Chaplains Providing Invaluable Resources To Residents And Staff At Detention Facilities

Being incarcerated can be very tough and a lonely place. Having someone just to talk to, can mean everything.

“The root thing of what we do is just to go and share compassion,” said Christopher Hendrix, Executive Chaplain with Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministries.

Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministries provides compassion to 21 facilities in sixteen counties around the state.

“The chaplains here are wonderful. They’re here not only for our residence but also for our staff,” said Brandi Garner, CEO of Oklahoma County Detention Center.

For Garner, this is much more than churches handing out bibles.

“Not only provide religious instruction but also to provide mentorship and guidance,” said Garner.

“Not only the bible, but we talk to them about life,” said Hendrix.

Helping them through life while incarcerated and preparing them for life upon their release.

“People that we minister to each and every day they are one day going to get out, and be your neighbor, your church member,” said Hendrix.

Being incarcerated is something Hendrix and many of the chaplains know firsthand.

“I was actually in prison for twelve years. Our vice president was formerly incarcerated. Our office administrator was formerly incarcerated,” said Hendrix.

“I know if I hadn’t had a person from this organization in my life eleven years ago, I wouldn’t be here right now,” said Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministries Office Administrator, Diana Cummins

“It’s wonderful because I get to give back what was given to me,” said Cummins.

For all the support to the residents, facility staff, and even first responders, the chaplains are not paid employees of the state or the counties, not even the Department of Corrections.

“They are strictly paid through raising funding, private funding, and donors, things of that nature,” said Hendrix.

Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministries is a registered nonprofit, supported by donations and would love your support. For information or support visit: www.ojpm.org