Chaplain Program

Providing spiritual opportunities for children residing at Anne Carlsen Center for Children has been an increasing desire of the families we serve. Spirituality is the way a person finds meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in his or her life.

Spiritual health may not cure an illness, but it helps people feel better, prevents other health problems, and simply helps them cope with infirmities.
Dr. Anne Carlsen, who once said, “No achievements are made possible without the blessing and help of God,” drafted plans nearly 50 years ago to add a chaplain to the staff. For various reasons, it didn’t happen. Initial building plans from 1940 have space for a chapel. The Center briefly employed a part-time chaplain in 1943. We have again taken a leap of faith, hiring a part-time chaplain in 2005. We believe Dr. Anne and our founders are smiling. Their smiles will widen with your help.

Children and young adults are subject to bouts of grief, depression, fear, and loneliness. Pastor JoAnne is here for them in their times of need. Her compassionate touch is also a blessing to the children, and their families, during times of grief.

Pastor JoAnne’s weekly chapel services, with children serving as greeters, acolytes, and candle lighters (with battery-operated candles) is a much-awaited event as she brings the Gospel to life using skits and songs.