Blog – Page 5 – Kairos Prison Ministry

A Legacy Gift from the Bellwoar Family to Kairos Prison Ministry

Recently, Kairos received a large gift from the estate of Kairos Volunteers Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bellwoar. This generous gift came at the perfect time, as donations have been down as our programs haven’t been able to hold Kairos Weekends. We had the privilege of meeting the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bellwoar, Anne, as they lived near the KPMI office in Central Florida. Anne and her husband Bud, said “I was so amazed at hearing of all the amazing work that Kairos is doing in the lives of inmates and families. I haven’t quit talking about Kairos since Bud and I left the International office. We are very interested in volunteering with Kairos.” We are so thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Bellwoar for including Kairos in their will. If you would like more information about how you can join the Bellwoar’s and others in leaving a gift to Kairos, please contact Becky Dotson at 407-629-4948 or by emailing legacy@kpmi.org. You may also visit our planned giving website at www.kairoslegacy.org.

By Jaime Ramirez|August 1st, 2020|Awards, Events, Inspiration|0 Comments

Giving Back to Kairos – A Fundraising Effort

On Monday, October 7, 2019 representatives from Kairos Prison Ministry along with staff from Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women in North Carolina including Warden Denise Jackson met with a very special young man named Oliver Lytle, in order to accept a sizable donation to the Kairos program. Kairos volunteers had just completed their third Kairos Weekend at SCCW on Sunday, October 6, and were thrilled with the effort and support shown to the program from this selfless young man who demonstrated what community truly is. Oliver Lytle, who is twelve years old, attends St. Eugene’s Catholic Church in North Carolina. In August, the Kairos of Swannanoa Women’s Inside team setup an outreach table at the church, and Oliver stopped by as he was unfamiliar with Kairos. He wanted to help and was given a medicine bottle with a Kairos label to fill with quarters. When the Swannanoa team returned to the church a month later, Oliver had filled the medicine bottle, but he wasn’t ready to stop there. He decided to raise funds for Kairos by fundraising at his church, school, karate class, and physical therapist’s office. As part of his black belt test, Oliver had to write a paper and do a service project and chose to do it on Kairos. With these combined efforts he was able to raise almost three hundred dollars for the Kairos Weekend! In addition to the funds raised, Oliver asked members of the St. Eugene congregation to sign agape, sign up for prayer coverage, and gave out applications to attend the closing ceremony. As Oliver presented the funds to the Kairos treasurer, accompanied by his parents Rich and Kelly Lytle, he was thanked for the generous gift on behalf of Kairos and the SCCW residents. He was also presented with a Kairos t-shirt and a

By Jaime Ramirez|December 26th, 2019|Inspiration, Volunteering|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry Participating in 2019 Giving Tuesday on December 3 to Raise Funds for Prison Ministry Growth

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to help raise funds to expand operations. Kairos is a Christian faith based ministry which addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth, and their families. To continue operations and address the needs of the many requests they receive for new growth, they are hoping to raise funds for Kairos Weekends and to recruit new volunteers. Occurring this year on December 3, #GivingTuesday encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity by inspiring people to give back in impactful ways to causes they support. Kairos has created a webpage specifically for #GivingTuesday at kairosprisonministry.org/giving-tuesday which is live and now accepting contributions. “Kairos is blessed with more than 30,000 volunteers worldwide serving in more than 500 locations. However, we still have requests, more than 100 prisons worldwide, which want the Kairos program but we either don’t have the volunteers or resources to accommodate them at this time,” said Evelyn Lemly, CEO. Studies have shown a significantly reduced recidivism rate for Kairos participants versus non-Kairos participants which reduces the cost of further imprisonment. Additionally, Kairos programs improve the prison environment, reconcile families, and make communities safer as participants learn to live and walk in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

