Let's Talk

2005 Taylor Award Ceremony

BY Jodi McDonough, Project Officer, Community Initiatives, Communications and Citizen Engagement

Photo: Honora Johannesen

Recipient of the 2005 CSC Taylor Award Jackie Maxfield (right), with the Regional Deputy Commissioner Don Demers (left) and Commissioner Keith Coulter (centre

More than a hundred Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) employees, volunteers and ex-offenders gathered in the community of Victoria, British Columbia, on April 28 to honour and celebrate the contributions of Jackie Maxfield, recipient of the 2005 CSC Taylor Award.

Created by CSC in 2001, the Taylor Award is presented annually to a CSC volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of dedication and caring needed to help offenders rebuild their lives. Selected through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process, Taylor Award recipients are recognized as outstanding volunteers with CSC who have made a significant and long-lasting contribution to corrections in Canada.

Jackie, who was nominated by the Victoria Parole Office, has been volunteering with CSC in the Pacific Region for close to 30 years, both in institutions and in the community. For once, it was her turn to be recognized, but she was clearly not used to the attention. A humble and compassionate woman who asks little in return for her volunteer efforts, it is not surprising that Jackie was moved by the hugs, thanks and well wishes extended by guests throughout the evening. After accepting the Taylor Award from Commissioner Keith Coulter during the ceremony’s formal dinner, Jackie described herself as “completely overwhelmed.”

Many people in Victoria had another description for Jackie: she’s “the face of volunteering with CSC.” And it is no exaggeration to say that the results of Jackie’s work speak for themselves. When advised that Jackie would be the recipient of the Taylor Award, ex-offenders from all parts of the country travelled to Victoria at their own expense to share in this special moment with her, and to relay in person the effect that she has had on their lives. After 30 years, Jackie still receives weekly visits and phone calls from parolees and ex-offenders living in all parts of Canada, and continues to support their efforts to successfully reintegrate into the community.

Among her many accomplishments, Jackie was William Head Institution’s (WHI) first citizen escort, accompanying offenders to medical appointments, cultural events, speaking engagements, funerals and meetings. In 2001, Jackie began supporting offenders through the Community Adult Mentoring and Support (CAMS) Program, based out of the Victoria Parole Office.

Jackie has also been instrumental in inspiring others to become involved with CSC. Through her regular participation in community forums, volunteer fairs and public speaking engagements, Jackie works hard to raise awareness of the work of CSC and to encourage caring and understanding in the communities to which offenders return.

To all who attended the 2005 Taylor Award ceremony, one thing was clear: lucky are those who have had the opportunity to get to know Jackie and benefit from her generous spirit and kind heart.

Jackie Maxfield is truly an exceptional woman. On behalf of CSC, congratulations Jackie, and thank you. ♦