SCI Cambridge Springs hosted the 2023 Annual Volunteer Banquet on Sept. 26. This is the first banquet the facility has had since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cambridge Springs was fortunate to be able to honor 32 volunteers and their guests at the banquet. In addition, a selection of 25 inmates who participated in the volunteer services were afforded the opportunity to attend the banquet. Members of the administrative staff were present to show their support, encouragement and appreciation for the volunteers.
Banquet guests enjoyed a delicious upscale hors d’oeuvre style buffet coordinated and prepared by Ms. Burdine, corrections food service instructor, with assistance from dietary staff and inmate workers. Everyone in attendance raved about the creativity with the menu, delicate attention to detail, and how delicious every item was.
Rev. Darlene Johnson, facility chaplaincy program director, devoted a great deal of time and energy into planning this event to honor the volunteers for the services that they graciously provide to the inmate population, to include song and dance presentations by the inmates and special messages of thankfulness.
Daniel McIntyre, director for Bureau of Reentry Coordination, was in attendance to offer opening remarks. In addition, several members of the Department of Corrections leadership team sent messages of gratitude that were relayed by chaplaincy staff at the facility. Dr. Laurel R. Harry, secretary of Corrections, sent a special message recognizing volunteers for their selflessness, dedication, passion, courage and vision quoting Leo Christopher who stated, “There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on.”
All of the volunteers were recognized; however, there were two very special awards presented at the conclusion of the evening. Deborah Olivieri (pictured below, left) was presented with the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award and Lighthouse Bible Study (pictured below, right) was named the 2023 Volunteer Group of the Year.
Superintendent Overmyer is happy to have such a strong presence of volunteerism from the local community as their compassion and generosity augment inmate services and support.
