Chaplain of the Year
2024 Chaplain of the Year
Rev. Dr. Charissa Howe - 2024 County Chaplain of the Year.
Rev. Dr. Charissa Howe is the Director of Chaplaincy Services at the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh. Chaplaincy services at ACJ are provided by the non-profit Foundation of HOPE. Dr. Howe began serving as a volunteer with the Foundation of HOPE in 2014 as a mentor and an instructor for Pre-release classes teaching trauma and abuse recovery. She has been on staff as the chaplaincy director since 2021, at which time she also joined the PPCA.
Dr. Howe received her doctorate in May, 2023. For her doctoral project, she wrote and implemented a curriculum for use with incarcerated individuals working to heal from trauma through scripture, poetry, and creative writing. Her dissertation was titled “Comfort and Connection: the Healing Narrative of the Psalms”.
Rev. Dr. Howe is an ordained Presbyterian minister who served in parish ministry before her call to the ACJ. Dr. Howe is a certified therapy animal handler with one therapy dog, one therapy cat, and a therapy dog in training (as well as a few non-service animals). She recently implemented a therapy dog supported grief support group at the ACJ and her therapy dog, Pecas, is one of the regular support dogs for the group.
Rev. Dr. Charissa Howe is the Director of Chaplaincy Services at the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh. Chaplaincy services at ACJ are provided by the non-profit Foundation of HOPE. Dr. Howe began serving as a volunteer with the Foundation of HOPE in 2014 as a mentor and an instructor for Pre-release classes teaching trauma and abuse recovery. She has been on staff as the chaplaincy director since 2021, at which time she also joined the PPCA.
Dr. Howe received her doctorate in May, 2023. For her doctoral project, she wrote and implemented a curriculum for use with incarcerated individuals working to heal from trauma through scripture, poetry, and creative writing. Her dissertation was titled “Comfort and Connection: the Healing Narrative of the Psalms”.
Rev. Dr. Howe is an ordained Presbyterian minister who served in parish ministry before her call to the ACJ. Dr. Howe is a certified therapy animal handler with one therapy dog, one therapy cat, and a therapy dog in training (as well as a few non-service animals). She recently implemented a therapy dog supported grief support group at the ACJ and her therapy dog, Pecas, is one of the regular support dogs for the group.
Previous Winners
2022 Chaplain of the Year
Rev Charles House - 2022 DOC Chaplain of the Year
Rev. House started as a Contract Chaplain at SCI Greene in 2008 and SCI Fayette in 2010. He left SCI Greene in 2012 to give his sole attention to serving at SCI Fayette and the church he pastors in Republic, PA. He became a (full-time) chaplain at SCI Fayette in June 2021.
“During the ten years that he has served here at Fayette,” noted Rev. Frank Lewis, CPD, “he has not caused me one problem and has been willing to help and extend himself without fail. The grief class which he started nine years ago which is now called Life’s Transitions has helped many inmates as they have gone through loss. One inmate told me that it was the most helpful class he had ever been involved with since he had been incarcerated.” Rev. Lewis admits that without the help of Rev. House, he would not have been able to adequately do his duties. “I have observed Chaplain House related to inmates when they have tried to get him to do things that were unethical. In a graceful way, he has been able to say ‘no’ while still being able to minister to their need.”
“Rev. House has been consistent in sending out sympathy cards to inmates who have lost family members and then following up six months later with a visit to see how they are coping with their loss. Many inmates thank Rev. House for the care that they receive. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Rev. House graciously stepped up to fill the void left by the death of Chaplain and Imam Tanko Ibrahim, in January 2021.”
Noted Eric Armel, Superintendent at FYT: “ Chaplain House is not only an integral part of the Chaplaincy Department, he is part of our family at SCI Fayette. His dedication to our facility it truly appreciated by the Administration.”
Said Debra Hawkinberry, CCPM at FYT: “Words can’t express how grateful we are to have Chaplain House as a permanent member of our team. He has served here selflessly over the past ten years and it is a pleasure to have him to assist us in serving the needs of our inmate population. He is always pleasant and is very conscientious in making his decisions. His efforts in assisting us while short-handed through the past year have really helped us in fulfilling our mission to continue to provide services to the inmates.”
Rev. House is an ordained minister through the Disciple Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), He was ordained by the First Christian Church, Charleroi PA in 2004. Rev. House earned his M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (2004), a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg Campus (1996) and an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Westmoreland County Community College (1988). He has pastored churches affiliated with the Disciples of Christ in Pennsylvania towns of Knoxville, Bethel Park, Clarksville and Republic. Prior to COVID-19 protocols he conducted New Believers, Life Transitions and Emotional Wellness Groups. He has been married to Rhonda for 44 years. They have three children, 4 grandchildren and one on the way.
Rev. House started as a Contract Chaplain at SCI Greene in 2008 and SCI Fayette in 2010. He left SCI Greene in 2012 to give his sole attention to serving at SCI Fayette and the church he pastors in Republic, PA. He became a (full-time) chaplain at SCI Fayette in June 2021.
“During the ten years that he has served here at Fayette,” noted Rev. Frank Lewis, CPD, “he has not caused me one problem and has been willing to help and extend himself without fail. The grief class which he started nine years ago which is now called Life’s Transitions has helped many inmates as they have gone through loss. One inmate told me that it was the most helpful class he had ever been involved with since he had been incarcerated.” Rev. Lewis admits that without the help of Rev. House, he would not have been able to adequately do his duties. “I have observed Chaplain House related to inmates when they have tried to get him to do things that were unethical. In a graceful way, he has been able to say ‘no’ while still being able to minister to their need.”
“Rev. House has been consistent in sending out sympathy cards to inmates who have lost family members and then following up six months later with a visit to see how they are coping with their loss. Many inmates thank Rev. House for the care that they receive. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Rev. House graciously stepped up to fill the void left by the death of Chaplain and Imam Tanko Ibrahim, in January 2021.”
Noted Eric Armel, Superintendent at FYT: “ Chaplain House is not only an integral part of the Chaplaincy Department, he is part of our family at SCI Fayette. His dedication to our facility it truly appreciated by the Administration.”
Said Debra Hawkinberry, CCPM at FYT: “Words can’t express how grateful we are to have Chaplain House as a permanent member of our team. He has served here selflessly over the past ten years and it is a pleasure to have him to assist us in serving the needs of our inmate population. He is always pleasant and is very conscientious in making his decisions. His efforts in assisting us while short-handed through the past year have really helped us in fulfilling our mission to continue to provide services to the inmates.”
Rev. House is an ordained minister through the Disciple Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), He was ordained by the First Christian Church, Charleroi PA in 2004. Rev. House earned his M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (2004), a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg Campus (1996) and an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Westmoreland County Community College (1988). He has pastored churches affiliated with the Disciples of Christ in Pennsylvania towns of Knoxville, Bethel Park, Clarksville and Republic. Prior to COVID-19 protocols he conducted New Believers, Life Transitions and Emotional Wellness Groups. He has been married to Rhonda for 44 years. They have three children, 4 grandchildren and one on the way.
Rev. Angel Perez 2022 PPCA County Chaplain of the Year
Chaplain Perez began working at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) in 2019.
As per Barbie Taylor, Director of Treatment Services, “Chaplain Perez provides a positive religious example and experience to the inmate population and staff at ACACC, he had expressed an interest in assisting with the reintegration process from the start of his career here and continues to meet his goals in providing positive supports for the inmate population.”
As part of the Treatment Services Department, Chaplain Perez participates in regularly scheduled department meetings where he provides input from a spiritual perspective. He often uses his experience as Military Chaplain to assist our department in understanding the needs of both the inmate population as well as our staff. “With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” adds Ms. Taylor, “Chaplain Perez has contributed many ideas to provide hope and positive connections to the inmate population. Examples of this are Community Spiritual Mentorship, which includes connecting community religious volunteers via U. S. Mail, with individual inmates who are in need of spiritual mentorship and guidance; creation of a Chaplaincy newsletter and printed bible studies for each inmate; and initiating Easter Sock Project as well as maintaining Operation Christmas Cards, Christmas Sock Project, and Mission Bright Star, all of which assist in reminding inmates and their families that they are not alone and that they are thought of.”
“Chaplain Perez understands how important it is in the reduction of recidivism for inmates to mend those connections and/or build new ones,” continues Ms. Taylor. “Through his ministry, he has assisted inmates in the reconnection process as well as introducing them to new support systems within the local religious communities. One small example is his collaborating\d with outside agencies to have an effective plan to provide inmates with winter coats upon their release. He has also developed the Christian Mentorship Program which assists soon-to-be-released individuals in defining and developing both spiritual and practical goals that will enhance their life. Mentors will assist in providing practical guidance in areas of finances, housing, families, support programs, and connection to a local congregation.
Chaplain Perez began working at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) in 2019.
As per Barbie Taylor, Director of Treatment Services, “Chaplain Perez provides a positive religious example and experience to the inmate population and staff at ACACC, he had expressed an interest in assisting with the reintegration process from the start of his career here and continues to meet his goals in providing positive supports for the inmate population.”
