The night before it’s official start, a “Soft Opening” of the new Augusta facility was held and attended by over 100 officials, including Federal Judges, representatives from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, law enforcement officials and local support agencies. Director Cheryl Frazier opened the event, welcomed the attendees and introduced Dismas Vice President of Development Den Freaney who provided a brief history of Dismas. Attendees were also treated to a brief video presentation showing Dismas’ 50th anniversary celebration in 2014. Others attending included Federal Judge J. Randall Hall, Federal Magistrate Judge Brian Epps, Augusta City Commissioners William Fennoy and Sammie Sias, Chief U.S. Probation Officer Ricky Long, U.S. Attorney Dan Drake, U. S. Marshals, U.S. Probation representatives from Augusta and Savannah, Richmond County Sheriff’s Department, Augusta Transitional Center, FCI Edgefield, Paine College, Georgia Department of Corrections, St. Luke United Methodist Church, Georgia Department of Labor, Goodwill, United Way, Community Relations Board member Jackson Widener, R.W. Allen contracting staff, staff from Dismas Charities Orlando, Macon, Atlanta, and Savannah, and some staff family members. U.S. Attorney Ed Tarver visited the center several hours before the event. Above from left are Atlanta Director Stephen Ricks, Macon Assistant Director Charles Frye, Atlanta Assistant Director Dwayne McGough, Savannah Director Katina Wheeler, Frazier, Macon Director LaTonja Brown, Orlando Director Jerry James, Regional Vice President Jimmy Jones, Freaney, and Savannah Assistant Director Brandon Miller.
