Atlantic Region - Mark Colley

Congratulations to the Atlantic Region's 2009 Taylor Award nominee, Mark Colley!

Mark was born in East Preston, Nova Scotia. As a young man, he spent 12 years in and out of the prison system. In 1981, while incarcerated in Edmonton, Alberta, he became a Christian. From that moment on, his direction in life was forever changed.

He holds the strong belief that with proper help and support, every inmate can return to a healthy, productive lifestyle. Mark has done not only that, but he has become a model volunteer by helping offenders learn what it takes to become law-abiding citizens.

For more than 20 years, he has been an active volunteer within federal and provincial institutions, including the Nova Institution for Women. Active in his community, Mark has been involved in various ministries. He has been blessed with a musical talent and often takes part in gospel concerts.

A pleasant and enthusiastic volunteer, Mark works very well with the chaplains, CSC staff and other volunteers. His positive and optimistic outlook is an inspiration to all.

Quebec Region - Sister Marguerite Rivard

Congratulations to Sister Marguerite Rivard, Quebec Region's 2009 Taylor Award nominee.

Sister Marguerite is a woman of great kindness who has a boundless capacity for giving. This magnificent woman knew from the age of 16 that she was destined to live a religious life. She made this decision serenely, “for the grace of God.”

Although her chosen life seemed rather conventional, her fate took a more unusual turn when she became involved with women inmates. After living in a convent for 36 years, Sister Marguerite decided to work outside its walls, while still observing her vows. For 17 years now, she has dedicated herself to working with the women in Maison Tanguay (Montreal) and in Joliette Institution, sometimes up to seven days per week.

Sister Marguerite’s shows her dedication in endless ways, either by listening during one-to-one meetings, participating in pastoral care activities, leading the rosary or handing out clothing to women in need.

Sister Marguerite dedicates her heart and soul to the women who need her and she intends to continue working as hard and for as long as her strength will let her.

Ontario Region - Carol and Bill Groten

Congratulations to the Ontario Region's 2009 Taylor Award nominees, Carol and Bill Groten!

For over 20 years, Bill and Carol have shown great dedication, faithful presence, and a generous commitment as chaplaincy volunteers with Correctional Service Canada (CSC). By their work, they very much have manifested the spirit of dedication and caring for the safe reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders that Charles and Charlotte Taylor created in their life work and ministry.

Bill and Carol have volunteered at multiple sites including Bath, Frontenac, Pittsburgh and Kingston Institutions. They have been involved in many Chaplaincy activities from Escorted Temporary Absence programs to training for the Prison Ministry volunteers. Carol has been an appreciated presenter during these training sessions and has shared her experiences as a senior chaplaincy volunteer. They also developed and delivered an independent program Freeing the Human Spirit through yoga and meditation, which offenders and staff have found extremely beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety.

Unfortunately, Bill passed away in 2007, but Carol has continued their work and is currently volunteering at Bath, Frontenac and Pittsburg Institutions.

Prairie Region - Susan Hall

Congratulations to the Prairie Region's 2009 Taylor Award nominee, Susan Hall!

Since 1991, Susan Hall has been a volunteer instructor for the Christopher Leadership Course (CLC) in Effective Speaking at Bowden Institution. She has instructed each of the program’s 29 courses over an 18-year period. 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.

Susan is a builder of unity and community. In past years, she has helped to connect staff and offenders at Bowden Institution not only with other community partners but also with each other. She has encouraged other citizens to become involved as volunteers and was instrumental in establishing the CLC program at two other institutions.

Susan shows excellent leadership skills. She has the ability to bring out the best in all those she comes in contact with and is a role model for everyone.

Pacific Region - Heather Stacey

Congratulations to the Pacific Region's 2009 Taylor Award nominee, Heather Stacey!

Heather began her volunteer work with Correctional Service Canada (CSC) in 1996 as a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) member. Over the years, she has filled the role of Chair and Vice Chair with the Victoria Parole Office.

A significant example of her contribution as a CAC member is her involvement in the Arthur M. Trono Community Justice Award for Creative Writing¹. Heather helped initiate this endeavour by soliciting high-profile Canadian authors and academics to sit as judges. Her liaison with university and college faculty ensured that the award maintained a high profile in the community at large as well as the correctional community. Her work on this award has given offenders across the region the opportunity to experience a unique challenge by vying for the award, testing their mettle as writers and in some cases winning the award.

In addition to her CAC role, Heather has also reached out further into the community by being involved in many Circles of Support and Accountability or by working with victims and offenders in the Greater Victoria community.

Today, Heather is back to her role as a CAC member. She is appreciated by CSC staff and is definitely a credit to her community and our organization.

¹This competition is open to all federal inmates and parolees, inviting them to submit essays on the challenge of reintegration.