SPIRITUAL CARE PROGRAM
Tanya Atwood-Adams, Program Director

The Spiritual Care Program provides contract chaplains of all faiths to care for the spiritual needs of those in long-term care, acute care, correctional and psychiatric facilities. 

What is the “essence” of our work?
Spiritual Care works to assure that all people have access to quality spiritual care when they need it the most.  The program also provides training opportunities for chaplains and clergy to increase their skill level and educational programs for the community.
Spiritual Care works to:

• address spiritual issues in public health and community crisis
• nurture the spirit
• explore challenging ethical issues
• increase awareness of diversity
• develop spiritual awareness 

Who do we serve?
We serve the hospitalized, imprisoned, institutionalized, and larger community.

How long has the program been in existence?
The Spiritual Care Program was started with the IRC in 1976.  We were formerly called the Pastoral Care Program, but changed our name in 2005 to better reflect our belief that every human being is a spiritual being, but not everyone expresses their spirituality through religion.

How many clients have been served by the program?
Approximately 70,000 people are served by the Spiritual Care Program each year.

How does the Spiritual Care Program make a difference in our community?
We make a difference by providing the opportunity for growth and transformation through spiritual care to individuals who are at a vulnerable time in their lives.  The Spiritual Care Program also addresses important life issues through educational events (i.e.: the Clergy Roundtable and our Annual Pastoral Care Day).

How does the Spiritual Care Program’s work fulfill the mission of the IRC?
We provide respectful and individualized personal, emotional, and spiritual care to those we serve; thus building relationships and nurturing the human spirit.