Going In, Staying In jail ministry training is in-person required training for new and returning volunteers. It focuses on orientation to chaplaincy and facility updates, as well as context-specific skill building, such as trauma-informed ministry and cultural humility. The training is free and open to anyone over the age of 21.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00-11:30am
Registration begins at 9am
Location & Host: Foothill Covenant Church
1555 Oak Ave
Los Altos, CA 94024
SAVE THE DATE - Our Spring GISI is May 15th, from 9:00–11:30 AM at St. Andrew’s in Saratoga! Remember, volunteers should attend at least one GISI each year. With both a Spring and Fall GISI, we’re sharing dates early so you can plan ahead. Registration will open in the new year—save the date!
Next TI Training:
Empowerment, Voice & Choice with Chaplain Angel & Chaplain Seth
Tuesday, 10/13 7PM via Zoom
This training equips jail chaplains with practical tools for providing meaningful spiritual care to individuals who identify with no organized religion — a growing population within incarcerated settings. Chaplains will explore who "Nones" are, what their spiritual and existential needs look like, and how to engage them without imposing religious frameworks.
The session will also examine how trauma shapes the inner lives of those in custody, often contributing to religious disconnection or distrust of institutional care. By understanding the relationship between trauma and spiritual dislocation, chaplains will be better positioned to offer presence-centered, trauma-informed care that meets people where they are, regardless of faith identity.
Next TI Training:
The Basics: with Chaplain Liz
Tuesday, 11/10 7PM via Zoom
Join us for our final Trauma-Informed Chaplaincy training of 2026. Whether you’re a new volunteer learning the basics or a longtime volunteer looking for a refresher, Chaplain Liz will revisit the core principles of trauma-informed care in a jail setting and practical ways we can support healing and resilience.
Bring your questions! Experienced volunteers are also encouraged to bring examples, stories, or situations you’ve encountered inside the jail. Together, we’ll connect the basics of trauma-informed chaplaincy to the real-life moments we face in our ministry.
New volunteers, veterans, and everyone in between are welcome!