Helping at the county jail

To the editor:

It is my sincere pleasure to publicly recognize those organizations that have contributed material and provided essential services to the men and women incarcerated in the Island County Correction Facility.

The First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor has annually provided educational material, covered the cost of self improvement classes, and has helped prepare transitioning inmates to meet their new freedom and responsibilities as productive citizens. FRC has improved the quality of life at the facility by providing magazine subscriptions, games, puzzles, books and art supplies. The church has paid for students to participate in GED classes, flagging class and food handlers’ classes.

The Bible Baptist Church at Harns Road has been faithful for many, many years in providing religious services, Bible studies, and one-on-one counseling for those inclined to participate.

Thank you to Gideons International for the multiple Bibles they have donated. Each year we receive men’s and women’s devotionals, Bibles in various languages, and New Testaments. Inmates are permitted to take these items when they leave and many do. The Gideons’ annual replenishment is appreciated.

The fine folks who donate their time to conduct Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous week after week can’t be overlooked. The facilitators have a passion for what they’re doing and their non-judgmental serving and mentoring affects the lives of many people.

And not to be overlooked, the ladies from South Whidbey Island who come into the jail to conduct weekly knitting classes. These ladies have made a considerable contribution to the well being of our inmates.

Chief Deputy William “De” Dennis

Island County jail administrator

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