Media

Listening and helping with the problems of a diverse community
"The New York Times"
One morning, Mary Jones sat by Mr. Willis's desk and cried softly. She had lost her car and was on the verge of losing her house, her job and her grip on a life that had taken so long to build. Mr. Willis helped her secure her house and then found people to replace her leaky roof for free.
 
"No one never done anything like this for me before," she said. 
Business Journal
"Buffalo Business First"
"I wanted to show my employees that I care about them in some different ways," said Robert Zima, Aqua systems & Irrigation. "When they (chaplains) first came in, they (employees) were a bit apprehensive." But once the employees understood the chaplains weren't there to recruit or convert them, they began to develop relationships on their own and began turning to them for help. "The reasons varied: For some it's marital problems or custody issues, while for others it was for a death in the family or dealing with conflict between employees."
Management
"U.S. News & World Report"
"Recently, we had an employee who was so upset about a conflict with his supervisor he was in tears, but we couldn't get at what was going on," says Dave Butters, human resources manager at Pilgrim's Pride plant in Marshville, N.C. "The next day, I saw the employee talking to one of the chaplains. Later that day, he was smiling and gave me a big thumbs up. I don't know what happened, but it was obviously something good."
The Marketplace
"The Wall Street Journal"
Herr's Foods 35 outsourced chaplains (from Marketplace Chaplains USA) also lend an ear as workers of all faiths speak candidly about finances, unruly children, illnesses or even mundane topics such as next weekend's deer-hunting trip.
 
"It really helps. It gives you someone to talk to," says 24-year-old Don Whittaker, a Herr's route salesman. "Sometimes you can't talk to your spouse about certain things."
Chaplains-for-hire Provide Services in Workplaces
"USA Today - Money"
In what may be a sign of more spiritual-or simply more stressful-times, more employers are bringing chaplains into the workplace to offer counseling, training programs and spiritual help. The increase is being driven by a rise in independent chaplains-for-hire. They offer affordable and flexible services.
Washington, D.C. - Business
"The Economist"
Marketplace Chaplains USA, based in Dallas, Texas, is America's biggest provider of corporate chaplains, employing 2,100 of them at 300 companies in 46 states. The company was founded in 1984 but has enjoyed its most rapid growth over the past six years: it has doubled in size since 2001 and is currently adding a new client every seven days. Its customers range from banks to construction companies to Tyson's main rival, Pilgrim's Pride.
Some Companies are Hiring Professional Listeners for the Job
"CNN American Morning"
At Herr's snack factory in Nottingham, Pennsylvania you have potato sorters, chip line workers, pretzel people and a chaplain. He presides over funerals, weddings and makes home and hospital visits. Quality assurance manager Missy Twyman says the program has not only helped her family, but says it's brough her closer to God. "Our primary mission is to care for people. We want to show love and compassion for those employees," said Chaplain Don Kreider.
They Make the Rounds with a Listening Ear
"The St. Petersburg Times"
Marketplace Chaplains USA, based in Dallas, said the demand for its services has grown quickly since the Sept. 11 attacks and high-profile corporate scandals. Marketplace serves more than 300 companies and founder Gil Stricklin said that 70 of them have been added since the start of 2006. "Our associates tell me its one of the best benefits we offer," said John McKibbon CEO of McKibbon Hotel Management in Tampa.
More Local Businesses are Hiring Chaplains to Work with Employees
"Houston Chronicle"
Local companies say chaplain services help them take care of their employees and their overall business at the same time. "Occasionally through life there are things with which we need help, and they're there at that time to do that," said Jimmie Durham, one of the three partners of Choate Ceramic Laboratory which began using Marketplace Chaplains USA in 2004. "To me, it's a bit like insurance. You may not need it very often , but it sure is good to have it."
 
At Davie Weekley Homes, the chaplains have produced results. "It has really changed the flavor and the culture around the company." said David Weekley, founder and chairman of the company. 
Faith and Work: Businesses See the Benefits of Chaplains
"Atlanta Journal Constitution "
Tim Embry, CEO of the Deluth-based American LubeFast decided three years ago to hire Marketplace Chaplains. "There has been a more positive attitude and a changed heart," said Embry, who has 700 employees in his 70 stores. "People spend time on the job worrying about things. With this program, they can go to someone for mature, solid advice. Our guys love the chaplains."