Volunteers across Texas continue to make significant impact on the lives of youth in the custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). Through service as mentors, tutors, ministers and other capacities, volunteers enhance the lives of youth by providing meaningful activities and resources that promote pro-social, educational, emotional and spiritual growth, and healthy family relationships. This in turn complements and expands the services provided by staff.
The Volunteer Services Department of the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Facility has 237 volunteers actively enrolled in the program. During Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, these community volunteers contributed 11,698 hours working with and on behalf of TJJD youth. The average tenure of these volunteers is 2.8 years.
The facility is supported by the Brownwood Community Advisory Council for the Benefit of TYC Youth, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization consisting of local citizens who are concerned about adjudicated youth. There are currently 15 members on the Council. The organization generated $3,514 in funds that benefit TJJD youth and their families. Last year, a total of 124 families received support from the Council, and $2,038 in financial assistance was given to families of youth. The overall value of volunteer hours, other in-kind donations, and cash donations totaled $287,716 for FY 12.
Mentoring is a major component of the volunteer services department. There are 35 mentors enrolled in the program and 36 youth are currently matched and receiving mentoring services. This constitutes 39% of our youth population.
The facility is supported by many community-based organizations that assist with donations and services, including the following:
- Dr. Joe Speck, veterinarian
- Ag-Mart
- JR Beadel Central Texas Foundation
Two other noteworthy projects at our facility is the PAWS program involving pet therapy, supported by community donations and services, and a Girl Scouts Troop.
Statewide, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, 1,378 community volunteers throughout Texas were enrolled in TJJD’s Volunteer Program. These volunteers provided 68,606 hours of service, valued at $1,465,400. More than half of that time is donated by faith-based volunteers, with mentors and interns also providing numerous hours of service.
Groups or individuals interested in volunteering at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex or mentoring TJJD youth should contact TJJD’s Community Relations Manager Tammy Holland at (512) 424-6090.