Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Georgia Association of Gideons International recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Georgia Association of Gideons International as Volunteers of the Year at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the Georgia Gideons,” said Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward. “They have spent countless hours ministering, providing bibles free of charge, and encouraging both spiritual and emotional growth to our offender population.”  

To be selected for this award, the recipient must be any outside organization that works in partnership with the GDC to help ensure our mission of protecting the public and reducing recidivism through effective programming, education, and healthcare.

The Georgia Association of Gideons International is being recognized for the outstanding work they have done in reaching out to the offender population in the GDC Tier program. Gideons have averaged over 200 man hours per month ministering and working with the offender population. They have distributed over 3,500 bibles and have witnessed 250 offenders respond with the commitment to follow Christ. Several of the wardens and chaplains in the Tier facilities have praised the work of the Gideons and have commented on how well the offenders received them. 

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 250 guests.  Making the award presentation with Commissioner Greg Dozier were State Senator Tyler Harper, Board of Corrections member Christopher Clark, Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward, Assistant Commissioners Ricky Myrick, Scott Poitevint, Jay Sanders, Randy Sauls, and Director of Professional Development Terry Edge and Director of Professional Standards Clay Nix.

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.