The Rhode Island Department of Corrections will hold its 17th annual Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, October 26th, beginning at 4 p.m. in the 2nd floor Conference Room of the main administration building, located at 40 Howard Ave., Cranston. During the ceremony, the 13th annual Russell E. Dixon Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Marilynn and David Renner of Barrington, R.I..
Since 2004, Mr. and Mrs. Renner have been presenting the Alpha for Prisoners course at the Adult Correctional Institutions. The 15-week course teaches inmates the basics of Christianity with a focus on building a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Renners have taught the course twice at Maximum Security, once at High Security to the Protective Custody inmates, twelve times at the Donald Price Medium Security Facility, and four times at the Dorothea Dix Women’s Minimum Security Facility. Over 200 inmates have completed the class to date.
When they are not volunteering, the Renners enjoy spending time with their two children, Keith and Kristen, and their four grandchildren. Marilynn is a retired dental assistant, and Dave is retired from the insurance industry.
Over 300 men and women volunteer at the RIDOC through its 20 or so volunteer-run institutional programs. “The RIDOC is blessed to have so many volunteers who selflessly donate their time and talents,” notes Corrections Director A.T. Wall II. “Especially during these challenging economic times, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to these individuals who have a significant impact on the lives of our inmates, many of whom have had few positive role models.”
The Russell E. Dixon Award is presented each year to an individual who represents “the spirit of volunteerism” in memory of Russell E. Dixon, a man who was not only a respected employee but also an active volunteer within the Department.
Members of the press who would like to attend should contact Tracey E. Zeckhausen, Chief of Information and Public Relations, at (401) 462-2609.