Chaplain Tammy Etkin honored; describes faith-based programming and inmate engagement

The Lycoming County Prison recognized Chaplain Tammy Etkin as the December 2024 recipient of Prison Fellowship’s Outstanding Chaplain Award and heard her describe faith-based programming at the facility.

A staff member read Prison Fellowship’s award letter into the record, which said the honor "recognizes chaplains who have gone above and beyond to serve those behind bars" and noted Chaplain Etkin was nominated by a resident. Chaplain Tammy Etkin spoke to the board about the programs she oversees since starting at the facility in 2022.

Etkin said the prison’s Bible study attracts about 30 men on Tuesdays. She described a grief-support group held Sunday evenings with about 10 men in attendance even when the group fell on the Super Bowl kickoff time. She told the board that staff and security support are critical to running the programs and that the chaplaincy has facilitated baptisms — she said 10 men were baptized in the previous six months — and distributed small gift packages, including notebooks and calendars, to residents in December. "We have about 30 men who come on Tuesdays for Bible study," Etkin said. "We also... hold grief share on Sunday night... We had 10 men at 06:30 show up for a grief support program that lasted until 07:30."

A prison official also praised Etkin’s work and told the board the award reflected staff and resident recognition of her commitment; the official said the chaplain’s work has strengthened relationships with both inmates and staff. The recognition was presented during the meeting and no board action was required.