February & March 2023

A MOMENT WITH

THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CELEBRATION OF WOMEN

INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is a day where women are recognized for their achievements without regard to division, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political. Since those early years, this day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.

The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on the 28th day of February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honor of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested unfavorable or distressing working conditions. Outraged relevant to women being barred from speaking at an anti-slavery convention, Americans Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott assembled a few hundred people at the nation’s first women’s rights convention in New York.

Together they demanded civil, social, political, and religious rights for women in a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. It was at this point a movement was born. It is also important to know that in 1920, during the first known campaign of its kind, the Egyptian Society of Physicians defied tradition, by declaring the negative effects of female genital mutilation.

We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Understand that collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. To sincerely embrace equity, it is essential to genuinely believe, value, and seek out change as an indispensable and positive element of life. To embrace equity means to understand the journey necessary to achieve women’s equality.

Although IWD commenced in 1911, it remains an important moment for working to advance women’s equality with the day belonging to everyone, everywhere. Everyone everywhere can help forge women’s equality. Collective action and collaborative support for forging

women’s equality matters, and all groups should be delighted to advance women’s equality by whatever appropriate means they choose.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Each year, the month of March is designated as Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.

Women’s History Month initially started as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County California Commission on the Status of Women designed and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the following five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States, inclusive of the specific achievements, women have realized over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

The week of March 8th, International Women’s Day was chosen as the focal point of the observance. The local Women’s History Week activities were met with enthusiastic response, and dozens of schools organized and arranged special programs for Women’s History Week. More than 100 community women participated by organizing and performing special presentations in classrooms

SHERIFF BROWN

throughout the country. An annual “Real Woman” Essay Contest attracted hundreds of entries. The finale for the week was a celebratory parade and program held in the center of downtown Santa Rosa, California.

In 1979, an individual by the name of Molly Murphy MacGregor, was invited to participate in The Women’s History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, which was chaired by Gerda Lerner, historian, and attended by the national leaders of organizations for women and girls.

When the participants learned about the success of the Sonoma County’s Women’s History Week celebration, they decided to initiate similar celebrations within their own organizations, communities, and school districts. They also agreed to support an effort to secure a “National Women’s History Week.”

As word spread rapidly across the nation, state departments of education encouraged celebrations of National Women’s History Week as an effective means to achieving equity goals within classrooms. Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Alaska, and other states developed and distributed curriculum materials for all their public schools. Organizations sponsored essay contests and other special programs in their local areas. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating National Women’s History Week, supported, and encouraged by resolutions from governors, city councils, school boards, and the U.S. Congress.

In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and histori ans—led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance), successfully lob bied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Wom en’s History Week.

Each year, the dates of National Women’s History Week, (the week of March 8th) changed and every year a new

lobbying effort was necessary.

Annually, a national effort that included thousands of individuals and hundreds of educational and women’s organizations were spearheaded by the National Women’s History Alliance.

By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-bystate action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.

Succeeding Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

about the agency

The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.”

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left.

The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

agency ’ s contact numbers

C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM RETURNS TO FIFTH GRADE CLASSROOMS

In the months of February and March, Deputy Sheriffs

Michael Gregg, Tim Smith, and Kimberly Cox returned to the Newton County elementary schools’ fifth grade classrooms for the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program.

The subject matters covered during the C.H.A.M.P.S. program are as follows: drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse prevention; gangs and violence; peer pressure/bullying; internet safety; methamphetamine; and cocaine.

Lesson plans are tailored for particular schools based on that school’s needs. The course is facilitated by a deputy sheriff who has become certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. It is the goal of the Deputy Sheriffs to teach the students what they need to be successful in the future, in addition to ways to avoid the obstacles they will face along the way.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 32 DONATES TO THE NCSO

In the month of February, the American Legion Auxiliary Unity 32 donated snacks to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriffs, detention officers, and administrative staff.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office send their sincere gratitude to members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unity 32 for its generous donation.

NCSO DEPUTIES ATTEND CAREER DAY AT LIVE OAK ELEMENTARY

On February 17, 2023, Deputy Sheriffs Michael Gregg, Tim Smith, Kimberly Cox, Andrew Archie, and TaRhonda Anderson attended Live Oak Elementary’s annual Career Day, where they spoke about their jobs at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

The deputy sheriff gave a presentation to more than a dozen students detailing their daily tasks for the Uniform Patrol Division, Community Outreach, and C.H.A.M.P.S. At the end of the presentation, the students were presented with a junior deputy badge.

NCSO HOSTS FINGERPRINT CLASSES AT OAK HILL ELEMENTARY

From March 6th through March 9th, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations hosted fingerprint classes at Oak Hill Elementary School for students in grades first through fifth. The NCSO Traffic Unit Deputy John Restivo also attended one of the fingerprint classes to assist Investigators Mickey Kitchens, Jaime Broce, Christopher Bowles, and Evidence Technician Macharia Belgrave.

