They won’t care what you know unless they know that you care.

Chaplain Willie L. Templeton, Jr.
September 25, 2017

Most every month, Chaplain Templeton holds a meeting for those of us who volunteer at the jail. He always has some pearls of wisdom for us, gleaned from his 20 years experience working in the jail. Before becoming Chaplain and Program Coordinator, Willie, as he prefers to be called, was a Corrections Officer (AKA “C.O.”). So he is not naïve about the population he serves. Last month he told us, “Just because they’re coming to Bible class or to church, doesn’t mean their mind is in the right place.”

Willie regularly warns us to be vigilant and pay attention to guard against contraband, making sure that whatever we take in the jail, we take back out. So we count our pencils, crayons, and markers. Early on, I quit taking in pens after I discovered a number missing their insides. At one of these meetings I learned that the inside of pens is a common target. Another time one of the clipboards we use was found in a pod. So now we count those, too.

While he is not naïve, Willie is very compassionate. Last month he emphasized, “They really need our love and our prayer.” When he said this I gave thanks for the Monday Morning Prayer Group at Grace who faithfully pray for each woman who writes a “prayer card” at the end of Sacred Stories class, as most of the women do.

Willie told us that most of those in jail have abandonment issues, and stressed how important it is that we show up when we say we will, and if we can’t make it to let him know. He is concerned about what happens to people when they are released from jail and return to the community. He wants us to think about what he calls “aftercare” with resources that can point them in the right direction. Dayton Cooks is one such resource. In early October I told the group about the upcoming session and several women who were interested took brochures.

And he told us about the women who arrive in jail with nothing—with none of the basic toiletries that we take for granted: soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush, etc. These things can be purchased in the jail commissary, but many of the women have no money.

When possible, Willie distributes sample size toiletries to those in need. He asks for our help getting them. When I travel I get as many hotel items as I can to bring back for the women in jail who have nothing. Willie says Walmart is a good place to get sample size.

One more thing. Willie says there is also a need for underpants. Like I said, the basics, for women with nothing.