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Chaplains





Since the early days of California’s prisons, Chaplains have served those incarcerated in CDCR’s institutions, promoting understanding and forgiveness.




Man in front of Native American tribal flags while holding feathers.

CDCR Native American Spiritual Leaders guide with purpose

As Native American tribes gathered to celebrate their shared heritage and culture, CDCR staff were on hand to answer questions...

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Prison Native American spiritual leader displays animal hides and the tools made from them.

CDCR recruiters, spiritual leaders at Native American Day

CDCR recruiters and Native American spiritual leaders will staff a booth during California's 55th annual Native American Day at the...

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Inmates sign up for the Angel Tree program while three people look on.

Angel Tree teams gear up to help families of incarcerated

The Prison Fellowship hosted an Angel Tree workshop on every facility August 16 at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and...

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Man and woman with food drive box at California Men's Colony.

California Men’s Colony food drive helps those in need

A recent California Men's Colony (CMC) food drive for Ramadan paid off, helping families in need.

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Four incarcerated young men stand in a garden.

Incarcerated youth plant garden of hope at Ventura facility

In the heart of the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF) chapel complex is a courtyard garden that has served through...

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Chaplain Maryloyola Yettke discusses three carols.

Chaplain explains meaning behind three Christmas carols

People may know the songs, but not necessarily the story behind the holiday jingles playing on the radio. That's why...

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Moshe Halfon sings Hanukkah songs.

Jewish chaplains offer messages of Hanukkah hope

Friday, Dec. 18, marks the last day of Hanukkah, an eight-day holiday celebrating hope and light’s triumph over darkness. Jewish...

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Jesús Plancarte holds a foot-long ponytail he's donating to a children's organization.

Incarcerated man donates hair to cancer‑fighting kids

When Jesús Plancarte was in Riverside County Jail in October 2017, he heard about a program that helps children battling...

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Inmates hold signs with "hevenu" and "shalom," meaning "we brought peace."

Seeds of Peace: First CDCR statewide event sees 7,400 inmates participate

Allowing seeds of peaceful coexistence, cooperation and forgiveness to take root in the state prison system were the goals of...

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Valley State Prison inmates, staff and volunteers raise their arms during the Day of Peace and Reconciliation.

CDCR’s first Day of Peace and Reconciliation in pictures

Across California, 34 adult institutions and five community correctional facilities observed the first Day of Peace and Reconciliation during the...

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