As part of the Treatment Services Department, Chaplain Perez participates in regularly scheduled department meetings where he provides input from a spiritual perspective. He often uses his experience as Military Chaplain to assist our department in understanding the needs of both the inmate population as well as our staff. “With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” adds Ms. Taylor, “Chaplain Perez has contributed many ideas to provide hope and positive connections to the inmate population. Examples of this are Community Spiritual Mentorship, which includes connecting community religious volunteers via U. S. Mail, with individual inmates who are in need of spiritual mentorship and guidance; creation of a Chaplaincy newsletter and printed bible studies for each inmate; and initiating Easter Sock Project as well as maintaining Operation Christmas Cards, Christmas Sock Project, and Mission Bright Star, all of which assist in reminding inmates and their families that they are not alone and that they are thought of.”
“Chaplain Perez understands how important it is in the reduction of recidivism for inmates to mend those connections and/or build new ones,” continues Ms. Taylor. “Through his ministry, he has assisted inmates in the reconnection process as well as introducing them to new support systems within the local religious communities. One small example is his collaborating\d with outside agencies to have an effective plan to provide inmates with winter coats upon their release. He has also developed the Christian Mentorship Program which assists soon-to-be-released individuals in defining and developing both spiritual and practical goals that will enhance their life. Mentors will assist in providing practical guidance in areas of finances, housing, families, support programs, and connection to a local congregation.
2021 Chaplain of the Year
Deacon Ralph DeCecco 2021 DOC Chaplain of the Year
On June 4, 1999, Deacon Ralph DeCecco was ordained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. When asked to serve as a prison chaplain in a juvenile facility on a trial basis, he fell in love with the ministry. The following year he began working with the adult male population at SCI Albion as a contractor, and as the old saying goes, the rest is history. He has been blessed to serve as a contractor at SCI Mercer, as well as in supportive roles at SCI Cambridge Springs, SCI Forest, and SCI Rockview. In April of 2014, he accepted the position of FCPD at SCI Albion, where he served until his retirement in April 2020 due to health challenges. In his 'retirement' he continues as a contract chaplain at SCI Albion once again on a limited basis, as the director of prison ministries for the Diocese of Erie, and as the deacon at St. Andrew Parish in Erie.
He was certified in Diaconal Studies by Gannon University in 2000 and is married to his best friend Janet, who is a volunteer at SCI Albion. They have three children, all who have come into the prison to share some minstry with them, along with seven grandchildren. Beside serving together in prison ministry, they also assist in forming new deacons and their wives.
Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, Deacon DeCecco was unable to say goodbye to the inmates. In a letter he wrote to them, he shared "Brothers, a wise person once told me that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans! God is really laughing at me. I wanted to retire from here and the Church at age 75. He has another plan for me. I do not know what that is right now, but when I trusted Him in the past He has never let me down. I have been so blessed in being involved in this ministry with you. Thank you."
On June 4, 1999, Deacon Ralph DeCecco was ordained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. When asked to serve as a prison chaplain in a juvenile facility on a trial basis, he fell in love with the ministry. The following year he began working with the adult male population at SCI Albion as a contractor, and as the old saying goes, the rest is history. He has been blessed to serve as a contractor at SCI Mercer, as well as in supportive roles at SCI Cambridge Springs, SCI Forest, and SCI Rockview. In April of 2014, he accepted the position of FCPD at SCI Albion, where he served until his retirement in April 2020 due to health challenges. In his 'retirement' he continues as a contract chaplain at SCI Albion once again on a limited basis, as the director of prison ministries for the Diocese of Erie, and as the deacon at St. Andrew Parish in Erie.
He was certified in Diaconal Studies by Gannon University in 2000 and is married to his best friend Janet, who is a volunteer at SCI Albion. They have three children, all who have come into the prison to share some minstry with them, along with seven grandchildren. Beside serving together in prison ministry, they also assist in forming new deacons and their wives.
Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, Deacon DeCecco was unable to say goodbye to the inmates. In a letter he wrote to them, he shared "Brothers, a wise person once told me that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans! God is really laughing at me. I wanted to retire from here and the Church at age 75. He has another plan for me. I do not know what that is right now, but when I trusted Him in the past He has never let me down. I have been so blessed in being involved in this ministry with you. Thank you."
Chaplain Jack Crans 2021 County Chaplain of the Year
Born in Medina, New York on November 21st, 1950, he has spent his lifetime serving in Criminal Justice Chaplaincy since 1973. While focusing on the urgencies and reflected heart cries of Corrections, (Administrative Chaplain, Chester County Prison, ’73-Present) he has served extensively in both the chaplaincy and the pastorate. He serves as a Chaplain for the Pennsylvania State Police. He is married to his lifetime partner, Sue, since 1971 and they share the blessing of three grown sons each of whom serves in missionary and pastoral work. They have 13 grandchildren and continue to direct and serve “County Corrections Gospel Mission” based in the Coatesville (Chester County) region of Pennsylvania. Jack’s experience has caused him to engage deeply with the children and families of the county’s highest crime neighborhoods and he has engaged in deep labors within the networks of Christian Police Associations around the world. One thing is certain, the heart cries of Criminal Justice have driven him more deeply into the realms of prayer and revival concerns. He partnered with both the Canadian Revival Fellowship and now, Heart Cry for Revival.
Jack has served as a ‘Chaplain Pro Tem’ for the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and has no greater desire than to continue to address the ever growing, reflected heart-cries of the prisoner, their families and the criminal justice systems, at large.
Unique perhaps to Chaplain Crans is the attention he has always given to the Administration and Staff of his prison. He is fully convinced that ‘godly leadership makes the difference.’ Jack earned his B.S. in Bible/Social Work at Philadelphia College of the Bible ( 1972 ) and the Master of Divinity from Eastern Seminary in 1976. Jack also serves as a Team Director, Instructor and the International Chaplain for ‘Pointman Leadership Institute’.
The mission of ‘County Corrections Gospel Mission’ is based and headquartered at the former site of ‘The Old Mill Bible Conference’ founded in 1933. This beautiful camp allows for the serving of prisoner’s children, families and leaders reflective of both corrections and law enforcement personnel. After 48 years in the prison system, Jack is convinced that there’s never been anyone who needed God’s redeeming love more than himself!
Born in Medina, New York on November 21st, 1950, he has spent his lifetime serving in Criminal Justice Chaplaincy since 1973. While focusing on the urgencies and reflected heart cries of Corrections, (Administrative Chaplain, Chester County Prison, ’73-Present) he has served extensively in both the chaplaincy and the pastorate. He serves as a Chaplain for the Pennsylvania State Police. He is married to his lifetime partner, Sue, since 1971 and they share the blessing of three grown sons each of whom serves in missionary and pastoral work. They have 13 grandchildren and continue to direct and serve “County Corrections Gospel Mission” based in the Coatesville (Chester County) region of Pennsylvania. Jack’s experience has caused him to engage deeply with the children and families of the county’s highest crime neighborhoods and he has engaged in deep labors within the networks of Christian Police Associations around the world. One thing is certain, the heart cries of Criminal Justice have driven him more deeply into the realms of prayer and revival concerns. He partnered with both the Canadian Revival Fellowship and now, Heart Cry for Revival.
Jack has served as a ‘Chaplain Pro Tem’ for the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and has no greater desire than to continue to address the ever growing, reflected heart-cries of the prisoner, their families and the criminal justice systems, at large.
Unique perhaps to Chaplain Crans is the attention he has always given to the Administration and Staff of his prison. He is fully convinced that ‘godly leadership makes the difference.’ Jack earned his B.S. in Bible/Social Work at Philadelphia College of the Bible ( 1972 ) and the Master of Divinity from Eastern Seminary in 1976. Jack also serves as a Team Director, Instructor and the International Chaplain for ‘Pointman Leadership Institute’.
The mission of ‘County Corrections Gospel Mission’ is based and headquartered at the former site of ‘The Old Mill Bible Conference’ founded in 1933. This beautiful camp allows for the serving of prisoner’s children, families and leaders reflective of both corrections and law enforcement personnel. After 48 years in the prison system, Jack is convinced that there’s never been anyone who needed God’s redeeming love more than himself!
2020 Chaplain of the Year
Pastor Phil Maust - 2020 DOC Chaplain of the Year.
Today we are honoring Chaplain Phil Maust as our State Correctional Chaplain of the Year. Phil’s first taste of the criminal justice system was as a 16-year-old in the Juvenile Detention Center in Marysville, OH. Like many who entered the system, it has become for him a life-long journey. However, unlike most of those, he made it his life’s work to help the residents of correctional facilities to change their lives by sharing the life-changing power of Jesus. Phil is ordained in the Conservative Mennonite Conference (CMC) and is a member of the Maple Glen Mennonite church. While a student at Rosedale Bible College, and later as a dairy farmer in southern Somerset Count, he continued to serve as a volunteer in various jails and prisons in three states, along with his wife, Cindy, who he says “has been a constant companion in ministry and source of strength and support.”
When SCI-Somerset opened its doors to inmates in May of 1994, Phil became the first volunteer in the new institution, four days after the first inmates arrived. According to him, “the joke was that as the blue buses came in the back door, I was coming in the front.” He was selected as the first Volunteer of the Year at SCI-Somerset in 1994. He then began his employment in the DOC in January 1995 as the Protestant chaplain. In January of 2004, he took the position of FCPD with knowledge that administration was not his natural gift. The paperwork and administration may be the sources of many frustrations, but they sometimes open the doors to other areas of ministry.
