TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is proud to recognize and celebrate National Volunteer Week April 7-13, 2019. This week provides an opportunity to honor the many volunteers who make a difference by devoting their valuable time, talent and support to serve individuals incarcerated in Florida. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of offenders as they make the transition from incarceration to the community.
“I’m pleased to recognize the commitment these citizens make, to volunteer their time in a setting unknown to many Floridians,” said Governor DeSantis “Their commitment to make a positive impact in the lives of incarcerated individuals speaks volumes about their own character and aspirations. The more we can prepare these individuals to successfully reenter society, the brighter our future will be.”
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Mark S. Inch said, “We are incredibly fortunate to have more than 14,000 volunteers who invest their time and talent to individuals who are in need of hope and compassion during their incarceration. These volunteers provide services that would otherwise be unavailable to inmates and offenders. We commend their efforts and dedication and hope others will be inspired to find ways they can get involved.”
Each year, thousands of citizen volunteers contribute nearly 300,000 service hours in FDC facilities. Volunteers play a significant role in the criminal justice and corrections environment as they assist in the rehabilitation of inmates and offenders. Having volunteers present also creates opportunities for a greater public understanding of the challenges inmates and offenders face prior to their reentry into the community.
Volunteers with FDC help serve the diverse educational, socio-economic, religious traditions and backgrounds of inmates, offenders and staff. They lead recovery groups for individuals battling addiction, teach valuable trade skills, lead faith-based services and prayer groups, help connect inmates with their children, teach inmates basic educational skills and so much more.
