Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Offenders give back to community   

FORSYTH, Ga. – On Sept. 28, Central State Prison in Macon, Ga. hosted a Braille Open House. The Braille Open House, held annually, gives offenders the opportunity to share with attendees, how they give back to the surrounding communities through displays and real-time demonstrations of Central State Prison’s Braille Transcribing Program. 

“Not only does the Braille Program cut significant costs for the state,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier, “it gives these men a chance for a better life by learning and developing a high-demand skill set upon reentry.”

The Open House was divided into two areas: one area focused on early stages of offenders learning the braille transcribing process and its application; the other focused on more advanced training, certification, and resume building upon reentry. The group of 24 offenders interacted with attendees by elaborating on the braille transcribing process, demonstrating braille imprinting onto heat-resistant paper with specialized equipment and binders, and explaining self-starting braille business plans upon reentry.

According to Angie Scott, Education Program Specialist, the program has a proven history of success. More than 10 offenders who have either paroled or transitioned out of the program, now run a successful braille business. Furthermore, recidivism with the braille program has remained at 0%, affirming its value to offenders as they transition back to their communities. 

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 478-992-5219 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.