Phil makes it a point to minister to both staff members and inmates. This became very apparent in the tragic death of Sergeant Baserman at the hands of an inmate in February 2018. According to his supervisor, CCPM Melanie Pyle, “Phil spent countless hours inside and outside the facility ministering to the grieving family, the grieving staff of SCI Somerset, while still showing concern for meeting the needs of the inmate population. He offered support and a shoulder to so many during that time and for the months to follow. Phil continued to maintain contact with and provide support to Sgt. Baserman’s widow. Phil has such a gentle demeanor that makes others feel comfortable to open up to him when they wouldn’t normally do so.”
In addition to his official duties, Phil helps the staff at his facility by serving as the SEAP (State Employees Assistance Program) Coordinator and is a member of the CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) team. Working through times of trauma and grief has certainly helped build rapport and opened many doors.
In honor of Phil, his pastoral service during difficult times, and his long-standing tenure as chaplain at SCI-Somerset, please join me in congratulating Phil Maust as the State Correctional Chaplain of the Year!
Today we are honoring Chaplain Phil Maust as our State Correctional Chaplain of the Year. Phil’s first taste of the criminal justice system was as a 16-year-old in the Juvenile Detention Center in Marysville, OH. Like many who entered the system, it has become for him a life-long journey. However, unlike most of those, he made it his life’s work to help the residents of correctional facilities to change their lives by sharing the life-changing power of Jesus. Phil is ordained in the Conservative Mennonite Conference (CMC) and is a member of the Maple Glen Mennonite church. While a student at Rosedale Bible College, and later as a dairy farmer in southern Somerset Count, he continued to serve as a volunteer in various jails and prisons in three states, along with his wife, Cindy, who he says “has been a constant companion in ministry and source of strength and support.”
When SCI-Somerset opened its doors to inmates in May of 1994, Phil became the first volunteer in the new institution, four days after the first inmates arrived. According to him, “the joke was that as the blue buses came in the back door, I was coming in the front.” He was selected as the first Volunteer of the Year at SCI-Somerset in 1994. He then began his employment in the DOC in January 1995 as the Protestant chaplain. In January of 2004, he took the position of FCPD with knowledge that administration was not his natural gift. The paperwork and administration may be the sources of many frustrations, but they sometimes open the doors to other areas of ministry.
Phil makes it a point to minister to both staff members and inmates. This became very apparent in the tragic death of Sergeant Baserman at the hands of an inmate in February 2018. According to his supervisor, CCPM Melanie Pyle, “Phil spent countless hours inside and outside the facility ministering to the grieving family, the grieving staff of SCI Somerset, while still showing concern for meeting the needs of the inmate population. He offered support and a shoulder to so many during that time and for the months to follow. Phil continued to maintain contact with and provide support to Sgt. Baserman’s widow. Phil has such a gentle demeanor that makes others feel comfortable to open up to him when they wouldn’t normally do so.”
In addition to his official duties, Phil helps the staff at his facility by serving as the SEAP (State Employees Assistance Program) Coordinator and is a member of the CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) team. Working through times of trauma and grief has certainly helped build rapport and opened many doors.
In honor of Phil, his pastoral service during difficult times, and his long-standing tenure as chaplain at SCI-Somerset, please join me in congratulating Phil Maust as the State Correctional Chaplain of the Year!
Rev. Cokelia Oliver Dunn - 2020 County Chaplain of the Year
Today, we have one more recipient to recognize, and that is Rev. Cokelia Oliver Dunn as the County Correctional Chaplain of the Year. She serves as Chaplain at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, which is the Delaware County prison in Thornton, Pennsylvania. Her journey with the George W. Hill facility started in the late 1990’s as a volunteer, and took the position as Chaplain and Volunteer Coordinator in September 2010. In this capacity, she service as the only staff chaplain for 1,883 inmates. Additionally, she has been serving as a contracted Protestant Chaplain at SCI Chester in Chester since 2013, another location where she began as a volunteer.
Rev. Cokelia Oliver Dunn was first licensed to preach in December 1985 and later ordained into the Gospel Ministry in 1989 by the Keystone Baptist Association while a member of the First Baptist Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Rev. Dunn also pastored the First Baptist Church of Marple in Springfield, Pennsylvania from 2003 until 2013.
Prison Ministry is Rev. Dunn’s passion, and she has been involved in this ministry for over twenty-five years. From 1994 until 2015, she worked as a volunteer with the Project Aware Committee, Incorporated, a juvenile crime prevention/intervention program that was sponsored and operated by fifteen inmates incarcerated at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility in Smyrna, Delaware. The core group of inmates were lifers. She assisted the inmates in community outreach, administrative and spiritual support for over twenty years.
As the Chaplain, at George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Rev. Dunn successfully interfaces on a daily basis with male, female and youthful offenders from a multiethnic, multicultural, multi-religious background on the units, caring for their religious and emergency needs while they are in the facility. Additionally, she coordinates over 100 religious volunteers and schedules to handle the religious services held in the facility on a weekly basis. Currently, she schedules and holds Zoom religious services while adhering to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic protocol at the facility.
Rev. Dunn was also served two elected terms as the Regional Manager of the American Correctional Chaplains Association (ACCA) North East Region in from 2012-2016.
Accordingly, her Facility Administrator David Byrne characterizes as one whose tolerance, compassion, and responsiveness to offender needs have greatly contributed to a safe and secure correctional environment especially in the current COVID crisis. He writes, “Chaplain Dunn is indeed a treasure, a vital resource to this institution, and my Chaplain of the Year.”
Without further ado, please join me in honoring Chaplain Cokelia Oliver-Dunn as our County Correctional Chaplain of the Year!
Today, we have one more recipient to recognize, and that is Rev. Cokelia Oliver Dunn as the County Correctional Chaplain of the Year. She serves as Chaplain at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, which is the Delaware County prison in Thornton, Pennsylvania. Her journey with the George W. Hill facility started in the late 1990’s as a volunteer, and took the position as Chaplain and Volunteer Coordinator in September 2010. In this capacity, she service as the only staff chaplain for 1,883 inmates. Additionally, she has been serving as a contracted Protestant Chaplain at SCI Chester in Chester since 2013, another location where she began as a volunteer.
Rev. Cokelia Oliver Dunn was first licensed to preach in December 1985 and later ordained into the Gospel Ministry in 1989 by the Keystone Baptist Association while a member of the First Baptist Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Rev. Dunn also pastored the First Baptist Church of Marple in Springfield, Pennsylvania from 2003 until 2013.
Prison Ministry is Rev. Dunn’s passion, and she has been involved in this ministry for over twenty-five years. From 1994 until 2015, she worked as a volunteer with the Project Aware Committee, Incorporated, a juvenile crime prevention/intervention program that was sponsored and operated by fifteen inmates incarcerated at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility in Smyrna, Delaware. The core group of inmates were lifers. She assisted the inmates in community outreach, administrative and spiritual support for over twenty years.
As the Chaplain, at George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Rev. Dunn successfully interfaces on a daily basis with male, female and youthful offenders from a multiethnic, multicultural, multi-religious background on the units, caring for their religious and emergency needs while they are in the facility. Additionally, she coordinates over 100 religious volunteers and schedules to handle the religious services held in the facility on a weekly basis. Currently, she schedules and holds Zoom religious services while adhering to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic protocol at the facility.
Rev. Dunn was also served two elected terms as the Regional Manager of the American Correctional Chaplains Association (ACCA) North East Region in from 2012-2016.
Accordingly, her Facility Administrator David Byrne characterizes as one whose tolerance, compassion, and responsiveness to offender needs have greatly contributed to a safe and secure correctional environment especially in the current COVID crisis. He writes, “Chaplain Dunn is indeed a treasure, a vital resource to this institution, and my Chaplain of the Year.”
Without further ado, please join me in honoring Chaplain Cokelia Oliver-Dunn as our County Correctional Chaplain of the Year!
2019 Chaplain of the Year
Rev David Klink - 2019 DOC Chaplain of the Year.
Rev. David Klink is this year’s recipient of the State Chaplain of the Year Award. He currently serves as the Facility Chaplaincy Program Director (FCPD) at SCI Laurel Highlands. Chaplain Klink answered the call of ministry at the age of twenty-nine. He was licensed in the United Methodist Church in 1984 and began filling an associate pastor position in Hyndman, Pennsylvania. Initially, this was to be a “part-time” interim position of six months while continuing in the secular workforce. With the love and support of his wife and daughter, he continued pastoring in this way for twenty-three years. In 1996, Chaplain Klink was hired as a Corrections Officer at SCI Laurel Highlands. Little did he know at that time, that this would be preparation for full-time chaplaincy. In 2004, he accepted his current position as FCPD upon the retirement of his predecessor. Due to the demands of his position, he had to give up his pastorate in Hyndman in 2008. He has continued to serve in the position of FCPD for fifteen years, stating, “I have the awesome privilege to assist inmates and staff alike along their spiritual journey. I try to instill in each inmate the idea that this period of their life is just that— a period of time that does not define who they are nor what their life can be after incarceration.” Accordingly, Chaplain Ulli Klemm says, “Rev. Klink is one of the best Facility Chaplaincy Program Directors I have known… On my frequent visits to SCI Laurel Highlands, I have been impressed with the rapport and professional relationships Rev. Klink has established with inmates, staff, inmate family members, volunteers and the public. What makes Rev. Klink a standout chaplain is how he treats everyone with the same respect, kindness and deep regard for his or her human dignity.”
