Our Community's Non-denominational Requirement
In Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, the Sheriff's Department requires that religious services cannot have a denominational basis unless there are more than 10 inmates in the jail unit who are members of a specific religion. Since our denomination does not have the required number of inmates in the population, we cannot hold religious services. This requirement may not apply in your community.

The non-denominational teaching approach does open doors to be of service in many other community activities. There is a receptivity by administration to offer HATS. We see this happening in many areas of our state. The HATS general approach can help to broaden our community service opportunities.

Expanding Possibilities Through Other Social Services:
HATS can have a place in other avenues of service. Veteran's hospitals, retirement homes, half-way houses, foster care, and any other opportunity where individuals want to grow spiritually can be an avenue to pursue. Individual church members may feel more comfortable participating in these settings.

Voluntary Sign-up and Positive Growth
Inmates sign up weekly, on a voluntary basis, to attend class. HATS focuses on giving hope and encouragement, working to initiat positive character change by supporting the development of positive mental changes for inmate's who desire to grow. These inmates often come to class not expecting anything special from their attendance, but then find to their surprise that they are growing spiritually.

"How to" Instructions
The teaching focuses on "how to" ideas to change the inmate's actions in a spiritual direction. These “how to” instructions give practical solutions. This approach serves to hopefully initiate a total life change process.

Joyful Expectancy
Anyone involved in teaching or participating should expect to feel an uplifted sense. No one should fear being in the jail setting. As stated above, inmates attending these classes sign up voluntarily to attend. Too, these individuals tend to be receptive and desire to change for the better. Their faces show expectation. One can see them change during their attendance in the classes over time. Their observable demeanor improves from a negative facial expression to one of attentiveness, joy, and expectation. The inmates express this joy in gratitude at graduation time when they give their talk.

Rehabilitation Approach
There is a general national need to provide a solid rehabilitation approach to assist inmates with positive, character change. The HATS program supports this need.

Church attendance
It's important to encourage the inmates to attend a church in the communities where they live. They should be told to go to a religious congregation where they feel loved and where they love to go. This will open the door to progress for them.

Teaching Keys »