A Red Deer woman has been recognized nationally for giving Bowden Institution inmates a boost in communication and leadership skills.
Susan Hall is the 2009 recipient of the Taylor Award, presented annually to an outstanding volunteer with Correctional Service of Canada.
Over the past 18 years, she has become a role model not only for offenders but for CSC staff and other volunteers.
“You have been described as someone showing great compassion and empathy and these are certainly key elements in the healing process of numerous offenders,” said CSC commissioner Don Head, who handed out the award last Friday in Springbrook during National Volunteer Week.
Hall, 58, said on Tuesday that she was humbled by the honour because in her view, the course is the one that needs to be recognized.
“It helps people to grow,” she said.
More than 26 years ago, Hall began teaching the Christopher Leadership Class (CLC) in Effective Speaking in the community.
On Jan. 1, 1992, she began teaching offenders at Bowden. Hall also helped establish the course at two other institutions.
The 11-week course teaches leadership and self-confidence building through the tool of public speaking.
With the help of other volunteers, the Bowden program has been successful.
Inmates must apply and are then interviewed by the chaplain, before being accepted.
Hall has instructed each of the program’s 29 courses over 18 years.
Many offenders graduate from the program with skills that have a tremendous impact on their lives — enhanced employability skills, increased motivation to participate in other programs, and a desire for more meaningful interaction with their families and enhanced community support.
During the ceremony, three inmates spoke of the positive results they’ve had since taking the course three years ago.
Hall enjoys working with this sector of the population.
“They don’t expect people to treat them humanely,” she said. “They’re just students in my class and I think they’re grateful.”
The award is named after Dr. Charles Taylor and wife Charlotte for their lifetime of faith-based counselling and work with offenders in institutions and communities.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com