Latest news with #STRIVE
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
TDCJ Executive Director announces retirement
(FOX 44) – Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Executive Director Bryan Collier has announced his retirement, effective August 31. TDCJ says this comes following a long career of public service. Collier assumed the role of Executive Director on August 1, 2016. In addition to guiding the agency through Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, TDCJ says Collier's leadership was instrumental in decreasing the recidivism rate to one of the lowest in the country, coordination with State's leadership to secure significant pay raises for correctional staff and parole officers, and investing in the rehabilitation and reentry of those incarcerated. Under Collier's leadership, the agency embraced innovation, broke ground on a new state-of-the-art training facility, issued tablets to more than 130,000 inmates, and implemented transformative programs such as the Field Minister and Life Coach approaches to peer support, and the STRIVE inmate self-improvement curriculum. TDCJ says Collier has held a wide variety of positions during his 40 years of service to the agency. These include clerk, correctional officer, parole officer, section director, parole division director, deputy executive director, and executive director. Collier has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Corrections from Sam Houston State University. He is a member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), serving on the Board of Governors, Vice President, and as Vice-Chair of the Performance-Based Standards Committee. TDCJ says Collier has received numerous awards – including ACA's Best in the Business Award, Correctional Leaders Association (CLA) Edward R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award, CLA Michael Francke Career Achievement Award, and Dr. George J. Beto Hall of Honor Award. The Executive Director is appointed by the nine-member Texas Board of Criminal Justice. Chairman Nichols says the TDCJ the board has started the process of appointing a new executive director. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Veterans' thinktank STRIVE holds Late Gen Bipin Rawat memorial lecture
Veterans' thinktank STRIVE organised the 4th Late General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture, a tribute to India's first Chief of Defence Staff and a distinguished strategic mind. Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta , PVSM, UYSM AVSM, YSM, general officer commanding-in-chief, Central Command, delivered a lecture focusing on the critical theme of ' India-China Relations : Challenges and Opportunities'. Lt Gen Sengupta offered a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic landscape of India-China relations. He explored the historical and cultural connections, the enduring influence of colonial history, and the geographical factors that continue to define strategic approaches. Highlighting a potential shift in the bilateral dynamic, Lt Gen Sengupta pointed to recent diplomatic interactions and public pronouncements as indicators of a possible recalibration. He cautioned the strategic community to approach this development with pragmatic awareness, emphasizing preparedness and clear strategic thinking. He spoke about a future built upon strategic autonomy , strengthened defence capabilities, modernised infrastructure, and economic self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Is Reported To Have Read Every... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo He lauded the STRIVE members impactful work in nation building and national security. During the event, he launched the STRIVE tie, which features the colour red signifying valour and a logo that combines the intellect of an owl with the experience of veterans, represented by a soldier's sword evolving into a pen. The lecture, attended by the guest of honour Lt Gen Yogendra Dimri, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chairman UP SDMA, with prominent gathering of active and retired military personnel and STRIVE members, was widely praised for its realistic assessment, intellectual clarity, and practical recommendations.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Talk About Clyde: Rutherford to celebrate 93rd birthday at museum
Many things are happening around Clyde in the next few weeks. A fundraiser to provide awareness for suicide survivors, "What If; Hope" will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 3 at Sleepy Hollow RV Camp, 6029 Ohio 101, north of Clyde. It was formed in July 2024, said Wendy Criswell, a board member. It is a nonprofit group that provides assistance to individuals impacted by suicide loss. Their mission is to raise funds and donations to actively support suicide loss survivors and loved ones, and to provide them with hope and healing resources to help them recover from their loss. This is their first fundraiser which includes music by Joe Pfeiffer, raffles of more than 70 gift baskets, two food trucks — Rio Grande Street Tacos and Wonder Wagon — and a cornhole tournament. Criswell is pleased with the overwhelming support they have received. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3, Dr. Clifford Moore of Columbus, a 2003 Clyde High School graduate, is hosting a Tribute Relay for Heroes at Clyde High School's Robert J. Bishop Stadium. The American flag will be carried around the track in relays for 10 hours. It is a fundraising benefit for the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans (STRIVE), an in-patient facility based at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center. Moore, who recently ran in the Boston Marathon, will be carrying the flag, but to get the community involved, anyone is welcome to run and carry the flag for a lap, a mile or several miles. Supporters can either participate, cheer on the runners, sponsor a participant, make a direct donation to STRIVE or attend the benefit raffle held at Clyde VFW 3343 that evening. Already, more than $7,000 has been raised. Online donations can be made at "Let's Glow", the Clyde High School Prom, will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 3 at Camden Falls in Tiffin. Participants must arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. and will not be re-admitted once they leave. On May 4, a birthday bash for the 93rd birthday of Bud Rutherford will be held at the Stemtown Museum, 111 S. Kansas St. in Green Springs. A new bench in honor of Bud and his late wife, Maxine, will be dedicated. Refreshments will be served. "We are excited to do this for him," said