Triumphs! I believe that we’re one of the first county jails in the United States that ever had a full-time chaplain. The chaplaincy program is something that is needed here to help turn people around, change their lives, so they can become productive citizens again. This program is working. Don Zeller, Linn County Sheriff The Chaplaincy program plays a vital role at the Juvenile Detention Center. Most importantly, the presence of the chaplain serves as a reminder to our kids that they are important and loved. Spirituality is offered in a meaningful, yet non-threatening, manner that impacts the child during their stay at detention and provides a sense of hope that they can carry with them when they leave. Peg Pangborn, Administrator Juvenile Detention Center

I’ve worked with chaplaincy programs and chaplains in correctional facilities for almost 25 years, and I see the Linn County Correctional Chaplaincy as a unique program for its sincerity and its devotion to the inmates that are presently incarcerated.
Michael Carr, Administrator
Linn County Correctional Center

Quotes from former inmates and their families:

"I just wanted to thank you for helping my son through everything that has happened to him and for helping him to find God."

"I want you to know what a blessing you were to me during my 10 months in Cedar Rapids. You are making a big difference in a lot of individual’s lives."

"I want to thank you all for your prayers, your love and caring hearts. I want to thank you for the books you gave me. They brought me great joy during these hard times in here…I am not only a clean and sober person but one who has changed…one who wants to add to the community, not take away any more from it."

"I thank the Lord for each and every one of you! I’ve come a long way in the past year and despite being locked up and on my way to prison, I feel freer than I have in years."

"There is no way I could ever express my gratitude for what you have done and are doing for my daughter…I realize you are working for God but you could have said no…you didn’t."

"You’re needed where you’re at because I bet they’ll be another like me and you got to be around…I won’t be back in that jail again."

"I really feel you helped me through the hardest of times at Linn County. And if I had a nickel every time I thought of you, I’d be rich!"

"I’ve come a lone way from the Linn County Jail 7-8 months ago. You really touched me, you gave me inspiration."