When an emergency happens first responders jump into action to mitigate the effects, but it is the Turlock Chaplaincy that often times helps people begin the healing process.
When on call, the chaplain is nearby to respond to emergencies, often providing support to people dealing with a crisis involving an injury or even death. Within 20 minutes a chaplain will be there with family to help muster support, share resources and funeral planning if needed.
Chaplains are also a confidential resource for police officers, firefighters and their families. Chaplains provide listening ears when employees are coping with traumatic calls, when personal family members are sick or in crises, during stressful investigations and even just spending time together.
Lastly, the Turlock Chaplaincy provides character coaches in the local elementary and junior high schools. These coaches offer a safe environment, outside of the staff and faculty, for students to receive one on one support, encouragement and guidance. When a crisis happens in the schools, the character coaches work with the public safety chaplains to care for students and staff.
The services the Turlock Chaplaincy provides are free of charge to the public, employees of Turlock Fire, Turlock Police and CSU Stanislaus Police departments, and the students and staff of the Turlock and Hilmar School Districts. Churches, individuals, businesses, and civic organizations, who recognize and value this unique ministry, underwrite the administrative costs, while fundraisers like the annual fun run are an important component in completing their mission.
"The fun run generates 25 percent of our annual income, gives us an opportunity to tell our story and lets us enjoy the encouragement from so many within our community,” said David Williams, the executive director for the Turlock Chaplaincy. “It is Turlock at its best."
For years a multitude of runners have turned out to support the Turlock Chaplaincy and board members hope that trend will continue with the upcoming fun run.
The Ninth Annual Fun run is set for April 21 at Stanislaus State. The race will begin and end in the area outside of Warrior Arena. Parking is provided next to the arena. The start time for the one-mile race will be precisely at 9 a.m. When those runners have returned, the 5K and 10K race will begin. Runners are able to register at Active.Com or at time of the race. Advance registration is until midnight before the race. Cost is $10 for a One Mile and $25 for 5K or 10K runners. On the day of the race, cost increases by $5.