Megan Knierimen, president of the Stemtown Historical Society, which is hosting the event. "We appreciate him and are happy to celebrate his 93rd birthday with him." Rutherford is a long-time museum volunteer who is happy to give tours at the museum and talk to school groups. An entire wall there displays his many awards and accomplishments from his 63 combined years in education, teaching drivers education and physical education at Clyde High School, and later serving on the Clyde-Green Springs Board of Education and Vanguard-Sentinel School Board. A program about popular culture and its place in the history of country music will be held at the Clyde Museum, 124 W. Buckeye St., at 6:30 p.m. May 6. The presenter is Matthew Donahue from Bowling Green State University. Clyde-Green Springs Safety Village is set for five- and six-year-olds entering kindergarten or first grade. The program will be held at Clyde Elementary School on weekdays, June 16-27, and introduces youngsters to safety awareness and behavior concerning pedestrian and bike safety, school bus, fire, gun, pool and train safety, plus stranger danger. There will be field trips and guest visits. Traffic safety is taught through children riding bikes on a miniature street set up with traffic lights. The cost is $30 per child, which includes a Safety Village T-shirt. Financial assistance is available and in-person registration will be held at the Clyde Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 30; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 3; and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 5. Registration forms are also available at the library if one cannot attend in-person registration. Registration also continues for Kids Camp, hosted by the Clyde Recreation Department at Community Park, for children ages five to 12. Two sessions are being held, June 2-26 and July 7-31. Jeanette Liebold Ricker writes about Clyde and Green Springs. Contact her at 419-547-8177 or by email at This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Clyde: May 3 will be a busy day for community
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sarasota Student: 'You're going to be okay.'
It was immediately apparent why Nevaeh Turner chose the word "dedicated" to describe herself. She has a laser-sharp focus on whatever is in front of her – school, career, family – and refuses to let obstacles get in her way. This all-in attitude was a driving factor for Nevaeh to be selected as a North Port High School STRIVE nominee, an award given by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to recognize local high school juniors and seniors who have faced obstacles and succeeded in overcoming their challenges. Even though her parents aren't together, Nevaeh is surrounded by family. Mostly raised by her grandmother, she has three siblings on her dad's side and three siblings on her mom's side, of which she is the oldest. While not always perfect, it is the support of her family that has seen her through tough times. 'My freshman year, I remember going through a lot of social anxiety," said Nevaeh. "What got me through was the close relationships I had with friends and my family.' The previous year, Nevaeh lost the most important person in her life to cancer – her oldest uncle. 'He was my best friend growing up,' she said. 'I was nine the first time he asked me, 'What do you want to do when you grow up?' I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse. My answer always changed whenever he asked me.' Losing her beloved uncle at the age of 13 left Nevaeh confused and mad. 'I was angry at the world for a while,' she said. Everyone handles grief in their own way, and Nevaeh found that the act of playing helped her work through her feelings. 'I found peace and was the most okay when I was doing something fun, using my imagination, and not having to be in the real world.' Video games gave her an outlet to 'not have to think about it and have fun and pretend my problems didn't exist for a while.' In the middle of eighth grade, Nevaeh felt ready to deal with reality and started to reconnect to her life. She saw her cousins going to homecoming dances and athletic games, and she wanted that for herself. She became excited about entering high school in the upcoming year and doing all the new things high school offers. It dawned on her that while her uncle wasn't with her physically, he wouldn't want her to hide away from the world and shelter herself. He'd want her to have fun. In her freshman year, when the anxiety crept in, she leaned on her family and friends. 'The close relationships I had with them and admitting I needed help got me through. I chose people wisely enough to know who I could talk to.' She found her safe place. Today, Nevaeh is part of her school government association, receives guidance from a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is on track to graduate a year early. For career advice, her mentor has picked up where her uncle left off, and her grandma is her 'new closest friend,' who makes sure she stays on top of her game and doesn't stray too far from her goals. 'She won't let me give up on myself,' Nevaeh said. Her plan is to attend Florida Memorial University with the aspiration of becoming a kindergarten teacher. She believes kindergarten is when children truly begin developing an interest in school, and she wants to be there at the start of shaping their lives. Focus and dedication have propelled Nevaeh toward the goals she wants to achieve, and with her attitude, there is no doubt she will accomplish all she sets out to do. She admitted that she was shocked and honored to be selected as a STRIVE recipient and hopes to encourage others who may be struggling to push through hard times. To them, she says, 'Even if you feel like it's the end of the world and you've lost everything and you're at rock bottom, you're going to be okay. It's going to take a while, it's not fun, it's not pretty, but you're going to be okay.' For over 35 years, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County ( has supported students and teachers with the belief that education transforms lives. Its mission is to enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy. Thanks to the H. Jack Hunkele Charitable Foundation and other generous donors, the Education Foundation, in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, highlights the resilience and grit of students across our county through the STRIVE Awards. Learn more about the STRIVE Awards and this year's remarkable recipients at This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Student: 'You're going to be okay.'
