The Washington Chaplains AssociationFall 2007 Meeting – September 11. 2007

Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Ellensburg, WA Attendance: 55, including guest speakers, almost every DOC chaplain, and RSAC members.

The meeting opened with a 9-11 remembrance, as this WCA Fall meeting fell on September 11, 2007. Chaplain Shannon O’Donnell led a candle-lighting service of remembrance and closed in prayer. Chaplain Greg Garringer was recognized as the new DOC Religious Programs Manager, filling the position vacated by Ch. Dan Williams’ retirement.

Program, Part 1: Chaplain Garringer led the meeting and introduced the guest speakers, Belinda Stewart and Joenne Harrhy. Belinda Stewart had a PowerPoint presentation and printed notes that were passed out to all in attendance. Belinda is passionate about the theme of re-entry. Belinda is a 23-year veteran of the DOC.

All persons have a stake in re-entry, as successful re-entry contributes to the public safety. DOC defines re-entry as: “Re-entry is everything we do to get offenders back into the community as law-abiding citizens.”

Summary: Some very important statistics are given in the PowerPoint presentation, barriers to successful re-entry were discussed, many strong Guiding Principles for Re-entry Implementation were presented, and a good discussion was had on identifying alternative options to impact recidivism in Washington State. There was a listing of the Department of Corrections Re-entry Teams – which included 10 areas (but not chaplaincy!). Belinda was challenged on this, especially in light of the success of the faith-based programs in re-entry. She pointed out that the very reason she’s here is to hear from the chaplaincy and identify how to incorporate formally faith-based programs. She cannot be held accountable for the omissions of the past, but looking forward she has influence and will use it. There was direct discussion on this subject. The presentation by Belinda included commentary on “Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6157.

The second guest speaker was Joenne Harrry. Joenne presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Re-entry and Family Centered Programs,”

Belinda Stewart of the DOC addresses the WCA

L to R: Joenne Harrhy, Melissa Rowland,Ch. GregGarringer, Belinda Stewart

Joenne Harrhy presenting to the WCA

a DOC initiative. Joenne shared the programs strategic plan, relevant legislation (both senate and House) moving through Olympia. The value of the family participating in the re-entry program was stressed (with substantiation provided with statistics). There are measurable goals and a solid foundation is being established. Assisting both Belinda and Joenne was Melissa Rowland.

Program, Part 2: Chaplain Greg Garringer moderated for a panel discussion on re-entry. The panelists are all involved in inmate re-entry. A summary of their program is here (this was handed out to all participants). The panelist in the picture below are left to right:

1. Randy Schulz2. Tom Wagner 3. John Peterson4. Nancy Ferguson5. Gary Friedman6. Art Brown7. Gary and Joanne Russell

Questions and Answerers:Q: How did you get started:

Nancy – a co-worker murdered her boyfriend John – seeing family concerns at McNeil Island, we were answering questions that the

State was not. Art – an inmate at Thurston CJ came to him crying, was a new Christian but didn’t

know how to be clean and sober. This repeated. A facility became available through my church and we got started

Russell’s – a lady at church came to us and had a husband in prison and she asked for marriage help

Tom – the archdiocese wanted to do something to help inmates Gary – Judaism has been involved in re-entry from their beginning! Punishment is

meant to correct, not destroy. Randy – this was a natural extension of ministering to the Christian inmate, and that’s

Prison Fellowship’s focus.

Is there a charge for your services? Art – yes, we run a clean and sober house and charge a maintenance fee, we don’t

have a grant. Fee is $300 per month (less food). Gary – we are funded through other Jewish social services organizations. Russell’s – we teach a curriculum at no charge, but we do charge for expenses. $70

per couple (includes 28 hours of teaching and a comprehensive manual)

Is there a cost for a facility to bring your program in? John – our manual’s cost $12 per copy (one to the family, one to the inmate)

What are a couple of lessons learned regarding housing offenders and pursuing a re-entry program?

Art – certain houses were women and some men, and that was counter productive! When you fix one issue, other issues in their lives (e.g. co-dependency) can show up. Trying to form new relationships for them, else they go back to the old ones. Visitation rights re-established. State and DOC compliance concerns.

What are some unique issues you face? Gary – family issues are big, the breadwinner (whoever it was done!) is now

incarcerated, and the family left behind has to pay the bills and make ends meet. We address this concern (handout provided).

What is the definition of “family”? Inmates going to family-type environment – spouse, cousin, child; the family

environment.

What are some of the unique issues in working with women in re-entry? Nancy – women are much harder to work with. Many have been molested as children

and this is a huge issue that men don’t deal with. They are not trusting and have to overcome many pains and scars before they’ll trust you.

Is your program religious or secular? John – secular, but that opens the door to sharing faith. The materials have no

religious component. We were asked to put this on by the State.

Summary: The heart of all of those involved in aftercare/re-entry is seeing the family unit strengthened and made whole, believing this is the will of God. They began their ministry either by seeing the need and starting something, or joining in with something already founded. Either way, it’s a special person for this calling. God bless them all!

Business Meeting:  Secretary’s Report: Bob summarized the report and it was motioned and approved. As always the minutes of the previous meeting is posted on the www.wca2000.org website. Treasurer’s Report: Chaplain Shannon O’Donnell reported the following. Motioned and approved to accept.Savings Account:                      $10 (needs to be updated)Checking Account                    $383.60 (needs to be updated)Today’s Receipts                     $520Today’s Meals                          $450Mailing Expense                       $47.40Total Funds as of today         $328.60 (needs to be updated)

Old Business: No old business to review. New Business: Discussed the concept of moving both meetings to Ellensburg to see how well that works for all chaplains and volunteers. The vote carried to approve this – for 2008 both WCA meetings will be held in Ellensburg and then the motion will be re-evaluated.

Next Topic Ideas: Ministerial skill sets. Counseling. Using technology in our work (PowerPoint, even drama…) “Seven Laws” series. Christianity Leadership magazine has a

section in using technology. Should we invite Belinda back in March with some inputs on how to facilitate re-entry? The WCA has an open invitation to participate. Bob offered that the WCA can help with this by participating on a conference call.

Other items discussed: In March we focus on what is useful to the chaplains. In September we focus on what is useful to the inmate community.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at the Ellensburg Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Ellensburg, WA.

Motion to adjourn moved and seconded; approved.

DOC chaplains meeting immediately followed the WCA meeting. Chair: Chaplain Greg Garringer