Florida Department of Corrections Banner, Secretary Mark S. Inch

 

PRESS RELEASE
February 4, 2021

Contact: FDC Communications
(850) 488-0420
 

FDC Streamlines Volunteer Application Process Through an Online Portal
New process makes volunteering with FDC even easier.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is proud to announce the creation of a new online volunteer application portal. The new portal offers a streamlined process for potential volunteers, which will speed up background checks, training and approvals.

“The restoration of an inmate back to the community is a team effort, one that can not be accomplished without the dedicated volunteers who invest their time and talent into the lives of the men and women in our custody,” said FDC Secretary Mark Inch. “We value our volunteers and are actively working to increase their presence at our institutions. The new volunteer intake system will support our plans to recruit and grow our volunteer base to 25,000 caring citizens, committed to fostering change and inspiring hope.”

Each year, volunteers contribute thousands of service hours in FDC institutions. Their service is highly valued and provides an important public service. Volunteers help inmates and offenders become more productive, educated, self-sufficient and law-abiding citizens. Volunteers are role models for this transformation and provide much needed support to FDC staff and facilities with limited resources.

“We want to make the process of volunteering within our facilities as quick and easy as possible,” said FDC Director of Office of Programs and Re-Entry Patrick Mahoney. “This new online application process removes some inconvenient obstacles that were present before, such as paper forms and mailing requirements, and will reduce the time between when a volunteer applies and begins making a real difference in someone’s life.”

Volunteering with FDC helps inmates and offenders with diverse educational, socio-economic, religious traditions and backgrounds. Whether a volunteer leads a recovery group for individuals battling addiction or teaches valuable trade skills, there is always an opportunity to help these returning citizens succeed upon release. Others lead faith-based services and prayer groups, help connect inmates with their children and teach inmates basic educational skills.

Under the direction of Secretary Inch, FDC is working to greatly expand the current volunteer base of more than 12,000 registered volunteers. Aside from the tremendous impact provided within a correctional setting, community volunteers and partnerships provide surrounding communities a greater public understanding of FDC and its vital public safety mission.

Volunteer Application

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As Florida's largest state agency, and the third largest state prison system in the country, FDC employs 24,000 members, incarcerates 80,000 inmates and supervises nearly 146,000 offenders in the community.

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