| Correctional Compass May 2005 |
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Circuit 4 Honors Crime Victims Week
By DCA Ralph N. Henderson
The Jacksonville National Crime Victim’s Rights Week commemoration is coordinated each year by the Mayor’s Victims Assistance Advisory Council. The Council organized events from April 11-15 to inform the community of the resources available to crime victims and information on crime victim’s rights.
On April 14 Circuit 4 Corrections employees participated in a seminar entitled “Making Conflict Work: Creating New Partnerships Through Resolution." They also attended the awards luncheon for victims.
Officers participated in the Network Resource Fair held during the Annual Victim’s Awards Event. This event is held to honor courageous victims, and victim advocates who have shown an exceptional devotion to the assistance of crime victims in the community.
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Pictured are participants of this year’s Victim Awards Luncheon Program. From left to right are CP Specialist Abigail Ellis, CPO Ross Stevenson, and The Honorable Michael R. Weatherby, Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Felony Division. |
Miami North Work Release Center Donates Used Cell Phones to Community Organizations
For the second consecutive year, Major Abel Price and the staff at Miami North Work Release Center (Region 4) collected used cellular phones and cellular phone accessories for donation to a community organization in need of these items. Last year they donated 17 cellular phones as well as cellular phone chargers, batteries, and clips to the Domestic Violence Bureau of the Miami-Dade Police Department. The Domestic Violence Bureau refurbishes these phones and makes them available to local domestic violence victims as a means of making emergency 9-1-1 calls.
This year they collected 16 cellular phones as well as cellular phone chargers and clips which were donated to Miami-Dade County's Dial-A-Life Program in care of Commissioner Joe Martinez's office. The program is dedicated to collecting used, disconnected digital cellular telephones and reprogramming them so eligible, at-risk (elderly, disabled, low-income and domestic violence victims) Miami-Dade County residents can call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance and is spearheaded by Commissioner Martinez. Due to the positive response, Miami North plans to continue collecting phones throughout the year to donate to the program.
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The Backbone of Community Corrections
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On April 28, 2005, at the Venetian Gardens/Leesburg Community Center, in Leesburg, Florida, Linda Brooks, Circuit Administrator Circuit 5 hosted a training, “How to Hang on When you Feel Like Letting Go!.” This event was planned in recognition of “Administrative Professional Week” to recognize the support staff in Circuit 5. Over 100 staff consisting of the Regional Director, Mr. Tony Harper, Deputy RD , Marlene Jefferson, Supervisors, and Officers join with CA Linda Brooks to honor the support staff throughout the Circuit.
The ladies were provided a five course buffet meal, and were individually recognized and showered with gifts, complimentary of the supervisors and officers from their office. This event included guest speakers, Marlene Jefferson, Deputy Regional Director, Gail Page, Service Center Personal Officer and Joan Harlan, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church , Leesburg who gave presentations on “Celebrating Me”; “Survival Skills” and “Embracing Change.” Joseph Hill, Correctional Probation Senior Supervisor, Shirley Fountain, CPSS, Pearl Brown, CPS, and Shikita Menefee, CPO provided inspirational musical selections for those in attendance. Ms. Brooks provided opening remarks and Mr. Harper ending the day with closing remarks. Numerous door prizes were given away which had been donated by local businesses in the area.
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In paying tribute to the support staff, Circuit 5 recognizes that these ladies are unsung heroes and a vital part to Community Corrections. Their work often goes without appreciation, but never unnoticed. They are the first people to greet each offender or the community. Therefore, they are the ones who have to deal with the many attitudes and emotions displayed by every person who enters the probation office or contacts the office by telephone. Through it all, they still manage to keep their cool, by remaining professional, pleasant, and continue to provide guidance day in and day out.
This was a wonderful event and it was enjoyed by all. Special thanks is owed to the planning committee, which consisted of: Linda Brooks, CA, Shikita Menefee, CPO, Sandra Higginbotham, CPSS, Kynnedra Warren, CPS, Josephine Long, Correctional Probation Sr. Officer (CPSO), Saundra Ware, CPSO, Mary Ann Lozoya, CPO, Quiana King, CPO, and Theresa King, CPO.
| Correctional Compass May 2005 |