The recipients of the President's and Joe Kegans Awards and a special honoree were announced during its APPA's 2022 Winter Training Institute.
LOMBARD, IL / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2022 / The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) recently honored an extraordinary individual for his tireless dedication to reform and his unwavering commitment to service and humanity. Also, two of APPA's annual distinguished awards were presented to exceptional individuals for their outstanding work and dedication to community corrections.
The Reformer honor was presented to Bryan Stevenson, a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer and bestselling author of Just Mercy. APPA's Executive Director/CEO presented the distinctive recognition to a true system "reformer" who is an absolute giant and champion of justice. As only the second person in APPA's history to receive the prestigious honor, Stevenson was recognized for his commitment to justice reform through his work as the Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults.
The President's Award was presented to Antonio Gomez, a Unit Supervisor in the Juvenile Field Services Section of the Alameda County Probation Department in California. Gomez received the honor for his work in implementing the Wall of Success, a program highlighting client successes and healthy changes. The APPA President's Award is bestowed upon individuals, agencies, and programs that have advanced their system through effective and innovative community corrections or crime prevention programs, advancements in technology, or publishing national articles that provide insight into effective community corrections practices.
The Joe Kegans Award for Victim Services in Probation and Parole, was presented to Libby Hamilton, the Victim Liaison for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Hamilton was recognized for developing the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles' Victim Liaison program, where she provides staff the necessary training and guidance. In addition to being appointed by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott to the Texas Crime Victim's Institute Advisory Council, Hamilton and her staff have provided support for over 1,400 victims and their families.
The Reformer honor is selected by APPA's Executive Director/CEO who stated, "It's a tremendous honor to recognize these individuals for their hard work and dedication to community corrections and society, particularly during these incredibly challenging times. They continue to fight for justice and make our communities a safer place for everyone to grow and, in many ways, represent all who are fighting and paving the way for tomorrow's community corrections professionals."
Annual award recipients are selected by the President of the Board of Directors or other volunteers who serve on the Awards Committee. The next call for award nominations will be issued in late February and will be presented during APPA's 47th Annual Training Institute which will take place in Chicago, Illinois, August 28-31.
For more information, please visit appa-net.org.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN PROBATION AND PAROLE ASSOCIATION
For more than 40 years, APPA has been committed to national representation of the community corrections field. The association is dedicated to reducing recidivism and keeping communities safe. Members are provided with information and educational resources including training delivered via various mediums.
Contact:
Diane C. McDonald
859.388-0258
[email protected]
appa-net.org
SOURCE: American Probation and Parole Association