For his faithful service and ministry, we are honored and blessed by the opportunity to recognize David! Congratulations!
Rev. David Klink is this year’s recipient of the State Chaplain of the Year Award. He currently serves as the Facility Chaplaincy Program Director (FCPD) at SCI Laurel Highlands. Chaplain Klink answered the call of ministry at the age of twenty-nine. He was licensed in the United Methodist Church in 1984 and began filling an associate pastor position in Hyndman, Pennsylvania. Initially, this was to be a “part-time” interim position of six months while continuing in the secular workforce. With the love and support of his wife and daughter, he continued pastoring in this way for twenty-three years. In 1996, Chaplain Klink was hired as a Corrections Officer at SCI Laurel Highlands. Little did he know at that time, that this would be preparation for full-time chaplaincy. In 2004, he accepted his current position as FCPD upon the retirement of his predecessor. Due to the demands of his position, he had to give up his pastorate in Hyndman in 2008. He has continued to serve in the position of FCPD for fifteen years, stating, “I have the awesome privilege to assist inmates and staff alike along their spiritual journey. I try to instill in each inmate the idea that this period of their life is just that— a period of time that does not define who they are nor what their life can be after incarceration.” Accordingly, Chaplain Ulli Klemm says, “Rev. Klink is one of the best Facility Chaplaincy Program Directors I have known… On my frequent visits to SCI Laurel Highlands, I have been impressed with the rapport and professional relationships Rev. Klink has established with inmates, staff, inmate family members, volunteers and the public. What makes Rev. Klink a standout chaplain is how he treats everyone with the same respect, kindness and deep regard for his or her human dignity.”
For his faithful service and ministry, we are honored and blessed by the opportunity to recognize David! Congratulations!
Katie Harnish - 2019 County Chaplain of the Year
Katie Harnish is this year’s County Award recipient. She currently serves as the Chaplaincy Coordinator at Lancaster County Prison, where she began as an office assistant to the chaplains in 2003. Her first experience in ministry actually began right after high school serving on a mission team for six months in Cusco, Peru. Since that time, she earned Social Work and Bible degrees from Lancaster Bible College. Several years later, she began chaplaincy for women inmates at Lancaster County Prison where she has continued ever since. Katie is licensed for ministry through the Lancaster Mennonite Conference and supported through Support for Prison Ministries. She and her husband Anthony both attend the Mellinger Mennonite Church. Her supervisor, Deputy Joe Shiffer characterizes Chaplain Harnish as a “kind, genuinely compassionate and a faithful servant to all who encounter her. Her faith and heart for service shows through daily and is especially noteworthy during critical periods in the lives of both our inmates and staff… In such a ‘dim’ and not so comfortable place, Ms. Harnish brings with her a ray of sunshine.” Amongst her regular duties, Chaplain Harnish leads a Meditation and Resting Prayer group and co-leads a Women’s Bible Study. Although she never expected to be called to prison ministry, she considers it a privilege to walk alongside the women she meets and encourage them to find hope and purpose.
For her faithful service and ministry, we are honored and blessed by the opportunity to recognize Katie! Congratulations!
Katie Harnish is this year’s County Award recipient. She currently serves as the Chaplaincy Coordinator at Lancaster County Prison, where she began as an office assistant to the chaplains in 2003. Her first experience in ministry actually began right after high school serving on a mission team for six months in Cusco, Peru. Since that time, she earned Social Work and Bible degrees from Lancaster Bible College. Several years later, she began chaplaincy for women inmates at Lancaster County Prison where she has continued ever since. Katie is licensed for ministry through the Lancaster Mennonite Conference and supported through Support for Prison Ministries. She and her husband Anthony both attend the Mellinger Mennonite Church. Her supervisor, Deputy Joe Shiffer characterizes Chaplain Harnish as a “kind, genuinely compassionate and a faithful servant to all who encounter her. Her faith and heart for service shows through daily and is especially noteworthy during critical periods in the lives of both our inmates and staff… In such a ‘dim’ and not so comfortable place, Ms. Harnish brings with her a ray of sunshine.” Amongst her regular duties, Chaplain Harnish leads a Meditation and Resting Prayer group and co-leads a Women’s Bible Study. Although she never expected to be called to prison ministry, she considers it a privilege to walk alongside the women she meets and encourage them to find hope and purpose.
For her faithful service and ministry, we are honored and blessed by the opportunity to recognize Katie! Congratulations!
2018 Chaplain of the Year
Deacon Thomas Boldin - 2018 DOC Chaplain of the Year.
Deacon Tom Boldin of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese is this year’s recipient of the State Chaplain of the Year Award. A dairy farmer by trade, Deacon Tom first started to work at SCI - Rockview as the Farm Manager in 1991. After less than a month he knew it was not simply a job, but a calling.
Ordained a Deacon in the Altoona- Johnstown Diocese in 2004, Deacon Tom shifted roles at SCI -Rockview when he accepted the role of Chaplain for the institution. He has been serving as FCPD at Rockview since January 2007 and continues his work with dedication and humility.
Deacon Tom’s chaplaincy work revolves around building effective relationships and achieving harmonious results for all. Deacon Tom’s collaborative leadership style provides ways for those on their faith journey, both inmates and staff, to improve attitudes and social skills and to take responsibility for the struggles in their lives.
DT, as the inmates know him, is most passionate about the meaning of the title Deacon, which means “servant.” Each faith group at Rockview is ministered to equally. He serves his local church at Sunday masses, teaches confirmation classes and is a substitute religious education teacher. He has served on Centre County’s Community Youth Aid Panel for Balanced and Restorative Justice since its inception in 2004, being a monitor for juvenile offenders.
Deacon Tom feels that in Genesis 1:26 “God makes each of us stewards of His Creation” and for this reason, he has served on the Centre County Conservation Board for the last forty-eight years vehemently preserving God’s precious Creation for future generations.
It is truly an honor and blessing to thank Deacon Tom for his dedicated years of humble service and care.
Deacon Tom Boldin of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese is this year’s recipient of the State Chaplain of the Year Award. A dairy farmer by trade, Deacon Tom first started to work at SCI - Rockview as the Farm Manager in 1991. After less than a month he knew it was not simply a job, but a calling.
Ordained a Deacon in the Altoona- Johnstown Diocese in 2004, Deacon Tom shifted roles at SCI -Rockview when he accepted the role of Chaplain for the institution. He has been serving as FCPD at Rockview since January 2007 and continues his work with dedication and humility.
Deacon Tom’s chaplaincy work revolves around building effective relationships and achieving harmonious results for all. Deacon Tom’s collaborative leadership style provides ways for those on their faith journey, both inmates and staff, to improve attitudes and social skills and to take responsibility for the struggles in their lives.
DT, as the inmates know him, is most passionate about the meaning of the title Deacon, which means “servant.” Each faith group at Rockview is ministered to equally. He serves his local church at Sunday masses, teaches confirmation classes and is a substitute religious education teacher. He has served on Centre County’s Community Youth Aid Panel for Balanced and Restorative Justice since its inception in 2004, being a monitor for juvenile offenders.
Deacon Tom feels that in Genesis 1:26 “God makes each of us stewards of His Creation” and for this reason, he has served on the Centre County Conservation Board for the last forty-eight years vehemently preserving God’s precious Creation for future generations.
It is truly an honor and blessing to thank Deacon Tom for his dedicated years of humble service and care.
Chaplain James L. Cavenaugh - 2018 County Chaplain of the Year
James L. Cavenaugh is this year’s County Award recipient. Jim has served as a volunteer chaplain at Dauphin County Prison (DCP) since January 2005. Thereafter, he was invited by DCP Staff Chaplain Larry Coleman to be an intern chaplain as part of his field education for Lancaster Theological Seminary, where he received his MA in Religion in 2007.
Currently, Jim is the assigned chaplain for the women at the Dauphin County Work Release Center and for the men in the DCP medical and mental health blocks. He leads a Chapel Talk (group pastoral counseling) several times a month for men in those blocks.
He has organized and participated in workshops at both PPCA and ACCA-NE training conferences, both on the subject of “Chapel Talk: Group Pastoral Counseling.”
He has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society for Community Ministries (which considers him a Lay Community Minister) since 2003 and served on its Board of Directors from 2004 to 2012.
He is co-chair of the Helping People in Prison lay-led ministry at his church, the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, where he is a life member and serves as Coordinator for the Lay Pastoral Care Associates.
From his many years of service and ministry, we are honored and blessed by the opportunity to recognize Jim!
James L. Cavenaugh is this year’s County Award recipient. Jim has served as a volunteer chaplain at Dauphin County Prison (DCP) since January 2005. Thereafter, he was invited by DCP Staff Chaplain Larry Coleman to be an intern chaplain as part of his field education for Lancaster Theological Seminary, where he received his MA in Religion in 2007.
