Jail Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy Program at the Pierce County Jail

The Correction Bureau Chaplaincy provides spiritual and personal growth enhancement opportunities to inmates of all persuasions. We act as a bridge between inmates and the community; family, religious leaders and the professional field. We also desire to provide, to any inmate, the spiritual and motivational foundation to re-enter the community with positive behavior.

Who Are We?


	Rich Odegard Rich began as a volunteer in 1994. With the addition of the Annex, he became an associate Chaplain serving that facility. In March of 1999 the Tacoma Rescue Mission contracted with the county and retained Rich as the program Director. Currently, Rich is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Jail.

Bill Balmer
Bill actually began as a volunteer in 1955. He has served as Sr. Chaplain and continues to volunteer as an associate. He also oversees the Emmaus Bible Correspondence Course.

Our provided services include the following:


-	Weekly religious services.
-	Correspondence study program.
-	Obtaining and distributing inspirational books and literature.
-	Processing attendance lists for various inmate programs.
-	Spiritual studies and visitation.
-	Personal and emergency crisis counseling.
-	Verifying and notifying inmates of illness and death of family members.
-	Processing and keeping records of religious diets.
-	Assisting the Humane Society regarding the animals of inmates.
-	Managing and conducting the 'Chaplain's Class: Confronting Addictions.
-	Networking with individuals, organizations and/or agencies providing after care programs.
-	Managing and conducting the 'Responsible Living Unit'.

The Responsible Living Unit program is designed to provide a new way of living through a new way of thinking. Through a variety of methods inmates will receive instruction and training that pertain to all areas of life; i.e. relationships, addictions, anger management, finances, etc. Foundations are established for constructive, proactive decision making. Each day the Responsible Living unit participates in studies and seminars.