By Sarah Cook

The Selma Times-Journal

 

There was an air of gratitude and thanks at the Dallas County Commission last Monday as two citizens, Mattie Gill and Jean Martin, were recognized for their service to Camp Perry Education and Treatment Facility.

The facility, which is located next to the county jail, serves to address the needs of at-risk youth in Dallas County by developing positive behavior characteristics through counseling.

Youth are referred to the facility for a minimum of eight weeks to receive training and treatment for problems they encounter in their communities. The main goal of the facility is to give youth the ability to lead a successful life.

Selma resident Mattie Gill has worked with the program for several years.

“She has provided a Christian-based training for the kids through Bible reading and just general principles of good, Christian living,” said Kim Ballard, county commission chairman.

The detention facility used to be called a boot camp, but was later changed to Camp Perry Education and Treatment Facility to avoid a negative connotation, Ballard said.

“The program has really made a difference in at-risk youth,” Ballard said.

After graduation from the facility, Gill gave each of them a Bible of their own.

“She certainly goes the extra mile,” Ballard said. “She’s quite a lady.”

Jean Martin is another who has greatly served Camp Perry.

“Jean Martin is sort of an icon here in Selma,” Ballard said.

Martin has served as a member of the city council, curator of the Old Depot Museum and writer for The Selma Times-Journal.

Commissioner Curtis Williams said Martin’s service has been of immense value.

“Her years of service to Dallas County have greatly bettered the community,” Williams said. “Her service to wayward youth in Dallas County can’t go with out recognition.”

Both Gill and Martin were presented with a certificate of recognition from the Commission and the Perry Varner Educational and Treatment Facility.

“This is my town and I love it,” Martin said. “(Receiving this award) was a total surprise, and I’ll probably cry on the way home.”