Currently, Jim is the assigned chaplain for the women at the Dauphin County Work Release Center and for the men in the DCP medical and mental health blocks. He leads a Chapel Talk (group pastoral counseling) several times a month for men in those blocks.
He has organized and participated in workshops at both PPCA and ACCA-NE training conferences, both on the subject of “Chapel Talk: Group Pastoral Counseling.”
He has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society for Community Ministries (which considers him a Lay Community Minister) since 2003 and served on its Board of Directors from 2004 to 2012.
He is co-chair of the Helping People in Prison lay-led ministry at his church, the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, where he is a life member and serves as Coordinator for the Lay Pastoral Care Associates.
From his many years of service and ministry, we are honored and blessed by the opportunity to recognize Jim!
2017 Chaplain of the Year
Rev. Tami Hooker - 2017 DOC Chaplain of the Year
The Rev. Tami Hooker of Pittsburgh, PA, current Chaplaincy Director of SCI-Greene and Assistant Religious Services Administrator for the Department of Correction’s Bureau of Treatment Services, is one of two recipients of the 2017 Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association (PPCA) Correctional Chaplain of the Year award.
Founded in 1976, the PPCA is an association of state and county correctional chaplains which seeks to elevate the standards of religious programs in correctional facilities while improving the effectiveness of correctional chaplains.
Rev. Hooker received this award in the presence of 100 of her peers at the PPCA Annual Banquet held in Carlisle, PA September 13, 2017.
When Rev. Hooker pursued Master degrees in Divinity and Social Work from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh, she knew God had put the call on her heart to be involved in prison ministry.
During her education, she completed internships in a multitude of placements. She worked for Prison Fellowship Ministries, the Program for Female Offenders, and Sexual Assault Services at the University of Pittsburgh. She also helped develop and implement a pre-release program called HOPE, which is still in operation at the Allegheny County Jail. She served on a task force which wrote the PC(USA)’s position on private prisons which was presented to the 2003 General Assembly, and served on the Strategic Aftercare Committee for Christian Associates of Southwestern PA.
Upon graduating in 2002, Tami was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery to serve as the Protestant Chaplain at the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh.
In 2004 she was promoted to Acting Facility Chaplaincy Program Director at SCI-Pittsburgh and remained in that position until 2005 when the institution closed. She was then transferred to the SCI- Greene in Waynesburg, PA and promoted to Facility Chaplaincy Program Director. When SCI-Pittsburgh reopened in 2007, she was invited to return to that facility and served as the Chaplaincy Program Director there until it closed again in 2017.
Walking with both the inmates and staff during this transition was a difficult time, and Tami witnessed officers offer sympathy to the inmates who had no control over where they would be moved. She now splits her time between serving as Chaplaincy Director at SCI-Greene and as Assistant Religious Services Administrator for the Department of Correction’s Bureau of Treatment Services. She is also a past president of the PPCA.
Tami received The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Outstanding Performance Award in 2007 and was nominated for the Thomas A. Fulcomer Award in 2013. In April 2017, she was honored by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as a Distinguished Alumna for Excellence in a Specialized Ministry. In addition to her work with the incarcerated, in March of 2016, she answered a call to serve as a quarter time pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Mt Washington.
Tami lives in the South Hills with her husband Michael, who is a former chef and instructor at the Pennsylvania Culinary in Pittsburgh. She enjoys reading, tennis, eating her husband’s culinary creations, and spoiling the two dogs they adopted from Animal Friends. She is also currently enrolled in the DMin program at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
The Rev. Tami Hooker of Pittsburgh, PA, current Chaplaincy Director of SCI-Greene and Assistant Religious Services Administrator for the Department of Correction’s Bureau of Treatment Services, is one of two recipients of the 2017 Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association (PPCA) Correctional Chaplain of the Year award.
Founded in 1976, the PPCA is an association of state and county correctional chaplains which seeks to elevate the standards of religious programs in correctional facilities while improving the effectiveness of correctional chaplains.
Rev. Hooker received this award in the presence of 100 of her peers at the PPCA Annual Banquet held in Carlisle, PA September 13, 2017.
When Rev. Hooker pursued Master degrees in Divinity and Social Work from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh, she knew God had put the call on her heart to be involved in prison ministry.
During her education, she completed internships in a multitude of placements. She worked for Prison Fellowship Ministries, the Program for Female Offenders, and Sexual Assault Services at the University of Pittsburgh. She also helped develop and implement a pre-release program called HOPE, which is still in operation at the Allegheny County Jail. She served on a task force which wrote the PC(USA)’s position on private prisons which was presented to the 2003 General Assembly, and served on the Strategic Aftercare Committee for Christian Associates of Southwestern PA.
Upon graduating in 2002, Tami was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery to serve as the Protestant Chaplain at the State Correctional Institution at Pittsburgh.
In 2004 she was promoted to Acting Facility Chaplaincy Program Director at SCI-Pittsburgh and remained in that position until 2005 when the institution closed. She was then transferred to the SCI- Greene in Waynesburg, PA and promoted to Facility Chaplaincy Program Director. When SCI-Pittsburgh reopened in 2007, she was invited to return to that facility and served as the Chaplaincy Program Director there until it closed again in 2017.
Walking with both the inmates and staff during this transition was a difficult time, and Tami witnessed officers offer sympathy to the inmates who had no control over where they would be moved. She now splits her time between serving as Chaplaincy Director at SCI-Greene and as Assistant Religious Services Administrator for the Department of Correction’s Bureau of Treatment Services. She is also a past president of the PPCA.
Tami received The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Outstanding Performance Award in 2007 and was nominated for the Thomas A. Fulcomer Award in 2013. In April 2017, she was honored by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as a Distinguished Alumna for Excellence in a Specialized Ministry. In addition to her work with the incarcerated, in March of 2016, she answered a call to serve as a quarter time pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Mt Washington.
Tami lives in the South Hills with her husband Michael, who is a former chef and instructor at the Pennsylvania Culinary in Pittsburgh. She enjoys reading, tennis, eating her husband’s culinary creations, and spoiling the two dogs they adopted from Animal Friends. She is also currently enrolled in the DMin program at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Rev. Charles Otto 2017 - County Chaplain of the Year
The late Rev. Charles Joseph Otto of Pittston, PA is one of two recipients of the 2017 Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association (PPCA) Correctional Chaplain of the Year award.
Founded in 1976, the PPCA is an association of state and county correctional chaplains that seeks to elevate the standards of religious programs in correctional facilities while improving the effectiveness of correctional chaplains.
Rev. Otto passed away on March 10th, 2017 and his service to those incarcerated and working in county and state correctional facilities is remembered fondly by the PPCA community. Charles is survived by his wife of 19 years, Peg Gorman, who attended the annual PPCA Banquet in Carlisle, PA on September 13, 2017. Ms. Gorman received the award in Rev. Otto’s name in the presence of over 100 PPCA peers.
In an interview, Peg shared the story of how Charles first got involved in prison ministries, as well as how they came to co-found the non-profit, Exodus Prison & Aftercare Ministry. “Charles began prison ministry in a sort of sideways manner; he was not necessarily expecting to sell his business Emrex in drilling equipment to start a non-profit!”
In 1999, Charles and Peg became involved in the prison ministry of Tunkhannock United Methodist Church. For the rest of his life, Charles remained invested in caring for the prison community, including inmates, their families, and the prison officers.
Peg mentioned that Charles was very much a listener of the Holy Spirit. When he was around 60 years of age, Charles was looking to retire. But Peg told him to not take God for granted; “if you need to do something, do it now.” Charles decided to attend Moravian Seminary for a Masters in Pastoral Counseling. This degree augmented his capacity to serve the incarcerated, their families, and officers at each prison. He continued to teach, counsel, and walk with the community he served as an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and a volunteer chaplain in numerous local correctional facilities.
With Charles’ leadership and Peg’s background in non-profit organization, the Exodus Ministry was formally founded in 2003. With his breadth of experience, Peg says “Charles was ready when it was time.” Exodus Ministry offers counseling services to inmates, and numerous other services, including court accompaniment and classes focused on 12 spiritual disciplines. Charles saw the most need in county prisons, as they had the fewest formal programs and the smallest budgets. Exodus continues its work in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties.
Charles was very good at recruiting people to volunteer; even after retirement, Charles actively networked, coordinated, and collaborated with correctional facilities, churches, and community organizations. Developing prison ministry programs in local churches became an incredible way the church’s support of the community to growth as well. By offering people opportunities to serve and walk with those in the county prisons, Exodus enriched the local church, and gave substance to those asking, “what am I doing here?”
Charles was never a complainer. Through the first batch of chemotherapy he had to undergo to treat cancer, he developed some shoulder pain; Peg never knew he had it until someone bumped into him, or if she asked him to reach for something. For the last year and a half of his life, his time in the county prisons was cut short, but he worked to always find options of ways to continue his walk with the incarcerated.
Peg and Charles lived a rich and full life together, both in service and in fun. They loved to travel, entertain friends, and watch Penn State football! Charles lived out the call to service in Matthew 25:34-36 in every way, and will be remembered by many as “a role model, mentor, and friend.” Charles showed God’s love to everyone in the prison, no matter who they were.
