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At House of Raeford Farms, we understand that the success of our organization lies within our people. Helping our associates thrive is the best thing we can do for our collective future. As the last few years have proven, life is simply unpredictable, and at times, incredibly difficult. Our partnership with Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) has greatly supported our desire to help our associates who are facing challenges – in their work or personal lives.
In 2010, House of Raeford’s leadership recognized that individuals on our team sometimes needed assistance to overcome difficult circumstances, minimize stress, and restore a sense of wholeness. Today, we are fortunate to retain the service of seven dedicated chaplains who bring care to painful circumstances, solutions to problems, and hope to fractured hearts.
“The Chaplain’s role is to prove to each employee that they can be a trusted confidant who listens without judgment and offers guidance when life gets tough. Corporate Chaplains place a high value on each associate of House of Raeford and have the wisdom and care to handle deeper conversations, regardless of the associate’s faith background,” said Derek Arnold, Corporate Chaplain’s Director of Training.
One employee shared, “When I saw that my company offered the services of a chaplain, I thought it unusual and wasn’t sure I needed his help. However, he was there, week after week, checking in with the entire team. When our OB/GYN began expressing concern about the health of our baby, our world came crashing down. Our chaplain stayed close to us during those frightening days. My wife would say he was a buoy in a sea of hopelessness. He was even at the hospital the day our baby was born!”
CCA ensures that our chaplains receive comprehensive annual training in various disciplines crucial to mental health stability. This training includes, but is not limited to, educating our managers and supervisors on suicide awareness and prevention—an increasingly significant issue affecting people of all ages. Additionally, our chaplains obtain instruction in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, enabling them to provide timely and effective support to individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
House of Raeford’s workforce is more stable and resilient because of the consistent employee care of our chaplains. We have been amazed at their availability and approachability to care for our team in the most difficult situations. Our chaplains are relational, accessible, and insightful and are not afraid of enduring a difficult journey no matter where it leads or how long it takes to find a good outcome.
In essence, Corporate Chaplains of America has become an integral part of House of Raeford’s organizational culture, enriching our environment with compassion, understanding, and support. As we continue to prioritize the well-being of our associates, we remain deeply grateful for the impact of corporate chaplaincy on our organization and the lives it touches.