HORIZON PROGRAM HONORED WITH 2007 GOVERNOR’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

May 24, 2007

(AUSTIN) – Horizon Communities, Corp. of Vernon was honored with the Governor’s 2007 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award today in recognition of their dedication to providing faith-based programming to inmates incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The award was presented to representatives of the program by Christina Melton Crain, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston during a ceremony held in Austin. Horizon Communities is among 6 organizations and 13 individuals from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole or probation.

Horizon Communities in Prisons is a yearlong, faith-based residential program based in TDCJ’s Allred Unit in Iowa Park. The 5-year-old program is led by 30 volunteers who offer counseling and education in citizenship, employability and personal and family responsibility.

“Our volunteers live in Wichita Falls and the surrounding areas of Iowa Park, Burkburnett and Vernon,” said Judy Taylor, Community Resource Manager for Horizon Community. “The volunteers come to share their faith in God, and help the offenders realize that God does love them.

“The volunteers will tell you that they receive a bigger blessing than the one they give,” she added. “They come to listen with an open heart and help the offenders grow in their relationship with God, their families and others.”

Horizon Communities volunteers lead offenders in organized programming three nights each week, focusing on spiritual growth, mentoring and rehabilitation. Two additional evenings are spent in small group gatherings and participating in a community night.

In addition to its program at the Allred Unit, Horizon Communities also has established faith-based residential programs in Florida, Ohio and Oklahoma.