The late Rev. Charles Joseph Otto of Pittston, PA is one of two recipients of the 2017 Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association (PPCA) Correctional Chaplain of the Year award.
Founded in 1976, the PPCA is an association of state and county correctional chaplains that seeks to elevate the standards of religious programs in correctional facilities while improving the effectiveness of correctional chaplains.
Rev. Otto passed away on March 10th, 2017 and his service to those incarcerated and working in county and state correctional facilities is remembered fondly by the PPCA community. Charles is survived by his wife of 19 years, Peg Gorman, who attended the annual PPCA Banquet in Carlisle, PA on September 13, 2017. Ms. Gorman received the award in Rev. Otto’s name in the presence of over 100 PPCA peers.
In an interview, Peg shared the story of how Charles first got involved in prison ministries, as well as how they came to co-found the non-profit, Exodus Prison & Aftercare Ministry. “Charles began prison ministry in a sort of sideways manner; he was not necessarily expecting to sell his business Emrex in drilling equipment to start a non-profit!”
In 1999, Charles and Peg became involved in the prison ministry of Tunkhannock United Methodist Church. For the rest of his life, Charles remained invested in caring for the prison community, including inmates, their families, and the prison officers.
Peg mentioned that Charles was very much a listener of the Holy Spirit. When he was around 60 years of age, Charles was looking to retire. But Peg told him to not take God for granted; “if you need to do something, do it now.” Charles decided to attend Moravian Seminary for a Masters in Pastoral Counseling. This degree augmented his capacity to serve the incarcerated, their families, and officers at each prison. He continued to teach, counsel, and walk with the community he served as an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and a volunteer chaplain in numerous local correctional facilities.
With Charles’ leadership and Peg’s background in non-profit organization, the Exodus Ministry was formally founded in 2003. With his breadth of experience, Peg says “Charles was ready when it was time.” Exodus Ministry offers counseling services to inmates, and numerous other services, including court accompaniment and classes focused on 12 spiritual disciplines. Charles saw the most need in county prisons, as they had the fewest formal programs and the smallest budgets. Exodus continues its work in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties.
Charles was very good at recruiting people to volunteer; even after retirement, Charles actively networked, coordinated, and collaborated with correctional facilities, churches, and community organizations. Developing prison ministry programs in local churches became an incredible way the church’s support of the community to growth as well. By offering people opportunities to serve and walk with those in the county prisons, Exodus enriched the local church, and gave substance to those asking, “what am I doing here?”
Charles was never a complainer. Through the first batch of chemotherapy he had to undergo to treat cancer, he developed some shoulder pain; Peg never knew he had it until someone bumped into him, or if she asked him to reach for something. For the last year and a half of his life, his time in the county prisons was cut short, but he worked to always find options of ways to continue his walk with the incarcerated.
Peg and Charles lived a rich and full life together, both in service and in fun. They loved to travel, entertain friends, and watch Penn State football! Charles lived out the call to service in Matthew 25:34-36 in every way, and will be remembered by many as “a role model, mentor, and friend.” Charles showed God’s love to everyone in the prison, no matter who they were.
2016 Chaplain of the Year
Rev. Frank Lewis 2016 - DOC Chaplain of the Year
At first glance, one might wonder what Rev. Frank Lewis might have in common with those in prison. Without a doubt, Frank only has to look back on his life to know that “God prepared me for this important work.” When Frank Lewis was just five years old, his grandfather took Frank to pass out toiletries to the inmates at Greene County Jail in Waynesburg, PA. His grandfather’s simple action planted a firm conviction in Frank’s heart that those in prison are never to be forgotten and are deserving of God’s care. As a youngster, Frank struggled with reading. “I almost failed the 4th grade.” Placed in a “slow learners’ class, Frank knew what it felt like to be looked down upon, an experience he shares in common with many inmates. To his classmates’ surprise, by the end of the school year, Frank read three books a week. Frank recalls countless family gatherings where he was entertained for hours by his grandfather and father’s endless hilarious stories and jokes. As a high school senior, his reservoir of jokes came in handy as he weighed a meager 98 lbs. “I figured if people were laughing at me they wouldn’t hit me.” Always gracing his conversations with humor, Frank has leaned that “you need a light touch with people. A light touch attracts people to you. When they are ready to get serious I can get serious with them.” This gift has paid dividends at SCI Fayette. “One inmate told me the other week that he’s been watching me. ‘You bring joy to the men in the Restricted Housing Unit,’ the inmate said. That is what I try to do.” Nine weeks after Frank became an Asst. Pastor for the first time, and without warning, the lead pastor announced that Frank would be leaving. He had three days to move out. “For months, life was gray and I was depressed.” Yet Frank credits this experience for helping him relate to those for whom life can seem hopeless, including those he serves. Frank’s formal prison work began when he was 35. While serving as pastor of a church 100 miles north of NYC, Frank was paid $75 a week to lead Bible studies and worship services at the Ulster County Prison in Kingston, NY. Eventually, Frank became a Good News Prison Minister at the Fayette County Prison in Uniontown, PA. “This was a challenge because I had to raise my own funds in one of the poorest counties in Pennsylvania.” In September 2006. Frank began his career with the PA DOC, being selected as the Facility Chaplaincy Program Director at SCI Fayette, in LaBelle, PA. Throughout his career, Frank has learned that “people on the inside and outside have the same problems. They need someone to listen to them, be honest with them and to love them.” Marrying into a family with suffered from alcoholism and drugs, he understands how fractured inmates’ families can be Superintendent Jay Lane is impressed with Frank’s pleasant demeanor and readiness to help any and every one. “He is very passionate about his vocation. His witty humor is always uplifting and looked forward to by staff. He is held in the highest regard by all of us.”
“Rev. Lewis is always positive and willing to help out in any situation,” echoes Debra Hawkinberry, Corrections Classification and Program Manager at Fayette. “He is sincere in his faith and is always respectful.” Treatment Specialist Robert Rhodes notes that “Rev. Lewis is never at a loss for words, lifts others up with simple jokes and inspires staff and inmates alike.” Further notes Mr. Rhodes, “When an inmate has experienced grief and sorrow, Rev. Lewis has literally gone beyond his routine pastoral duties to ensure that inmates are met with great compassion and understanding.” Indeed God has prepared Rev. Lewis for work in prison. When not in prison, Frank is an avid swimmer and loves to read. He is ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God. He is also certified as a chaplain through the Assemblies of God, Chaplaincy Ministries. Congratulations, Rev. Lewis!
At first glance, one might wonder what Rev. Frank Lewis might have in common with those in prison. Without a doubt, Frank only has to look back on his life to know that “God prepared me for this important work.” When Frank Lewis was just five years old, his grandfather took Frank to pass out toiletries to the inmates at Greene County Jail in Waynesburg, PA. His grandfather’s simple action planted a firm conviction in Frank’s heart that those in prison are never to be forgotten and are deserving of God’s care. As a youngster, Frank struggled with reading. “I almost failed the 4th grade.” Placed in a “slow learners’ class, Frank knew what it felt like to be looked down upon, an experience he shares in common with many inmates. To his classmates’ surprise, by the end of the school year, Frank read three books a week. Frank recalls countless family gatherings where he was entertained for hours by his grandfather and father’s endless hilarious stories and jokes. As a high school senior, his reservoir of jokes came in handy as he weighed a meager 98 lbs. “I figured if people were laughing at me they wouldn’t hit me.” Always gracing his conversations with humor, Frank has leaned that “you need a light touch with people. A light touch attracts people to you. When they are ready to get serious I can get serious with them.” This gift has paid dividends at SCI Fayette. “One inmate told me the other week that he’s been watching me. ‘You bring joy to the men in the Restricted Housing Unit,’ the inmate said. That is what I try to do.” Nine weeks after Frank became an Asst. Pastor for the first time, and without warning, the lead pastor announced that Frank would be leaving. He had three days to move out. “For months, life was gray and I was depressed.” Yet Frank credits this experience for helping him relate to those for whom life can seem hopeless, including those he serves. Frank’s formal prison work began when he was 35. While serving as pastor of a church 100 miles north of NYC, Frank was paid $75 a week to lead Bible studies and worship services at the Ulster County Prison in Kingston, NY. Eventually, Frank became a Good News Prison Minister at the Fayette County Prison in Uniontown, PA. “This was a challenge because I had to raise my own funds in one of the poorest counties in Pennsylvania.” In September 2006. Frank began his career with the PA DOC, being selected as the Facility Chaplaincy Program Director at SCI Fayette, in LaBelle, PA. Throughout his career, Frank has learned that “people on the inside and outside have the same problems. They need someone to listen to them, be honest with them and to love them.” Marrying into a family with suffered from alcoholism and drugs, he understands how fractured inmates’ families can be Superintendent Jay Lane is impressed with Frank’s pleasant demeanor and readiness to help any and every one. “He is very passionate about his vocation. His witty humor is always uplifting and looked forward to by staff. He is held in the highest regard by all of us.”
