Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer and members of the Sheriff’s Correctional Division today recognized nearly one hundred volunteers for their assistance and personal time to various programs at the Cape May County Correctional Center at a breakfast sponsored by the Seashore Church of Nazarene and Erma Holiness Group.
Sheriff Schaffer said, “In 2009, during any given week, there were approximately 190 inmates attending volunteer based programs. Presently 56% of our inmate population is participating in some type of program involving these volunteers.”
Thousands of hours of volunteer services are given each year. To list a few, there were 146 Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings, 68 Narcotic Anonymous Meetings, over 100 Bible Studies, 542 Church Services, continual GED programs, and more than 200 Individual Counseling Sessions.
Warden Donald Lombardo added, “Without these volunteers, our job would be more difficult. I am grateful for the support of our volunteers and their dedication to assisting us and to their mission.”
Additionally, volunteers have donated hundreds of books to the recreational library; religious reading materials for disbursement, hundreds of Bibles; and one local church and school donated over 70 pairs of reading glasses for indigent prisoners. Also, one church collected winter coats and gave them to the correctional facility to give to prisoners who were admitted during the summer but were released during the winter months.
Jean Crean, Coordinator of Inmate Services and Programs said, “Some of these volunteers have been coming to the Correctional Center every month for over 20 years.”
“Most people don’t realize that running a Correctional Center is like running a small city but more complex. We must address housing needs, food, medical, dental, education, transportation, recreation, spiritual services, social services, counseling, and even provide barber and hair cutting services. These volunteers are a valuable source to draw on to make this operation run smoothly and provide all the necessary services required morally and legally,” concluded Sheriff Schaffer.
The following groups, organizations and churches are regular volunteers who support us on a consistent basis.
• Our Lady of Angels – Monthly Mass and Confessions
• Church of Resurrection – Legion of Mary/Prayer Services
• St. Augustine’s Church – Legion of Mary/Prayer Services
• St. John of God – Legion of Mary/Prayer Services
• St. Raymond’s Church – Legion of Mary/Prayer Services
• Narcotics Anonymous – weekly for self help group meetings
• Alcoholic Anonymous – twice weekly for self help group meetings
• Christian Services Associates – weekly Women’s Bible Study
• Christ Gospel – twice per month for Men’s Bible Study and twice per month for
Women’s Church Services
• Lighthouse Church – twice a month for Men’s Bible Study
• Second Cape May Baptist Church – weekly for Men’s Church Service, once a month for
Women’s Church Services, multiple weekly appointments for one on one spiritual
counseling and Bible study
• Cornerstone Church – Once a month for a Men’s Church Service
• Tabernacle United Methodist – 2-3 times a month for a Men’s Church Service
• First Latin Pentecostal – weekly for Spanish Language Church Services