Stress Relief

Quality Time – Intro:

Welcome to this UMTV Web Brief. I’m Reed Galin.

This is the time of year we pause to honor mothers. But 2 million of this nation’s children don’t have much to celebrate on Mother’s Day. Their moms are behind bars.

At the women’s prison in New Mexico, where about 80 percent of the inmates are repeat offenders, a new program is working to give these fractured families more quality time.

Quality Time – Story:

The Tenorio children are making almond tea cookies for their mom.

They want things to be special for her, because it’s the first time they will have seen her in five months. Paula Tenorio is serving an 18-month prison sentence for aggravated battery.

The four children share precious hours with their mother – hugging, kissing, trying to make up for lost time.

Paula Tenorio / inmate: “There are certain days I feel really lonely without them.”

This is one of the only occasions they’re able to visit their mom face to face.

Paula Tenorio: “I’m kind of excited to spend some time with them. It feels good.”

The party is taking place in the prison, a special event made possible through the “Wings Ministry,” a New Mexico-based outreach program. Wings works with both male and female inmates, providing a Christian support network for spouses, children and other relatives.

Wings was created by United Methodist Ann Edenfield. She saw the need for a more family-oriented visitation environment after her own husband was jailed on drug charges, leaving her to raise four children alone.

Ann Edenfield / founder, Wings Ministry: “If we can share Christ’s love with others and open their hearts, we’re going to cut down on recidivism. We’re going to keep families united.”

Bill Snodgrass / warden, N.M. Women’s Correctional Facility: “The more rehabilitation we have on the inside and the more networking that we have on the outside is going to help them.”

Paula Tenorio is slated to be released in July.

Paula Tenorio: “You guys can make me cookies when I get out.”

Quality Time – Tag:

Wings has already helped 150 families. Ministry founder Ann Edenfield is currently in negotiations with federal prisons nationwide to incorporate Wings into more rehabilitation programs.

Healthy Attitude – Intro:

The hospital chaplain’s job is to comfort patients, of course. But in these tense times, one chaplain has been surprised to discover that the hospital workers also need healing. Kim Riemland reports.

Healthy Attitude – Story:

United Methodist minister Jose Garcia used to serve a local congregation. Now, as he walks the halls of Kennewick General Hospital in Washington State, he never knows whom he’ll help next.

Garcia: “This is my church.”

As hospital chaplain, he goes where he’s most needed, whether it’s in the emergency room …

Garcia praying with nurse’s assistant: “We pray, Father, for a miracle, Lord.”

… or the nurse’s break room, when family problems need prayer.

Garcia to nurse’s assistant: “We know God hears our prayers, OK?”

A recent hospital reorganization dramatically reduced the staff by cutting non-essential positions. To his surprise, Chaplain Garcia was not among those laid off. He’s realized how essential his position here is.

Garcia: “Some people had lost their jobs; people were worried about losing their jobs. Then the war broke out. It really put stress on top of stress. And I noticed that with the staff, they would come often and stop by the office.”

Kelli Hamblin / hospital employee: “I can just spend a few minutes with Jose during the day and I just feel more clear-minded.”

Kellie Hamblin has a son in Iraq. Lockers and bulletin boards show how many staff members have loved ones overseas. Hamblin says Chaplain Garcia brings balance to stressful times.

Garcia: “They come to the chaplain to hear that different voice that says there is hope, that we can trust God.”

In a world – and in a work place – that can be filled with uncertainty, there is no place Chaplain Garcia would rather be.

Ingrid Johnson / hospital employee: “We have the right person in the right place. It’s just a joy.”

In Kennewick, Wash., I’m Kim Riemland reporting.

Healthy Attitude – Tag:

Chaplain Garcia is concerned that people have lost their ability to lament. And if sadness and pain aren't released, that leads to more serious psychological problems. He wants his office to be a safe place for workers to express grief and sorrow.

On the next UMTV Web Brief, supporting our soldiers after the war is over.

Thanks for watching. Make it a good week.