Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Organization Utilizes “The Universal Language of Sports”

FORSYTH, Ga. – In April 2010, at Burruss Correctional Training Center in Forsyth, GA, the Saints Softball Prison Ministry’s Southeast Regional Office began utilizing what they call, “the universal language of sports,” to share their message with offenders across the state of Georgia. The ministry has visited a total of 29 Georgia Prisons, and hopes that number will continue to grow.

“GDC is committed to providing a variety of resources to our offender population,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We are thankful for our partnership with the Saints Softball Ministry, and every time they visit a facility, it encourages and excites both the offenders and the staff.” 

When the ministry visits a facility, they play a friendly game of softball with the offenders, sharing a gospel message halfway through the event. The ministry’s mission is to share their message with offenders through the avenue of athletics and lead them towards spiritual maturity, as they successfully transition back into society.

The Saints Softballs Prison Ministry began in New Jersey in 1987. The World Headquarters is located in New Jersey, with branch offices in Georgia, Virginia and Colorado. The first game played by the team, originally named The South Jersey Saints, occurred on June 6, 1987.

“We hope to be an asset to your current efforts to change the culture of recidivism,” said Saints Prison Ministry Executive Director Frank Zeidler, Jr. “Our goal is to come alongside the GDC to help demonstrate to the men and women in your custody that someone cares and there is a future for them.”

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 gdc.ga.gov.