Senate Concurrent Resolution 591

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. GLORIA WILLIAMS, SUPERVISOR OF EDUCATION AT EAST MISSISSIPPI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, FOR BEING SELECTED AS THE GEO NORTH AMERICA "EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR" FOR 2004.

WHEREAS, in the four years that Gloria Williams has been employed at the East Mississippi Correctional Facility (EMCF) located in Meridian, Mississippi, the last two years as the Supervisor of Education, the department has been transformed through her energy and creativity, and its effects have been felt throughout the whole facility; and

WHEREAS, GEO Group, Inc., is under contract with the Mississippi Department of Corrections to manage and operate the East Mississippi Correctional Facility, which houses up to 875 medium security and mental health adult male inmates, an increase of 125 inmates from the previous contract year; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Williams' efforts have brought special recognition to the Education Department as well as the entire facility; she has shown that she not only is an outstanding educator, teacher and supervisor, but she is very compassionate and has a genuine concern for the inmates of this facility. Her mission is to provide the best educational opportunities for the inmates, who have the utmost respect for her, and often refer to her as "a mother figure"; and

WHEREAS, the most impressive element of her accomplishments is that she attained these high standards while serving a population that is 95% special needs. EMCF is a mental health correctional facility. So while she is working with individuals who have an average third grade education, they also have a mental disorder diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, since Mrs. Williams has been at EMCF, she has implemented or directly contributed to the following successes: Academic Need Assessment established; added a Special Education Teacher and ABE Teacher; implemented a three-month Substance Abuse Program; established an accelerated GED class; record number of inmates received their GED; one of the highest rates of GED passing scores for the State of Mississippi; record number of students enrolled in one or more educational program (over 300 offered daily); more inmates are completing course work sponsored by Meridian Community College; "A" custody inmates visit the library at designated times to read at their leisure; strong community involvement; special recognition for the department: scored 100% from ACA and state accreditation (it was noted that the department was one of the best); Informational Fair geared toward helping the "soon to be released" to re-adjust to society; graduation ceremonies mirroring real high school and college graduations; Fatherhood Initiative Program; Education Appreciation Week; and art contests with the assistance of local art dealers and instructors from local school districts with the art work displayed at the local public library, junior college and local schools; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize this accomplishment by a dedicated employee who has inspired inmates and employees alike and has set high standards for other Mississippians to follow:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Gloria Williams, Supervisor of Education at East Mississippi Correctional Facility, for being selected as the GEO Group, Inc., (North America) "Employee of the Year" for 2004, and extend to her and her family the best wishes of the Legislature in her future endeavors at EMCF.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mrs. Gloria Williams, be forwarded to Dr. George Zoley, Chairman of the Board and CEO of GEO Group, Inc., and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.