WAUWATOSA -- The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is offering specialized training for volunteers who want to be a part of its chaplaincy program.
“It’s a class that helps our chaplains to access a situation when they walk into a situation," Pastor Alexis Twito said. "[The course helps them better access] how can they provide the help that’s needed."
Pastor Alexis Twito is the chaplaincy program coordinator for the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County —and she’s also the instructor for the day. The class is offered twice a year for volunteers interested in providing emotional and spiritual care to people affected by trauma and violence in Milwaukee.
“They will be able to walk away knowing that being a calming prayerful presence is really important," Pastor Twito said.
"They’ll also be able to walk away being able to listen better and how to best provide those needs," she continued.
Right now in Milwaukee County, about 60 people serve as chaplains and about 10 people were trained Friday to be a part of the program. Last year alone, the chaplaincy program volunteers served nearly 3,000 hours of their time when called by the Milwaukee Police Department to support families on some of the worst days of their lives.
“We are there then to help those scenes be a little bit calmer [and] a little bit safer," she said.
"And to really help the families that are most in need," she continued.
To complete the course, volunteers must attend both days of the two-day training. The next training session is Saturday, April 7th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters, 11315 W. Watertown Plank Rd. Wauwatosa, WI.
