Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Graduates honored at Valdosta Transitional Center

FORSYTH, Ga. – On December 21, 2015, the center along with Wiregrass Technical College honored eight residents who graduated and received Technical College certificates in Commercial Driving, Welding, and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning).

“I would like to extend a sincere congratulations to these men, not only for their success in obtaining these certificates, but for their determination in making it happen,” said Commissioner Bryson.

Over the past year, the Department has been actively seeking new initiatives relating to reentry opportunities for the nearly 20,000 inmates who return to their communities each year. One of these new initiatives is the agency’s partnership with Wiregrass Technical College.

“We have been shown, through research, that the one variable that impacts recidivism rates the most is obtaining a technical certificate in a field that is in high demand,” said Commissioner Bryson. “Our partnership with Wiregrass Technical College has given us the ability to offer our returning citizens the opportunity to receive certificates in certain trades, which is key to their successful reentry.”

Not only were these residents accepted to attend Wiregrass alongside tradition students; they did so while maintaining full-time employment. Their hard work and dedication resulted in five residents receiving certificates in Welding Technology, two residents receiving certificates in HVAC, and one resident obtaining his CDL license.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.