MISSION STATEMENT
To respond with compassion and support of all Faiths in need of Spiritual guidance or Pastoral Counseling during a time of personal crisis.
VISION STATEMENT
The role of the Chaplain within the MCSO setting focuses on the spiritual care and nurturing of people. It is the responsibility of the Chaplain to uphold the dignity and worth of each individual. Persons of faith profess by their actions that our God is a God of unconditional love and forgiveness. In many religions, the care and nurturing by religious leaders has been compared to the work of a shepherd. The faith leader knows and recognizes the individual sheep. The Chaplain offers spiritual guidance and is alert to help people in times of trial or crisis. In this sense, the Chaplain is indeed a shepherd or pastor and the flock is the inmates, staff, community and the detention setting itself.
The Chaplains Unit of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office provides spiritual programs to all inmates. Volunteers from area churches and religious organizations, come into the Mecklenburg County Jail to provide a variety of spiritual enrichment opportunities including religious services, individual counseling and spiritual study.
All volunteers must pass a criminal background check and attend a Basic Inmate Supervision class before entering the facilities. Anyone interested in volunteering with the Chaplain's Unit can contact Brenda Rubiano, Volunteer Coordinator, at 704-336-8143.
CLERGY VISITATION GUIDELINES
If you are visiting an inmate as a clergy member then you will need to adhere to these guidelines:
A copy of your ordination papers or a letter from your church authorizing their permission to enter the facility as a representative of their church. You will also be required to sign and complete a Clergy Information Form acknowledging your understanding of Clergy Visitation policy.
Clergy may visit an inmate only one time each week.
Clergy that are related to an inmate may not use their clergy status to visit that inmate.
Visitation is non-contact. To set a visitation appointment contact:
Brenda Rubiano
Inmate Programs Volunteer Coordinator
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
801 E. Fourth St
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-336-8143
Fax: 704-432-1836
Clergy visitation is allowed Monday-Friday during the following times:
0800 - 1100 hrs.
1300 - 1600 hrs.
2000 - 2200 hrs.
Act and dress in a professional manner.
