Interfaith Chaplaincy at San Jose International Airport

Having a difficult time saying goodbye to a family member or friend? Do you need counseling support or spiritual guidance? Travelers now have the option to seek this type of support at San Jose International Airport (SJC) offered through the Interfaith Chaplaincy Program of Interfaith Services, Inc. This program is modeled after the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains now operating in 72 airports worldwide. The 12 volunteer chaplains and associates serving SJC have been trained in counseling and support services in the airport context. Each volunteer works three hour shifts and are also on-call. The chaplains are from varied religions and maintain a "Ministry of Presence" in both terminals while not promoting any particular religious tradition.

Six chaplain corps volunteers have received emergency response training through the City of San Jose, Office of Emergency Services. This training includes incident stress debriefing, and cooperation with the standard emergency management system. The program was presented to Airport senior staff by Dr. Dwight L. Kintner, Chair of Interfaith Services, Inc. This program is a special project of Kiwanis International of Santa Clara County, Human and Spiritual Values Committee. "Airport personnel have been receptive and supportive of the volunteer services provided by the chaplains," says Dr. Kintner. He adds, "We're here to provide services not only to travelers, but also Airport and airline employees."

An average of three to four significant contacts per shift are made by the chaplains. As they stroll through the terminals they have provided assistance to a security staff member who was under stress, a clerk at an auto rental desk with heart problems and a non-English speaking person in need of a wheelchair."

Their services are invaluable and San Jose International Airport is proud to have this program available," states Ralph Tonseth, director of aviation.

Chaplain shift times are 9:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. and 12:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M. for both terminals.

For further information, please contact Dr. Dwight L. Kintner at (408) 779-4615 or Airport media relations at (408) 277-5366. Also, you can visit the Web site for the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains at www.ruralnet.net.au/~holloway