“Rev. Lewis is always positive and willing to help out in any situation,” echoes Debra Hawkinberry, Corrections Classification and Program Manager at Fayette. “He is sincere in his faith and is always respectful.” Treatment Specialist Robert Rhodes notes that “Rev. Lewis is never at a loss for words, lifts others up with simple jokes and inspires staff and inmates alike.” Further notes Mr. Rhodes, “When an inmate has experienced grief and sorrow, Rev. Lewis has literally gone beyond his routine pastoral duties to ensure that inmates are met with great compassion and understanding.” Indeed God has prepared Rev. Lewis for work in prison. When not in prison, Frank is an avid swimmer and loves to read. He is ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God. He is also certified as a chaplain through the Assemblies of God, Chaplaincy Ministries. Congratulations, Rev. Lewis!
2015 Chaplain of the Year
Rev. Edward A. Neiderhiser 2015 - DOC Chaplain of the Year
Rev. Edward Neiderhiser has served the diverse congregation at SCI Graterford for over 25 years. Ordained in 1997 through the Western Pennsylvania-West Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ed was called to serve as facility chaplain at SCI Graterford in 1989. After just two years, Ed was promoted to serve as the Facility Chaplaincy Program Director. Prior to his correctional career, Ed served either as the Pastor or as an Associate Pastor of four different Lutheran congregations in North Wales, Havertown, and Philadelphia, PA. A steady voice and trusted advisor for staff and inmates alike, Ed excels in understanding the human heart. Superintendent Cynthia Link noted of Ed, “He hears the unspoken fears, worries and concerns that burden us. He encourages us to embrace our hopes and face ourselves to find the answers to the questions that point us in such crooked lines. He helps us find our faith - not his faith - but ours when we falter.” Ed’s acceptance of staff and inmates alike, as each person is, had bestowed countless individuals with the confidence within to accept themselves, complete with their shortcomings and foibles. Known for his pastoral example of unconditional love, Ed has helped those at Graterford open their hearts to understand others around them. “We come from all walks of life,” adds Superintendent Link. “Even though Rev. Neiderhiser has not walked all paths, he engages with us - sometimes curious, sometimes amused - but always present and non-judgmental toward us. In times of hardship and loss he has stood with us, all of us.” Every time an inmate or staff member has passed, Ed has been present at the sides of those who grieve. “At Graterford, everyone is remembered,” Ed has been known to say. He is there for staff as well as inmates. “At Graterford, every inmate will be remembered at a memorial service in his name upon passing,” said Gary Olinger, Corrections Classification and Program Manager at Graterford. ”Friends and staff people gather in the chapel and celebrate the life of every person. If no one comes, Rev. Neiderhiser will hold the service alone.” Rev. Ulli Klemm noted, “Ed’s maturity, common sense, rapport building skills with offenders and staff alike, knowing which battles to fight and which aren’t worth the effort, and his always helpful and often prophetic perspectives are wonderful gifts to the Department.” Ed earned a B.A. from Thiel College, Greenville, PA in 1969, a M.Div. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, PA in 1973, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Dropsie University, Philadelphia, PA in 1978. He is an accomplished musician, playing the trumpet, flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet, as well as a composer and arranger in classi-cal jazz, liturgical and blues venues. He is married to Sally. Ed’s respect for staff and inmates as people helps all find respect for one another as well as for themselves. He has promoted and encouraged an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding within and between faith groups. Superintendent Link said it best: “Ed’s inspirational presence in this facility has changed us - all of us - for the better.”
Rev. Edward Neiderhiser has served the diverse congregation at SCI Graterford for over 25 years. Ordained in 1997 through the Western Pennsylvania-West Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ed was called to serve as facility chaplain at SCI Graterford in 1989. After just two years, Ed was promoted to serve as the Facility Chaplaincy Program Director. Prior to his correctional career, Ed served either as the Pastor or as an Associate Pastor of four different Lutheran congregations in North Wales, Havertown, and Philadelphia, PA. A steady voice and trusted advisor for staff and inmates alike, Ed excels in understanding the human heart. Superintendent Cynthia Link noted of Ed, “He hears the unspoken fears, worries and concerns that burden us. He encourages us to embrace our hopes and face ourselves to find the answers to the questions that point us in such crooked lines. He helps us find our faith - not his faith - but ours when we falter.” Ed’s acceptance of staff and inmates alike, as each person is, had bestowed countless individuals with the confidence within to accept themselves, complete with their shortcomings and foibles. Known for his pastoral example of unconditional love, Ed has helped those at Graterford open their hearts to understand others around them. “We come from all walks of life,” adds Superintendent Link. “Even though Rev. Neiderhiser has not walked all paths, he engages with us - sometimes curious, sometimes amused - but always present and non-judgmental toward us. In times of hardship and loss he has stood with us, all of us.” Every time an inmate or staff member has passed, Ed has been present at the sides of those who grieve. “At Graterford, everyone is remembered,” Ed has been known to say. He is there for staff as well as inmates. “At Graterford, every inmate will be remembered at a memorial service in his name upon passing,” said Gary Olinger, Corrections Classification and Program Manager at Graterford. ”Friends and staff people gather in the chapel and celebrate the life of every person. If no one comes, Rev. Neiderhiser will hold the service alone.” Rev. Ulli Klemm noted, “Ed’s maturity, common sense, rapport building skills with offenders and staff alike, knowing which battles to fight and which aren’t worth the effort, and his always helpful and often prophetic perspectives are wonderful gifts to the Department.” Ed earned a B.A. from Thiel College, Greenville, PA in 1969, a M.Div. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, PA in 1973, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Dropsie University, Philadelphia, PA in 1978. He is an accomplished musician, playing the trumpet, flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet, as well as a composer and arranger in classi-cal jazz, liturgical and blues venues. He is married to Sally. Ed’s respect for staff and inmates as people helps all find respect for one another as well as for themselves. He has promoted and encouraged an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding within and between faith groups. Superintendent Link said it best: “Ed’s inspirational presence in this facility has changed us - all of us - for the better.”
Rev. Marilyn A. Nolte 2015 - County Chaplain of the Year
Rev. Marilyn Nolte was sitting at home during her last year of seminary reading a book about hospital chaplaincy when the phone rang. It was Jubilee Ministries looking for a part-time chaplain for the women at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility (LCCF). Marilyn’s seminary, Evangelical School of Theology, had referred her to Jubilee. On her first visit to the prison, she immediately fell in love with prison work. For more than twenty years, Rev. Marilyn Nolte has been a fixture at the LCCF. Since 2009, she has served as the LCCF Chaplain Manager. Known for her professionalism, theological knowledge and straight forwardness, she offers practical wisdom in many areas of life and ministry. Marilyn has served as a correctional chaplain since April 1993. Jubilee’s mission is to “rebuild, restore, and renew lives” and that describes Marilyn’s personal mission. “Marilyn exudes moral and spiritual integrity,” noted Rev. Kevin Dobbs, himself a correctional chaplain. “She expresses and demands from others the integrity that personifies the Christian life.” Being a person of integrity means that Marilyn follows prison rules. “She is a stickler for keeping within the guidelines of prison policy, but with an openness for effective change in mind,” adds Rev. Dobbs. Demonstrating love and respect for inmates and staff alike, Marilyn listens to others with genuine consideration for their knowledge and experiences. Clair Weaver, Executive Director of Jubilee Ministries noted, “Marilyn’s passion and dedication to those behind bars has helped many inmates rebuild their lives. She also is quick to offer support to prison staff as they struggle with the pressures of the job and other life issues.” Joe Vangeli, Program Director at Jubilee Ministries, echoed similar sentiments: "Marilyn’s ministry as chaplain at LCCF has not only touched the lives of many inmates, but prison staff and members of our community as well. Her deep, genuine care and concern for people from all walks of life is selflessly expressed as she lives out her faith." Married to Bill, who she affectionately calls Darling, Marilyn juggles accompanying her husband from one doctor’s appointment to the other and running errands for the prison and ministry. In spite of her husband’s health issues, she stills reports to work with a smile and a heart full of compassion to embrace those whom God placed in her path. In Marilyn’s former career, she was a commercial loan officer and even called on the Bongiorno Retreat Center to discuss financing their renovation and expansions in 1986. Not a person of faith at the time, this loan officer wondered what the lure of Christian Camps were. Now she knows. Marilyn earned a BS in Business Administration from Montclair State College, Montclair, NJ and graduated with a MAR in counseling with a M.Div. Equivalent from the Evangelical School of Theology, Myerstown PA. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Prison Ministry at the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church. Her favorite place on this side of heaven is the beach at Sanibel Island, FL, where she and Bill met in 1982. She enjoys walking her dog, Buddy, reading, trips to Sanibel with Bill and crocheting prayer shawls.
