Sonoma County Chaplains

10/06/2026

You won’t know exactly what you’re walking into.
People won’t always be glad to see you, and you won’t be able to fix what has happened.

But you will show up with your whole heart anyway, to walk alongside them through whatever comes next.

Applications are open now for the 2027 Sonoma County Chaplain Academy.

09/29/2026

Over here at Sonoma County Chaplains, we are busy planning our 2027 Chaplain Academy!

This program has been running for nearly 30 years and has been continuously adapted and improved to support the highest level of preparation for this important work.

Academy meets one evening a week for six months and will leave you not only prepared to serve your community, but, in our opinion, a sturdier, more resilient and heart-centered version of yourself. A better parent, friend and community member.

Can you see yourself serving in our 24/7/365 countywide chaplaincy, showing up to support community members who have lost a loved one unexpectedly?

If your heart is asking, “Could I?” it’s probably because, with the right training and support, you could!

You would be on call for two 24-hour shifts per month, with lots of support from your team.

Sometimes you go months without a call, sometimes you have three in one day.

We believe we end up at the calls that are meant for us. There’s a little bit of magic to it, and it’s a pretty special thing to be a part of.

Applications are OPEN NOW. Interviews are being scheduled for October and November.
To learn more and apply, head over to sonomacountychaplains.org.

09/04/2026

Our work doesn’t wait for good weather.
Or daylight.
Or a convenient time.

Neither do we.

24 hours a day. 365 days a year.
�Being there.

09/02/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month.

It’s up to all of us to learn the warning signs, start a conversation and help connect someone who may be struggling. Talking openly can help someone feel less alone and connect them to care.

❤️Call or text 988 — Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
❤️Sonoma County residents can also call 988 to access local mobile crisis support.

You are not alone.
⭐️❤️✨

***dePreventionMonth

08/15/2026

Our new website is live!⭐️❤️✨

A refreshed look and new online home for the work Sonoma County Chaplains has been doing in this community since 1999.

Our website is the place to learn more about who we are, what our chaplains do, how we support first responders and community members, and how you can be part of this work.

Like any new home, we’re still tidying and unpacking a few boxes. We’ll continue tweaking, adding stories, resources, ways to support, and more in the weeks and months ahead.

But for now, we’re very happy to have you over.
Come take a look, learn a little more about us, and let us know what you think.

BEING THERE Since 1999 Sonoma County Chaplains holds high watch for our first responders and for the community they serve. We are always on call — uniformed, prepared, and ready to respond within minutes when requested by law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services. 724 365 days a week ho...

08/12/2026

We’re on Instagram!

Our new Instagram has been starting to take shape, and we’re finally ready to invite you over.

We would love to have you follow along with us there, too.
⭐️❤️✨

Find us on Instagram at . (Be sure you use the underscores!)

And while you’re there, say hello? 👋

08/08/2026

Could you be a chaplain?

Our chaplains are ordinary people who choose to show up for others on what may be the worst day of their life.

You don’t need to have all the right words. You don’t need to be clergy. And you don’t need to have it all figured out.

You do need compassion, steadiness, humility, a willingness to learn, and the ability to meet people exactly where they are — without judgment, agenda, or expectation.

Sonoma County Chaplains offers an extensive six-month training academy to prepare volunteers to support community members and first responders navigating unexpected loss.

Our chaplains serve alongside law enforcement, fire, EMS, schools, and other community partners throughout Sonoma County. They may accompany a death notification, sit with a family after an accident, walk alongside someone through devastating news, support first responders after a difficult call, or simply be a calm and caring presence.

Interested in becoming a chaplain?

Our next Chaplain Academy begins in early 2027, with interviews taking place this fall.

Follow along here for application information and upcoming opportunities to learn more.

Being there is Community Care. ⭐️❤️✨



📸: Chaplain Emeritus Rita Constantini

08/07/2026

What exactly does a chaplain do?

It's one of the questions we hear most often.
Many people assume chaplains are only for religious people. In reality, Sonoma County Chaplains are requested by our local public safety agencies to support people experiencing crisis, trauma, grief, sudden loss.

Whether you have a faith tradition, another spiritual practice, or no religious beliefs at all, our role is the same: to be a calm, compassionate presence and to walk with you through those first difficult hours.

Swipe through to learn more about what our volunteer chaplains do - and what they don't do.

Questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out anytime. ⭐️❤️✨

07/31/2026

We love you, Sonoma County! Take good care and check on your neighbors. ⭐️❤️✨