Celebrate National Volunteer Week!

Meet Richard: Volunteer Yoga Teacher

Volunteer Yoga Teacher
Richard Jenkins, Volunteer Yoga Teacher
Richard Jenkins isn’t your typical yogi. When we meet to discuss his involvement with DCJ as a Recreation Volunteer, Richard is dressed comfortably in a t-shirt and sweats, his arm etched with a large tattoo. He carefully tucks a rolled mat under his arm. He’s just finished an 8:30 AM class with the young men in the Measure 11 Unit at Juvenile Custody, where he has been volunteering for the past two years. Richard reports that the class went well today:the youth had a quiet, relaxing savasana (a restorative posture that provides deep rest and relaxation while lying flat on your back.) But, it doesn’t always go that smoothly. Occasionally tempers can flare. The boys may be feeling anxious, depressed, or amped up. Richard tries to meet them where they are at and hopes that he can provide them “a few moments of peace and quiet in a place that may not afford them a lot of calmness.”

Despite Richard’s relaxed demeanor, life hasn’t always offered him a lot of those peaceful and calm moments. [Read More...]

Mayzie Garrison, Religious Services Volunteer
Mayzie Garrison, Religious Services Volunteer

Meet Mayzie: Religious Services Volunteer

As I begin talking with Mayzie and asking how long has she has volunteered with DCJ, she realizes that this month marks her 20th year serving the young women at the Donald E. Long (DEL) Juvenile Custody facility. Mayzie first visited DEL when a friend, who was a Religious Services Volunteer, invited her to join her during a visit. When her friend moved on, Mayzie felt obligated to fill that void the young women would be missing.

DEL holds religious services once a week and Mayzie has consistently volunteered on the first Sunday of each month, contributing one hour on the girls’ unit. “I enjoy listening to the girls, and having five daughters made the transition pretty easy.’’ Giving them support, and accepting the girls for who they are and how they show up, is what makes the environment and experience valuable for Mayzie. [Read More...]

Meet Kristen: Probation and Parole Volunteer

Kristen Seese, Volunteer Probation & Parole Volunteer
Kristen Seese, Volunteer Probation & Parole Volunteer

As a volunteer with the Adult Services Division Gang Unit, Kristen feels her contribution to the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) has been very valuable. With a 14 year background in social work and a Criminal Justice degree, Kristen’s support has been both an affirmation of her experience, and an opportunity for greater understanding. When asked about her initial impressions of DCJ and the staff, she notes that “they (Probation and Parole Officers) have high caseloads, and are much busier than people think.” Which is why she knows the importance of her role as a volunteer. “Anything that anyone can do to help is a relief for the staff,” Kristen adds. [Read More...]

Jaime Estrada, Probation and Parole Intern
Jaime Estrada, Probation and Parole Intern
Meet Jamie: Probation and Parole Intern

It goes without saying that a strong work ethic has propelled Jaime to reach his goals. “I started working when I was 7 years old. If you wanted to eat, you had to work.” As an adult, Jaime started his own cleaning business to support his family. After decades of building his business, he decided it was time to pursue a long-time goal, returning to school and earning a degree in Criminal Justice. But Jaime’s dedication doesn’t end there, he still works evenings, going to school during the day, and completing a Probation & Parole internship with PPO Gina Clanton in DCJ’s Southwest Generic Unit. It just makes sense that someone who has had to take a long-term approach to accomplishing big goals would make a great teacher for people trying to make positive changes in their own lives. [Read More...]

Reflecting on National Volunteer Week

Youth Artwork
Artwork by Youth at Donald E. Long
Youth Artwork
Artwork by Youth at Donald E. Long
Youth Artwork
Artwork by Youth at Donald E. Long

Today is our final day of celebration for National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about in their community. Their stories can serve to inspire others to find ways to take action that creates change.

Our final day hopes to inspire you with the simplicity of an image. Below is a quick note and a few photos taken by volunteer Manon Veilleux. Some of you may remember Manon as a teacher with the Donald E. Long school. After retiring from teaching, Manon wanted to return to DEL to provide art class to the youth.

Here's a little inspiration and color... Thank you for supporting and facilitating volunteer experiences - it's one of the most rewarding things I do.