✕

Our goal is to put out the fire of addiction and start an on-fire desire to serve God.

Join us. Give hope. Fuel change.
Your donation today helps us reach every prison, everywhere—one soul at a time.

Donate Here

Give Now

---

TDCJ News 
2012 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards 

​Houston Ministry Receives Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer Award​

​(Austin) - During ceremonies in Austin today, Pastor Boyd and Jan Harrell of Houston accepted the Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer "Restorative Justice" Award on behalf of the C.O.O.L. Ministries. The ministry works with the offenders and parolees to alleviate issues that affect their successful transition back into society. 

The award was presented by Oliver Bell, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston.

"Each of this year's award recipients personify a selfless dedication to helping offenders succeed both while incarcerated, and once they're released," said Livingston. 

C.O.O.L. Ministries (Christ Over Our Life) founded by Pastor Boyd and Jan Harrell in 1999 is committed to reaching the incarcerated through volunteering in the agency's chaplaincy and substance abuse program areas in both the Correctional Institutions and Parole Divisions. This ministry supports offenders seeking positive change in their lives through counseling, substance abuse intervention, and life and work skills development. 

​C.O.O.L. Ministries has made an enormous impact in the lives of offenders and parolees in and around the Houston area. They have ministered to the parolees by assisting them in finding productive employment, overcoming adjustment issues, and finding ways to integrate back into their families in a positive way. 

Ministering to offenders is more than just a calling for Pastor Boyd and Jan Harrell. They both have experienced first hand the struggles associated with drug and alcohol abuse. The couple says their faith freed them and they're dedicated to ministering to others caught in a destructive cycle of drug and alcohol addiction. 

C.O.O.L. Ministries of Houston is one of 6 organizations and 13 individuals from across the state recognized today for their efforts to help offenders and those who are on parole or probation. 
Note to media: For more information, contact Jason Clark, TDCJ Public Information Officer, at 936-437-6052 or by e-mail at [email protected]. ​

With your help, we're actively reaching out, touching lives, doing our part in making a difference