Veteran Services, South Eastern Regional Driver Academy, and Columbus Georgia Vocational Rehab.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.