SHERIFF BROWN IMPLEMENTS PROGRAM TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM

Inmates have access to educational, vocational and, self-improvement courses through a program initiated by Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown. While investigating ways to prepare incarcerated individuals for a productive life outside the jail, he learned about tablets offered by the Newton County Detention Center’s phone provider, Pay Tel Communications.

“Skills training and job readiness is a key part of reversing the recidivism cycle,” Brown said. “I recently saw a statistic that formerly incarcerated individuals have a nationwide unemployment rate of 27%. I want to give the people in my custody the ability to make a better life for themselves after incarceration.”

The Pathway to Achieve program offers more than 900 educational courses accessible through the tablets, covering topics such as addiction recovery, anger management and parenting. Additionally, there are recorded religious sermons and faith-based content on the tablets. Since the tablets are on a closed network without direct access to the internet, it is a safe and secure way to deliver educational content to the entire jail population.

Upon initial login to the tablet, the learner takes a Risk/ Need Assessment (RNA). The questions are designed to determine each inmate’s criminal thinking (likelihood to reoffend) and guides them to recommended courses to support behavior change. Inmates earn credits for the coursework they complete and the credits can be used to listen to music, play games or watch movies.

Inmates who have been sentenced in court to take an anger management course, for example, have the ability to forward the course completion certificate to their attorney or probation officer.

In addition to the coursework, the tablets also feature a list of reentry resources available in the Newton County area. The guide is designed to help make reentering the community more manageable. It provides a listing of places that can assist with some of life’s basic necessities like housing, food and clothing. Anyone who needs support can access these resources online at www.rise4me.com\

The tablets were provided by Pay Tel at no cost to the Sheriff’s Office or the Newton County taxpayers. Additionally, there is no cost for the inmates to take the courses. Currently, there are 222 tablets in the facility. Due to the success of the program, the number of tablets will soon be increased to 450, allowing equal access to all learners.

Sheriff Brown is impressed with the learner engagement on the tablets. Since implementation, inmates have completed over 250,000 courses. Additionally, 52 learners have completed all 167 GED prep courses. Offering GED courses onsite isn’t possible, mostly due to financial constraints and a staffing shortage. With the tablets, every single inmate has access to these courses and can take them at their own pace.

About Pay Tel Communications, Inc.: Pay Tel Communications, Inc. provides industry-leading Inmate communications and investigative technology to confinement facilities with the stability of over 35 years of proven performance. Key product offerings include the CenturionITS® call platform, inteleTABLET®, and the inteleTOOLS® suite of investigative features. Pay Tel’s mission is to provide innovative technology solutions together with reliable, affordable services to inmates, families, and friends leading to a positive community impact.

FOUR INMATE RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM THE RSAT PROGRAM

On March 17, 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated four participants from its Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program in a ceremony held inside the agency’s training room.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Superior Court judges and the District Attorney’s Office, graduated Dylan Williams, Georgia Patterson, Joey Stroud, and Jeffery Anderson Jr. from the RSAT program. A former RSAT graduate, Mitchell Wilbanks, was also in attendance to provide a testimony to the graduating class.

In a speech, Sheriff Brown thanked those who were in attendance, in-person or virtually through Zoom and Facebook Live. He thanked the Superior Court judges and District Attorney’s Office for their continued support of the RSAT program.

“I thank all those who played a role in making this RSAT graduation possible,” said Sheriff Brown. “We realize this did not happen by just one individual. It took collective bodies to make sure this happened. And for all those who facilitated, we thank you so much. Again, we know this would be impossible if it was only just us.”

The RSAT program provides inmate residents the opportunity for rehabilitation while incarcerated at the Newton County Detention Center. The three-month to six-month program is designated to help individuals develop cognitive, behavioral, social, vocational, and other skills to solve substance abuse-related problems.

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN NEWLY-HIRED DEPUTY SHERIFFS

On March 17, 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the Oath of Office to two newly-hired deputy sheriffs in a ceremony held within the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Training Room.

TEN INMATE RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM THE WELDING PROGRAM

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with its continual partnership with Action, Inc., graduated ten inmate residents from the Workforce Development Welding Training Program on March 31, 2023.

The ten inmate residents who graduated from the Welding Training Program on March 31st were: Jharkiyre Allison, Tommy Gilbert, Timothy Hilton, Dustin James, George Patterson, Charles Polk, Joey Stroud, Dylan Williams, Justin Fuller, and Willie Robinson. Four of the graduated inmate residents have already been offered jobs upon release from the detention facility through the NCSO’s Workforce Development Office. The starting pay rate for the field of welding begins at $18-22/hour, and there are no caps on the pay welders can receive for their work.

During his welcoming speech to the graduates and their families, Sheriff Ezell Brown stated, “I am grateful for the continued partnership the Office of the Sheriff has with Action, Inc., and the positive opportunities provided to the inmate residents housed in our facility. The programs we offer to the inmate residents housed in the Newton County Detention Center provide the skills and training needed to return to society as law-abiding citizens.”

