NC Department of Correction News Release - Secretary Beck Names Volunteer of the Year

RALEIGH — Calvin Mack Bradley of Roanoke Rapids was selected as the 1998 Volunteer of the Year for the Division of Prisons during an awards luncheon held April 21.

A volunteer at Odom Correctional Institution in Jackson for more than 30 years, Bradley has devoted countless hours of hard work helping inmates at the prison.

"Mr. Bradley is one who gives unselfishly of his time and love to Odom Correctional Institution and the inmate population," said Alma Hux, assistant superintendent of programs at Odom. "He has steadfastly devoted countless hours of hard work to the volunteer program at Odom. Mr. Bradley holds the conviction, along with all our volunteers, that no prisoner is beyond the reach of God’s love and concern."

A primary force in the development of Odom’s volunteer program, Bradley began volunteering at the prison as a scripture reader for worship services and later became a worship and music leader. Over the years, he has recruited churches to sponsor Christmas gift bags and individuals to join him in conducting worship services at the facility and arranged for the donation of Bibles.

Secretary Beck congratulates Bradley

He also coordinates the Tuesday Bible study and two Sunday worship services each month, making the 40-mile round trip from Roanoke Rapids each week.

Retired from Champion International Corporation, Bradley and his wife, Eunice, attend Southern Baptist Church and Rosemary Baptist Church.

"Mr. Bradley is to be commended for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Department of Correction," said Correction Secretary Theodis Beck. "With more than 32,000 inmates incarcerated in our prisons, the services provided by volunteers like Mr. Bradley are greatly needed and appreciated."

Bradley was one of 20 volunteers nominated for this year’s award. Others recognized during the luncheon included Howard Blackburn, Wilkes Correctional Center; Donald Bickel, Central Prison; George William BonDurant, Currituck Correctional Center; Patience Soper Brumley, Western Youth Institution; Rev. Charlie Bryant, Wayne Correctional Center; Kenneth H. Griffith, Jr., Cabarrus Correctional Center; Roy Jones, Dan River Prison Work Farm; Margaret Kornegay, Johnston Correctional Institution; Rev. Lenard Latimer, Morrison Youth Institution;

Rev. Marcellus Leach, Neuse Correctional Institution; William Penn, Sr., Forsyth Correctional Center; Lee Etta Pulley, Fountain Correctional Center for Women; Hubert Riddick, Caledonia Correctional Institution; Franklin Sanders; Sandhills Youth Center; Barbara Sawyer, N.C. Correctional Institution for Women; Fred Stafford (deceased), Charlotte Correctional Center; Rev. Wayne Kenneth Wellmon, Union Correctional Center; Betty West, Harnett Correctional Institution; and Laura Gordon Williams, Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women.

More than 6,400 individuals give time each month serving as volunteers throughout the Division of Prisons. In 1998 alone, volunteers donated 276,326 hours of their valuable time helping others in the prison system.

The annual Volunteer of the Year awards program strives to honor these volunteers and recognize their outstanding contributions to the department.

Sandhills Youth Center recognized volunteers and honored Franklin Sanders as their Outstanding Citizen Volunteer.

In nominating Sanders, Sandhills Assistant Superintendent J.P. smith remarked, " Mr. Sanders is without a doubt one of the most caring, compassionate, realistic, fair, humble and committed individuals serving in the capacity of volunteer in this region and the division."

Along with fellow volunteers, Sanders, as lead Yokefellow Prison Ministry coordinator, regularly directs Yokefellow Bible study meetings and activities with the prison's inmates. Since 1993, Sanders has faithfully coordinated meaningful special programs including drama and puppet shows at several state institutions. Sanders has also taught prisoners through Prison Fellowship's Reentry Life Skills program which helps prepare inmates leaving prison for their return to the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Sanders

At the luncheon recognizing Sanders and other volunteers, Hoke County's Director of Programs for Exceptional Children, Mrs. Rhenda Cameron, presented an inspirational and touching tribute to the volunteers. Each volunteer was recognized for their service to the prison. The prison's inmate choral group entertained with music.

Elizabeth City, NC - Community volunteer Banquet was held on April 8, 1999 at 7 PM in the prison's visiting area.

Those in attendance included Joseph Lofton, Eastern Area Director; Darlene White, Assistant Area Director; Van Barnes, Acting Pasquotank Correctional Institution Administrator; and T.N. Strahan, Pasquotank Correctional Institution's Assistant Superintendent for Programs. Special guests included Ernest Sutton, Superintendent of Currituck Correctional Center and Clayton Manos, Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church.

Pasquotank Correctional Institution's Volunteers of the Year David and Rita Gregory were recognized for the tremendous impact on the inmate population for the last 3 1/2 years. The positive effect on the inmate population and the staff is noted by the overflow of inmate participation in regular worship services lead by the Gregorys. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory were recognized with a plaque, certificate, floral center piece and a heartfelt thanks from the prison staff and Division of Prisons.

A special acknowledgement was given to volunteers Roland Carpenter, Sam Forbes, Pastor Evelyn Whidbee, Collis Griffin and Celestine Hartsfield.

All volunteers were honored with certificates of recognition, entertainment and a buffet style meal.

	NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Theodis Beck, Secretary
Patty McQuillan, Director of Public Information (919) 733-4926