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Inmates in this Texas program are leaving prison with jobs — and lower chances of reincarceration
GATESVILLE — As Amanda Morgan walked out of state prison for the third time in her life, she felt equipped to never return. She wouldn't spend the dollars in her pocket on a pack of cigarettes, as she says she did the last two times she was released from prison. And rather than returning to a life of drugs and crime in her previous home, she'd be dropped off at a sober-living facility in San Angelo and had plans to begin a full-time job almost immediately. 'I've worked hard to get where I am today,' Morgan, 45, said as she prepared for her release from the Patrick L. O'Daniel Unit about 40 miles west of Waco. 'I'm going to be good.' Morgan is one of 30 women who graduated last week from STRIVE, a highly selective, 12-week reentry program the Texas Department of Criminal Justice launched in 2019 to help women incarcerated at the Patrick L. O'Daniel Unit (formerly called the Mountain View Unit) address emotional trauma, learn professional skills and land a job prior to their release. STRIVE, an acronym for Strength Through Restoration, Independence, Vision and Empowerment, has graduated 824 women. Every graduate left prison with a job offer in hand, and graduates are about half as likely to return to prison as the general prison population, state officials said. Within three years of their release, 5.6% of STRIVE participants returned to prison compared to 9.7% of all incarcerated Texas women, according to data provided by prison officials. Criminal justice reform advocates say lawmakers should pump money into STRIVE and similar programs that contribute to lower rates of recidivism. Research, time and time again, has found such programs to save money that the state would otherwise spend to reincarcerate repeat offenders. But more dire needs for the state's roughly 135,000-person prison population mean rehabilitation programs like STRIVE are not where the agency plans to direct additional state dollars in the next budget cycle. The same day Morgan and other STRIVE graduates donned gowns and walked across a stage to collect their diplomas, the criminal justice agency's executive director Bryan Collier defended his budget request before state lawmakers. Last year, the agency submitted a historic $10.9 billion appropriation request for the next two years. Requests include $240 million to construct dorms to house a population projected to increase by about 10% over the next five years, an additional $404.5 million to pay for inmates' health care costs and $28 million to fund a pay increase for parole officers who had a 33% turnover rate. An additional $215 million is needed for major facility repairs. Not included in the budget request are dollars to expand rehabilitation and reentry programs which include chaplaincy, reentry transitional coordinators, substance use treatment programs, and the sex offender treatment program. STRIVE also falls into that bucket, though it is run in collaboration with the Windham School District, which provides education to Texas' incarcerated population. Windham is also not currently seeking state dollars to expand rehabilitation programs, officials said. 'If rehabilitation works, then let's invest in it,' said Jennifer Toon, who was incarcerated and now runs Lioness Justice Impacted Women's Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for currently and formerly incarcerated women. 'STRIVE is at one facility. How do we replicate that culture and make it more than just three months?' The STRIVE program is highly coveted for its competitiveness, participants said. They must complete an interview and aptitude assessment to gain admission. The program is open to women who have demonstrated good behavior and are not in high-security custody, among other requirements. STRIVE living quarters don't have metal bars nor are they dark, isolating cells. Instead, the women reside communally in a bright, rectangular dorm with rows of cots separated by red brick. Words of encouragement decorate the white walls: 'There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise.' 'I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.' Participants learn coping skills and healthy ways to respond to triggers in a class focused on trauma and healing. The course also addresses issues of domestic violence and sexual assault. Another few hours are dedicated to career and technology. The women receive an email address and computer access to search for and apply to jobs. They can also complete certifications in professional communication, occupational safety, safe food handling and forklifting to make them more attractive job candidates. 'This is the first time I've ever done anything during my incarceration,' said STRIVE graduate Aubrey Nothaft, who said she has been in prison eight times and plans to work in cosmetology, a skill she learned while in prison. 'I begged to get into STRIVE. I just don't want to come back (to prison).' A program supervisor and two case managers are dedicated to the STRIVE program. There are also two full time teachers from the Windham School District. About six mentors, who are female inmates selected by the warden and other agency officials, live with participants and offer support. Mentors and community volunteers also teach the students about healthy relationships, addiction recovery, and managing finances. The program is 'the full package with the bow on top,' said Sherri Cogbill, the deputy director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reentry and integration division. 