Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Omar Temple #21 Recognized for Outstanding Community Partnerships and Service Left to right: John Smith, Legislative Liaison; DJJ Commissioner Niles; John Parker, Illustrious Potentate; Carl Gilliard, State Representative; Joe Vignati, Chief of Staff. On March 9, members of Omar Temple #21 Currently, the Shriners are working to become Oasis of Savannah, Desert of Georgia, Prince Hall mentors for youths at the Savannah RYDC. Shriners were invited to the Georgia Capitol. Omar Mentors are needed for at-risk youth who may not Temple was recognized and received an award otherwise have positive role models in their lives; and Declaration for Outstanding Community the Shriners would like to participate in and partner Partnerships and Service throughout its local with DJJ on that program. community and the State of Georgia. Commissioner Niles encouraged the mentorship Omar Temple #21 is the third-largest Temple in the campaign and the partnership with Omar world. Its members are valued members of the Temple #21: “Each and every youth – whether Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic in the DJJ system or in the community – needs Shrine Inc. North America, South America and its encouragement and assistance. The mentorship Jurisdictions. The Shriners of Omar Temple #21 and program augments the influence of family, friends its female auxiliary, Omar Court #91, were hosted and DJJ staff. Mentors can make a real difference in at the Capitol by State Representatives Carl Gilliard the life of the youth in our care.” and Mickey Stevens, and other dignitaries, including DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles. Scott Cagle, Director of the Office of Planning & Preparedness, said, “John is a valuable member The head of the Omar Temple #21 Shriners of the DJJ team, and the volunteer assistance (known as the Illustrious Potentate) is also an of his fellow Shriners is welcome and needed. I agency employee. John Parker is an Emergency congratulate John and Omar Temple #21 for their Management Coordinator in the Office of Planning recognition, and look forward to their continuing & Preparedness. The Omar Shriners are no strangers work on behalf of DJJ youth.” to DJJ as they have assisted and partnered with the Savannah RYDC on several volunteer campaigns. 51 • Spring 2017
The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a multi-faceted agency that serves the needs of this state`s young offenders up to the age of 21. The Department employs more than 4,300 men and women at 26 secure facilities and 97 community services offices throughout the state to effect justice and redirect the young lives in the agency`s care. Including those who are placed on probation, thousands of youth are diverted each year to evidence-based community programs, sentenced to short-term incarceration or committed to the Department`s long-term custody by juvenile courts. It is the duty of DJJ’s professional corrections staff to preserve public safety and safeguard the citizens of Georgia, as well as protect the victims of crimes so that they can rebuild their lives. At the same time, DJJ holds juvenile offenders accountable for their delinquent conduct so that they can take responsibility for their actions through probation, supervision and secure detention. The youth are provided with medical and psychological treatment, as well as specialized education and programs designed to equip them with the social, intellectual and emotional tools needed to achieve their successful reentry and reintegration into community, workplace and neighborhood settings as more productive and law-abiding citizens. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 3408 Covington Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032 404-508-6500 [email protected] www.djj.state.ga.us GeorgiaDJJ GeorgiaDJJ @GeorgiaDJJ OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS DJJ DIGEST STAFF Scott Mall - Supervising Editor & Writer Jim Shuler - Staff Writer & Photographer Matt Montgomery - Staff Writer & Photographer Janssen Robinson - Chief Photographer & Graphic Designer Meagan Terry - Staff Writer & Graphic Designer Maria Rondel - Contributing Writer & Photographer Avery D. Niles, Commissioner, Publisher Assistant Commissioner Keith Horton, Chief Editorial Advisor “One Team. One Mission.”
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