Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Former Inmate Returns as Guest Speaker

FORSYTH, Ga. – On April 24, 34 detainees graduated from BASICS (Bar Association Support to Improve Correctional Services) World of Work at Valdosta Transitional Center in Valdosta, GA. The guest speaker at the graduation was a former inmate, Quinton Addison, who now owns a FED-EX business.

“It is inspiring to see a former inmate, who is now a successful business owner, return to the center to speak with the graduates,” said Commissioner Bryson. “He is living proof that there truly is hope for their futures.”

BASICS World of Works provides skills training in resumes, interviewing, work ethics, financial stability and readiness, and the importance of family reunification. The mission of this 10-week intensive training program is to aid and steer inmates in the direction of self-rehabilitation.

Guest speaker, Addison, shared a presentation entitled “Past, Present and Future” at the ceremony. Not only does he own a FED-EX business, but he is also the Director of the Back on Track Foundation, an organization that works with young men in need of direction and mentoring.

Upon completion, offenders receive a BASICS World of Work certificate from the State Bar of Georgia Committee Leadership.

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.