TDCJ News
CVSD Expands Rehabilitation Efforts with Two New Chapels
June 30, 2025
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) celebrated the introduction of two new chapels into its correctional system this June. These additions underscore TDCJ's commitment to enhancing rehabilitation services and supporting the spiritual well-being of incarcerated individuals.
“True public safety takes place in a chapel,” Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division (CVSD) Director Christopher Carter said. “True public safety is not the height of the fence; it’s not the lock on the door. True public safety is when you change hearts of the people and crime is no longer an option.”
Polunsky Unit Breaks Ground on New Worship Center
A ceremony on June 12 marked the groundbreaking of the Polunsky Unit Chapel in Livingston. This worship center, a collaborative effort made possible through a partnership with Advancing Inmate Ministries, will serve as a venue for over 300 inmates upon its completion. It represents a shared vision to offer a dedicated space for spiritual growth and community.
“This chapel will not only be a structure of brick and mortar, it will also be a house of prayer, a refuge for the weary, a sanctuary for the faithful and a place where lives will be changed,” Polunsky Unit Senior Warden Kevin Smith said.
Halbert Unit Dedicates Long-Awaited Chapel
The following day, a celebratory dedication service was held for the brand-new interfaith chapel at the Halbert Unit, a women’s prison in Burnet. The new facility was made possible by volunteer donations and the nonprofit organization Joseph’s Hammer. This momentous occasion, attended by inmate-congregants, TDCJ staff, and devoted supporters from the faith community, was the culmination of years of discussion, planning, and construction. The dedication featured inspiring musical performances and presentations from various faith leaders and senior agency staff. The event was also honored by the presence of First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott. The 8,250 square foot multi-purpose facility will provide ample space for faith-based classes, worship services and daily activities for the women incarcerated.
These new chapels significantly increase opportunities for incarcerated individuals to participate in the religious programs of their choice, enabling TDCJ to provide even more rehabilitation services.
“This marked something that is truly sacred,” TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “Hearts will be lifted in prayer, voices will be raised in song, spirits will be renewed in the presence of God. To those who have and will contribute their time, resources and prayers – thank you.”
Chapels are constructed through funds donated by nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups.
“These are chapels that are being built because of the contributions of faithful people as the donors and organizers,” Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Nichols said. “You have done the work, not just any work, but work that matters. The work that will leave an enduring legacy here on Earth.”
TDCJ has outlined a 2030 Vision that includes a plan to expand religious programming through the construction of 10 new chapels. As the agency continues its efforts toward the 2030 goal, the completion of these two chapels serves as a promising indicator of the progress being made in support of its mission of rehabilitation.