'The confidence they gain through this program is extraordinary.' Before STRIVE graduates return to the free world, they select hygiene products and professional clothing to take with them. Mentor Shy Belser, 61, helps participants select clothing in their size. 'I can't be more ready to go home,' said Ahlante Wilson, a STRIVE graduate who left prison last week after serving eight and a half years. 'It's the best feeling.' STRIVE is a bright spot within a state criminal justice system contending with a severe staffing shortage, a growing inmate population and ballooning correctional health care costs. The state prison system is responsible for housing about 135,000 offenders and managing the parole and probation of another 437,000 people. Reducing recidivism is among the agency's priorities, outlined in its 2030 Vision. Texas will become a 'national leader in rehabilitative programming,' the agency website states. 'To me, public safety is achieved if [inmates] don't come back,' Collier told state lawmakers during a public hearing last week, adding that education and rehabilitation programs are among the primary drivers of low rates of recidivism. But as they struggle to respond to immediate operational needs at their more than 100 facilities, agency leaders are not requesting to spend more money on rehabilitation. Instead, their budget proposal targets outdated technology, aging infrastructure, and staffing problems that, according to a Sunset Commission Report, have impacted the agency's ability to provide adequate public safety. 'It has to be a safe environment for anything good to happen in there,' Collier said during last week's Senate Finance Committee hearing. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has requested for the 2026-27 budget cycle $424 million to provide rehabilitation and reintegration services to convicted felons — any increase compared to the current budget cycle would only cover the rising costs of salaries and treatment. Rehabilitation and reintegration services include substance abuse treatment and vocational training but don't include the dollars expended by Windham school district. Despite competing priorities, some criminal justice advocates say rehabilitation programs like STRIVE should still be expanded and that doing so could ultimately save the agency money. 'My hope is that lawmakers will explore incorporating a boost to the funding for these kinds of effective treatment programs,' said Marc Levin, chief policy counsel at the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice. The Council of State Governments estimated in a 2024 report that Texas will spend $369 million to reincarcerate people who were released from its prisons in 2022. To avert those costs, the council recommends that state and local governments, along with nonprofit organizations, expand support to individuals returning from incarceration. Agency officials say they will prioritize rehabilitation by maximizing the existing budget. Some formerly incarcerated women have suggested adding funding to STRIVE to make it longer than 12-weeks and to expand the services to other women. In fiscal year 2024, about 6,200 women were released from prison or state jail, TDCJ reported. 'I did 33 years in prison. Three months was not enough to help me learn to reintegrate back in society,' former STRIVE participant Donise Cherry said during a Sunset Commission hearing in November. Prison officials said they are looking to expand elements of STRIVE to other facilities. Last year, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice opened a new prison focused on rehabilitation. One reentry program the prison offers to male inmates is modeled off of STRIVE. Windham School District superintendent Kristina J. Hartman said the district is not asking for more funds for STRIVE this legislative session because it is currently focusing on assessing their programs. She said her district will consider growing its offerings in the 2027 legislative session, which may include an ask for technology to ensure students can compete in the job market and access online opportunities. Just because Morgan was no longer locked up did not mean life would become easy. Morgan was released last week on parole and would have to satisfy certain conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor, reporting to her parole officer each week and completing a weekly drug test. Morgan was convicted in 2021 of possession of less than a gram of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. She also has two prior robbery convictions. The day after Morgan's STRIVE graduation, she arrived at the sober living house where she tried to start off on the right foot. She planned to report to parole, visit the food stamp office, buy a few clothing items and finalize the details of her job, but she ran into obstacles. 'I got on the wrong bus, ended up going the wrong way and had to explain that to my parole officer,' Morgan said. 'It was a very stressful day. I didn't get anything accomplished.' After realizing the Goodwill office she was slated to work at would take hours to reach by bus, Morgan found a job at a landscaping company. The training she completed in horticulture and urban farming while in prison would come in handy, she said. The job was short lived, though. The company didn't have enough work for Morgan, so she is back on the search for a full-time job. Despite the ups and downs of life post incarceration, Morgan says she feels prepared and committed to bettering her life. 'I feel like they covered everything we would need in order to start fresh,' Morgan said about STRIVE. 'It's all going to work out.'