Rev. Marilyn Nolte was sitting at home during her last year of seminary reading a book about hospital chaplaincy when the phone rang. It was Jubilee Ministries looking for a part-time chaplain for the women at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility (LCCF). Marilyn’s seminary, Evangelical School of Theology, had referred her to Jubilee. On her first visit to the prison, she immediately fell in love with prison work. For more than twenty years, Rev. Marilyn Nolte has been a fixture at the LCCF. Since 2009, she has served as the LCCF Chaplain Manager. Known for her professionalism, theological knowledge and straight forwardness, she offers practical wisdom in many areas of life and ministry. Marilyn has served as a correctional chaplain since April 1993. Jubilee’s mission is to “rebuild, restore, and renew lives” and that describes Marilyn’s personal mission. “Marilyn exudes moral and spiritual integrity,” noted Rev. Kevin Dobbs, himself a correctional chaplain. “She expresses and demands from others the integrity that personifies the Christian life.” Being a person of integrity means that Marilyn follows prison rules. “She is a stickler for keeping within the guidelines of prison policy, but with an openness for effective change in mind,” adds Rev. Dobbs. Demonstrating love and respect for inmates and staff alike, Marilyn listens to others with genuine consideration for their knowledge and experiences. Clair Weaver, Executive Director of Jubilee Ministries noted, “Marilyn’s passion and dedication to those behind bars has helped many inmates rebuild their lives. She also is quick to offer support to prison staff as they struggle with the pressures of the job and other life issues.” Joe Vangeli, Program Director at Jubilee Ministries, echoed similar sentiments: "Marilyn’s ministry as chaplain at LCCF has not only touched the lives of many inmates, but prison staff and members of our community as well. Her deep, genuine care and concern for people from all walks of life is selflessly expressed as she lives out her faith." Married to Bill, who she affectionately calls Darling, Marilyn juggles accompanying her husband from one doctor’s appointment to the other and running errands for the prison and ministry. In spite of her husband’s health issues, she stills reports to work with a smile and a heart full of compassion to embrace those whom God placed in her path. In Marilyn’s former career, she was a commercial loan officer and even called on the Bongiorno Retreat Center to discuss financing their renovation and expansions in 1986. Not a person of faith at the time, this loan officer wondered what the lure of Christian Camps were. Now she knows. Marilyn earned a BS in Business Administration from Montclair State College, Montclair, NJ and graduated with a MAR in counseling with a M.Div. Equivalent from the Evangelical School of Theology, Myerstown PA. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Prison Ministry at the Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church. Her favorite place on this side of heaven is the beach at Sanibel Island, FL, where she and Bill met in 1982. She enjoys walking her dog, Buddy, reading, trips to Sanibel with Bill and crocheting prayer shawls.
2014 Chaplain of the Year
Pastor W. James Pall 2014 - DOC Chaplain of the Year
Before many chaplains were even considering prison ministry, Pastor W. James “Jim” Pall, was already behind bars. Jim, who earned a BA in Theatre and Religion from Lycoming College in 1973 and then his M.Div. from the Boston University School of Theology in Boston in 1976, became the full-time Protestant Chaplain at SCI Dallas in August 1987. As there was no designation of a “head chaplain,” administrative duties were rotated between the full-time Protestant and Catholic chaplain. In 1991, Jim became Dallas’ first Institutional Chaplaincy Program Director. Jim takes great satisfaction in several areas of his ministry, which spans nearly 28 years. In the context of pastoral counseling sessions, “to see the toughest guys break down and vent, and share deeply buried grief was most humbling,” says Jim. While Jim never did manage to obtain a parking space reserved for the “Facility Chaplaincy Program Director (FCPD),” he did manage to successfully promote missions through the Protestant congregation at Dallas. Each month, men attending Protestant services contributed to support an agreed upon charity. Whether raising funds to send inner-city children to a Christian camp, supporting a local Christian radio station or helping fund efforts to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless in Philadelphia and Wilkes Barre, Jim helped the men to understand that being church is being there for the other. “One of my goals for my ministry was also to teach the men how church works,” says Jim. “Many of the men had marginal church or no church involvement. I wanted to show the Christian inmates how churches are organized for ministry, so when they leave prison they can fit in.” Teaching inmates to plan an agenda, make decisions, conduct meetings, and to see how they fit into the larger picture of church gave Jim great satisfaction. Two other initiatives bear note. While Jim inherited a small card ministry when he started at Dallas (back then, Chaplain Ray cards cost 3¢), under Jim’s tenure, that card ministry is the most exhaustive in the Department. “Any inmate, regardless of their religion can write the Chaplain’s Office to receive four cards a month.” While the inmates assume the cost of postage, anonymous outside “angels” pay for the discounted/free cards to be shipped to the institution. Jim also takes great fulfillment in creating an End of Life Care program that he and other DOC professionals helped shape through a collaborative effort with Penn State. “Now inmates don’t have to die alone.” Ordained as a deacon through the Methodist Church in 1974 and subsequently ordained as a minister in 1982, Jim really appreciated serving under now retired Superintendent Ben Varner. Supt. Varner was assigned to Dallas after two inmate escaped in 1999. “Supt. Varner really boasted our morale at a time when it was at its lowest,” says Jim. “He knew everyone’s name and handled tension between security and treatment very well. I felt like a valued and respected team member.” Deputy Superintendent Norm Demming, who supervised Jim for 18 of his 27 years, notes that “Jim was always impressive in his compassion for offenders, while always wary of being manipulated and followed security protocol. He maintained his professionalism and integrity consistently and was a light in a dark place.” After 27 years and ten months of service as a correctional chaplain, Jim retired as the FCPD at SCI-Dallas in July 2014. Prior to leaving, Jim aided SCI Retreat with administrative duties during their search for a new FCPD following the retirement in January 2014 of Rev. John Ritchey. Jim did a commendable job doing the impossible: juggling administrative duties for two SCIs. “I did the best I could to keep up with the ‘adminis-trivia.’ ” Jim’s wealth of experience and perspective, his dedication to serve the inmates and staff at Dallas, and his passionate heart are imbedded in the walls of the chapel at Dallas. As a retiree, Jim is serving as the pastor of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Hunlock Creek (the congregation which was his home church years ago) on a ¾-time basis. So far, “Everyday – except Sunday - feels like a Saturday,” says Jim. “It’s all joy.” Jim is married to Susan and together they have three children: Jonathan (28), Mark (17) and Garrett (15).
Before many chaplains were even considering prison ministry, Pastor W. James “Jim” Pall, was already behind bars. Jim, who earned a BA in Theatre and Religion from Lycoming College in 1973 and then his M.Div. from the Boston University School of Theology in Boston in 1976, became the full-time Protestant Chaplain at SCI Dallas in August 1987. As there was no designation of a “head chaplain,” administrative duties were rotated between the full-time Protestant and Catholic chaplain. In 1991, Jim became Dallas’ first Institutional Chaplaincy Program Director. Jim takes great satisfaction in several areas of his ministry, which spans nearly 28 years. In the context of pastoral counseling sessions, “to see the toughest guys break down and vent, and share deeply buried grief was most humbling,” says Jim. While Jim never did manage to obtain a parking space reserved for the “Facility Chaplaincy Program Director (FCPD),” he did manage to successfully promote missions through the Protestant congregation at Dallas. Each month, men attending Protestant services contributed to support an agreed upon charity. Whether raising funds to send inner-city children to a Christian camp, supporting a local Christian radio station or helping fund efforts to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless in Philadelphia and Wilkes Barre, Jim helped the men to understand that being church is being there for the other. “One of my goals for my ministry was also to teach the men how church works,” says Jim. “Many of the men had marginal church or no church involvement. I wanted to show the Christian inmates how churches are organized for ministry, so when they leave prison they can fit in.” Teaching inmates to plan an agenda, make decisions, conduct meetings, and to see how they fit into the larger picture of church gave Jim great satisfaction. Two other initiatives bear note. While Jim inherited a small card ministry when he started at Dallas (back then, Chaplain Ray cards cost 3¢), under Jim’s tenure, that card ministry is the most exhaustive in the Department. “Any inmate, regardless of their religion can write the Chaplain’s Office to receive four cards a month.” While the inmates assume the cost of postage, anonymous outside “angels” pay for the discounted/free cards to be shipped to the institution. Jim also takes great fulfillment in creating an End of Life Care program that he and other DOC professionals helped shape through a collaborative effort with Penn State. “Now inmates don’t have to die alone.” Ordained as a deacon through the Methodist Church in 1974 and subsequently ordained as a minister in 1982, Jim really appreciated serving under now retired Superintendent Ben Varner. Supt. Varner was assigned to Dallas after two inmate escaped in 1999. “Supt. Varner really boasted our morale at a time when it was at its lowest,” says Jim. “He knew everyone’s name and handled tension between security and treatment very well. I felt like a valued and respected team member.” Deputy Superintendent Norm Demming, who supervised Jim for 18 of his 27 years, notes that “Jim was always impressive in his compassion for offenders, while always wary of being manipulated and followed security protocol. He maintained his professionalism and integrity consistently and was a light in a dark place.” After 27 years and ten months of service as a correctional chaplain, Jim retired as the FCPD at SCI-Dallas in July 2014. Prior to leaving, Jim aided SCI Retreat with administrative duties during their search for a new FCPD following the retirement in January 2014 of Rev. John Ritchey. Jim did a commendable job doing the impossible: juggling administrative duties for two SCIs. “I did the best I could to keep up with the ‘adminis-trivia.’ ” Jim’s wealth of experience and perspective, his dedication to serve the inmates and staff at Dallas, and his passionate heart are imbedded in the walls of the chapel at Dallas. As a retiree, Jim is serving as the pastor of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Hunlock Creek (the congregation which was his home church years ago) on a ¾-time basis. So far, “Everyday – except Sunday - feels like a Saturday,” says Jim. “It’s all joy.” Jim is married to Susan and together they have three children: Jonathan (28), Mark (17) and Garrett (15).
