Jail Hosts Inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Published on April 28, 2025
Last week, Thursday was “a good day at the Jail.” Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) Warden Trevor Wingard said those words to all in attendance, Wednesday, August 23, 2025, for the inaugural ACJ Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
Held in the jail’s Contact Visits Room, County Executive Sara Innamorato also took the microphone and thanked the volunteers for their efforts.
“You truly help make this an Allegheny County for all,” she said.
The highlight of the evening followed dinner, when Connie Clark, Deputy Warden of Programming and Services, announced the ACJ Volunteer of the Year winners:
- Amy Kleissas - League of Women Voters
- Lorraine Cross - Black Political Empowerment Project
After receiving a standing ovation from those in attendance, the award winners thanked Clark and her team at the ACJ for providing them the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of those incarcerated. Clark returned the sentiment, stating, “We are fortunate that Allegheny County is resource rich, meaning we have a vast network of community volunteers who support the work that we do.”
The approximately 150 ACJ volunteers provide religious services, education programming, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and more.
“We are very fortunate to have volunteers that come into the facility to support what we do every day and make our community better,” Clark said.
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).