With the retirement of the much-loved Chaplain Angel Perez from the Adams County Prison Ministry (ACPM), a new voice of compassion and faith has stepped into the role. Chaplain Rachel DuPhily, a licensed minister, said she felt a clear calling to apply.
“I was super excited and prayed about it, put in my application, and left it up to God,” DuPhily said.
Her background made the transition a natural one. DuPhily has worked extensively in sober living programs and previously served with WellSpan providing outpatient recovery support. That combination of professional experience and deep faith equips her well for the challenges and rewards of prison ministry.
Each day at ACPM begins with prayer and scripture, grounding DuPhily in purpose and compassion before she begins her work. Her experience as a certified recovery specialist, paired with her Christian faith, has given her both practical tools and profound empathy—qualities that are essential in a correctional setting.
In her role, DuPhily supports Christian services as well as the spiritual practices of inmates from other faith traditions, including Wiccan, Jewish, and Muslim ministries. Her approach is centered on meeting people where they are and ensuring access to spiritual care for all who seek it.
Beyond working directly with inmates, DuPhily coordinates volunteers, collaborates closely with visiting clergy, and offers encouragement and guidance to individuals searching for hope and healing. She also provides support to families of incarcerated individuals, recognizing that incarceration impacts entire families, not just those behind the walls.
Reflecting on her first month in the position, DuPhily spoke with emotion about what the work means to her.
“The greatest blessing is when you see someone who feels lost and defeated, and you help them find revived hope,” she said. “To know that God loves them no matter what choices they’ve made—that’s the most inspiring and encouraging thing any of us could receive.”
With a smile, she added, “Working with this population and seeing renewed hope and faith is so rewarding. I love my job.”
Looking ahead, DuPhily hopes to expand ACPM’s volunteer base and explore creating a support group specifically for families of inmates. These families often experience isolation, stigma, and emotional strain, and the ministry aims to provide connection, understanding, and strength during a difficult season. She also hopes to deepen partnerships with prison staff and community members to support mentorship opportunities and help reduce recidivism.
Adams Christian Prison Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian ministry that is not affiliated with any particular denomination or movement. The ministry works with local churches throughout Adams County to serve inmates incarcerated at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) and to support their families. ACPM partners with the ACACC by providing and supervising paid professional staff and trained volunteers, promoting the spiritual lives of inmates who are seeking a personal relationship with God. More information about the ministry’s mission and work can be found at https://www.adamscpm.org/about-us.
Several local churches already provide vital support to ACPM through dedicated volunteers and clergy. Volunteers must complete an extensive application process, including a background check, and attend training sessions held twice a year. The next volunteer training is scheduled for this spring.
The Adams County Prison Ministry is actively seeking broader community support. Volunteers are always needed, as are resources such as Bibles in various formats and other faith-based materials. The ministry is also interested in partnerships with organizations that can assist with reentry programs, mentorship, and practical support for individuals returning to the community after release.
At its core, ACPM’s mission is to restore hope and faith while helping to reduce recidivism. Through spiritual guidance, mentorship, and a strong support network inside and outside the prison, the ministry works to create pathways toward lasting change and a more stable future.
Those interested in learning more or getting involved are invited to attend the next Adams County Prison Ministry prayer meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Harvest Chapel in Abbottstown, with locations rotating monthly throughout Adams County. Individuals and church groups are welcome to apply as volunteers or donate Bibles and religious materials.
Chaplain DuPhily welcomes phone calls or emails at 717-334-7671 ext. 3117 or rduphily@adamscountypa.gov. Additional information is available at https://www.adamscpm.org.