Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

521 family members attend

FORSYTH, Ga. – On March 3, Walker State Prison (SP) hosted their 5th Annual Education Open House. There were 521 family members, 30 volunteers, and 231 offenders in attendance. This event allows family members to learn about the programs their loved ones are participating in, while also spending quality time together.

“It is encouraging to see 521 family members showing interest and support for the hard work the offenders are putting in at Walker,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “Not only does this motivate the offenders to continue pursuing a successful reentry back into society, it also strengthens their family bonds.”

The goal of the Education Open House is to reduce recidivism through family involvement. The Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA) reentry best practices states that families must to be involved in their loved ones’ education. Additionally, teaching families about programs their loved ones are involved in is a mandated part of the Faith and Character based (F&CB) program, which Walker SP is based upon.  

Walker SP became the first and only male F&CB prison in the state of Georgia in 2011. Offenders accepted into the program spend two years studying the following components: Motivation for Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, Thinking for a Change, Behavior Stabilization, Effective Communication, and the four-phase Faith and Character based concept (Foundation, Recovery, Transformation & Transition).

The facility also offers a Basic and Advanced Welding Program, and several elective courses.

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.