Jalongo Named Pine Grove Volunteer of the Year

On Oct. 17, officials at SCI Pine Grove held a banquet to honor 30 volunteers. This year's Volunteer of the Year was Dr. Mary Renck Jalongo. Since 2014 Dr. Jalongo has assisted the prison's dog training program by sponsoring dogs and by teaching skills and techniques to the inmate handlers.

"I feel privileged to participate and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the service dog training program."

Several inmates attended the program and spoke favorably about Dr. Jalongo and the other volunteers. They also presented wooden plaques, each engraved with personal messages of thanks.

This year's program was coordinated by Facility Chaplaincy Program Director Rev. Kirt Anderson.

Pictured, left to right, are: Deputy Superintendent Billie Heide, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist Christina Smith, Dr. Mary Renck Jalongo and Superintendent Lee Estock.