In a recent announcement by Allegheny County Jail, the Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association honored Reverend Doctor Charissa Howe as the County Correctional Chaplain of the Year, recognizing her dedication and service as the jail's Director of Chaplaincy. According to a statement from Allegheny County, the award was presented at the PPCA's annual conference on Aug. 28 in Carlisle.
Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, who oversees programs and services at ACJ, submitted Howe's nomination and stated, "Reverend Doctor Howe is a vital part of our team, and we are blessed and fortunate to have her working at the jail," as per county's press release, her staff looks up to her for guidance, Clark mentioned respect for Howe's leadership, highlighting her role model status and genuine concern for the incarcerated, servicing with "pride, compassion, humility and honor." Employed by the Foundation of HOPE since 2021, Howe's efforts have extended beyond administrative duties like recruitment, training, and scheduling for over 70 staff and volunteers. She has also brought about initiatives, including weekly grief groups supported by therapy dogs, to aid the men and women inside ACJ.
In her response to the honor, Reverend Doctor Howe expressed a humble view of her work, saying, "I don't think that I'm doing anything extraordinary – I’m just being who my faith compels me to be in the world," she admitted the challenges faced in her role and the difficulties of seeing tangible results, adding it was "nice to know that the work is seen and acknowledged." As the department head, Howe overlooks a variety of operations like disseminating over 1,700-holiday gift packages annually and coordinating religious diets. She also handles the delicate task of communicating difficult news to those incarcerated and their families. She spearheads the organization of special events, including religious observances like Ramadan and notable visits such as Bishop David Zubik, as detailed by the county's press release.
Howe has impressive credentials, with three degrees from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, including a Doctor of Ministry earned in 2023. She previously worked as a pastor in various Presbyterian churches before focusing on her role as an ACJ chaplain. Alongside her career, she is a mother and grandmother and, with her husband, a dedicated Pittsburgher who shares their home with several pets, including two therapy dogs. ACJ's Acting Warden Shane Dady praised her as "a true inspiration" and deserving of the award, highlighting her dedication to serving those often overlooked by society.