Sheriff Brown added, “I congratulate every one of our graduates for completing the Welding Training Program. Also, I thank all those who provided support and encourage-ment to these graduates during the last few weeks. They couldn’t have done it without your support and encouragement.”

During the graduation ceremony, Cookie Lester, a former student, took to the podium to provide her testimony to the newest graduates of the program. Lester graduated from the program in 2022 and now works for Clarion

Metals in Covington, Ga.

Lester stated, “Almost a year ago, I was standing in your shoes. I didn’t know my life was about to change. Some of the women I welded with didn’t believe I could do it, but here I stand. I’m a welder. They weren’t going to define who I was going to be; my past wasn’t going to define who I was going to be. The welding program changed my life.”

Lester added, “When you walk out these doors, it’s up to you if you are going to come back. Some of the women I graduated with are back in jail, but I’m not coming back. I’m not a lost cause. This program gave me my life back.”

Following the end of the program’s course, the inmate residents had the opportunity to participate in the American Welding Society’s Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) Sheet Metal tests. The WPS Sheet Metal tests are administered by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and graded on the following: a visual inspection of the welding coupon and a “bend test,” which tests the integrity of the welded coupon. All the graduates of the Welding Training Program passed the WPS Sheet Metal tests.

COVINGTON ACADEMY DONATES TO THE NCSO

In the month of March, Covington Academy, a private Christian high school, donated boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriffs, detention officers, and administrative staff. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office send their sincere gratitude to the staff and administration at Covington Academy for its generous donation.

DEPUTY SHERIFFS ATTEND ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS

On March 31, 2023, Newton County Deputies Kimberly Cox, Michael Gregg, and Tim Smith attended the annual Special Olympics at Legion Field in Covington, Ga. Special Olympics held events from March 24th through March 31st for more than 600 Special Olympians. Speical Olympics provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to participate in sports training and athletic competitions.

CONGRESSMAN HONORS SHERIFF’S SECRETARY WITH A TRAILBLAZER AWARD DURING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

On March 26, 2023, Juanita Threadgill, the Newton County Sheriff’s longtime secretary, was one of three women honored with a Trailblazer Award by Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., United States Representative of the 4th Congressional District in the State of Georgia, during Women’s History Month. This award was in recognition of her pioneering career and dedicated service to the greater Atlanta Metropolitan community.

Threadgill has been employed with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for more than 35 years, serving in the administrations of three sheriffs. In 1988, she became employed with the Sheriff’s Office as a part-time Civil Division clerk under the administration of Sheriff Gerald Malcom, who served from 1976 until 1996.

Threadgill eventually became a full-time Civil Division clerk, but she also assisted as a radio communications dispatcher for the patrol deputies in the field. Her work as a civil clerk and radio communications dispatcher was exceptional. According to her colleagues, she was accommodating, effective, possessed a gratifying personality, and never complained.

During Threadgill’s time as a civil clerk, the Sheriff’s Office operated an independent dispatch center; however, due to staff deficiencies, one deputy divided his duties by serving in the Detention Center two nights and two nights as the radio communications dispatcher. One civilian person was assigned as the day-watch radio communications dispatcher. Since Ms. Threadgill was skilled and possessed experience as a radio communications dispatcher, she was able to provide assistance when needed. It was as if she filled every role within the Sheriff’s Office, according the Captain Marty Roberts.

Sheriff Joe Nichols, the former chief deputy, was elected Sheriff in 1996. Threadgill was officially appointed as Sheriff Nichols’ secretary. Although her official job title was the Sheriff’s secretary, she continued to utilize her competences and expertise in other areas when needed, especially during crucial situations.

Sheriff Joe Nichols served as Sheriff from year 1996 to 2008. Sheriff Ezell Brown was elected Sheriff in 2008 and assumed the role in January 2009. Since Sheriff Brown was familiar with Threadgill’s judgment, integrity, authenticity, and wisdom that he reappointed her as his secretary. Her colleagues were happy her reappointment.

Chief Jerry Carter stated, “Ms. Juanita is the pillar of the Sheriff’s Office; she knows the complete history of it and has the answer to practically every situation,” Deputy Chief Jerry Carter stated. “She is very friendly, always

constant; she’s like the sunshine, great disposition, and never angry.”

Sheriff Brown was impressed by Threadgill’s professional communication skills, particularly her clear and friendly communication, and personable phone manner when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.

“Ms. Juanita had and continues to have a successful career because she always puts in the hardwork,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown. “I am familiar with her family, and I continue to value what she offers to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. She is so deserving of Congressman Hank Johnson’s ‘Trailblazer’ award. Congratulations to you, Ms. Juanita, for a job well done!”

Juanita Threadgill is married to Jack Threadgill, Sr., and together, they have four children — three girls and one boy; nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She and her husband are faithful members of Stewart Community Church, located in Covington, Georgia, where the pastor is Reverend Jason Johnson.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!

Jessie Johnston Detention Officer Christopher Law Detention Officer

Vanasia Harris Deputy Sheriff, Certified Jamal Thornton Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Malachi Arnett Detention Officer