2013 Faith Based Contributor of the Year Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

The Refuge of Hope Honored

FORSYTH - Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections named The Refuge of Hope of Johnson State Prison as Faith Based Contributor of the Year at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.

The Department's mission of protecting and serving the public could not be accomplished without the assistance of our employees and community partners. The Refuge of Hope was nominated by GDC staff, who wished to honor them for their contributions.

"The Department is fortunate to have such outstanding volunteers in the State of Georgia," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "Through this ceremony, we are given the opportunity to recognize those who selflessly dedicate their time to assist others."

Additional recipients of the Faith Based Contributor of the Year award include: The Refuge of Hope of Johnson State Prison, First Impressions of Toccoa Probation Office, and Strongholds Group of Valdosta Transitional Center.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests. Making the award presentation with the Commissioner were Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward, Board of Corrections Vice Chair Rose Williams, and special guest speakers Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole and Mercer University Men's Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

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