By Jaime Ramirez|November 1st, 2019|Events|0 Comments

Kairos Announces Start of Kairos Outside Program in South Carolina’s Lowcountry

Kairos Announces Start of Kairos Outside Program in South Carolina’s Lowcountry

“Kairos Outside Lowcountry” program will help women who have been impacted by incarceration to heal Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of the Kairos Outside program in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, scheduled for November 22-24, 2019. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Outside Weekend in this part of South Carolina and is another step forward in helping women impacted by incarceration to transform their lives. Often, families of the incarcerated “do time” right along with their loved ones. Kairos Outside offers a comfortable, non-judging retreat for women to support each other as they journey through the incarceration of a friend or relative. The Kairos Outside Weekend is a 2 ½ day program based on a series of talks by volunteers designed to address the pain of enduring separation from the one inside and the judgment of others from their community. In a safe environment with loving people, women interact with other women who are in similar situations and learn to form small support groups to give them strength for the challenges they face. The program is interspersed with music, prayer, and fun activities. Kairos Prison Ministry is a Christian program, although no religious affiliation is necessary to be a Guest. Any female, 20 years or older, whose life has been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, or a woman who was unable to attend Kairos Inside while in prison, is eligible to attend Kairos Outside. “Women who have been impacted by incarceration are dealing with issues of isolation, rejection, financial hardship and loneliness,” said Gina Brockmeyer, Kairos Outside Ministry Coordinator. “Kairos Outside provides a safe place where the women are exposed to God’s grace, acceptance, and unconditional love – a place where they are encouraged to share their

By Jaime Ramirez|October 24th, 2019|#1 Weekend, Events, Kairos Outside, Kairos Programs, Newsroom|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry to Hold First Kairos Inside Program at Pack Unit in Texas

Kairos Prison Ministry to Hold First Kairos Inside Program at Pack Unit in Texas

DeBary, FL., October, 2019 – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Inside Program at the Pack Unit located in Navasota, Texas beginning Thursday, October 3rd. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Inside Weekend at this facility and is another step forward in helping inmates transform their lives. Kairos Inside is a ministry program whose mission is to develop a Christian community inside the prison. The program results in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. Up to 42 inmates participate in the 3.5-day Weekend program, which includes a series of talks, discussions, prayer, and chapel meditations with the aim of creating or continuing a desire for spiritual growth. The Weekend will then be followed up with Continuing Ministry of monthly Reunions and weekly Prayer and Share groups, which provides an authentic and vital Christian community for accountability and encouragement. Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities. About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated; and Kairos Torch, for incarcerated youth. From simple beginnings as a short course in Christianity inside a Florida prison in 1976, Kairos has grown to serve more than 500 prisons and communities in 10 countries and 37 states. Each year, more than

By Jaime Ramirez|October 2nd, 2019|#1 Weekend, Kairos Inside, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry Named “2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit” By GreatNonprofits

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Becky Dotson Chief Operating Officer becky@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 Award based on Outstanding Online Reviews DeBary, FL. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, announced today that it has been named a “2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Kairos Prison Ministry’s mission is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women, and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. Kairos achieves this mission with prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated; and Kairos Torch, for incarcerated youth. The programs result in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by up to 50%. “We are honored to be named a Top-Rated Nonprofit for the third year in a row in 2019,” says Evelyn Lemly, CEO. “We are grateful for our accomplishments this year, including touching the lives of more than 28,000 persons impacted by incarceration.” “Kairos Prison Ministry is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews they have received from people who have direct experience working with Kairos.” GreatNonprofits is the leading website where people share stories about their personal experiences on more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined

By Jaime Ramirez|September 23rd, 2019|Awards, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos of New York Receives Chaplaincy Award

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, is proud to announce that Kairos of New York, has been bestowed the New York State Council of Churches 2019 Excellence in Chaplaincy Award. The award was presented in Albany, New York to the Kairos of New York state chair, Phyllis Doane who was joined by the Kairos volunteers who were able to attend as well as Evelyn Lemly, CEO of Kairos Prison Ministry International. Kairos Prison Ministry is a ministry whose mission is to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated; and Kairos Torch, for incarcerated youth. The programs result in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. Reverend Peter Cook, Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches stated, “Kairos offers a beautifully structured program which helps to enrich and redeem the lives of incarcerated men, women, youth, and their families.” Reverend Cook went on to say, “Kairos reminds us that all people are created in the image of God and are capable of restoration and rehabilitation. People discover the restorative life of Christ through the relationships they build with one another and Kairos, through its thoughtful work, is a great facilitator of such restoration.” About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated;

By Jaime Ramirez|June 3rd, 2019|Awards, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos Announces Start of Kairos Torch Program in Okeechobee Florida

Kairos Announces Start of Kairos Torch Program in Okeechobee Florida

“Kairos Torch Okeechobee” program will help juveniles who have been impacted by incarceration to heal Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of the Kairos Torch in Okeechobee, Florida scheduled for September 20 – 22, 2019. The event will be the first Kairos Torch event in Okeechobee, Florida and is another step forward in helping the youth impacted by incarceration to transform their lives. Kairos Torch offers unconditional love and acceptance, encouraging male and female incarcerated youth, age 25 and under to share their life journey through participation in a long term mentoring process. The mission of the 2 ½ day Introductory Weekend is to encourage the participants to remove their masks, so that the real person can shine forth — rather than who they pretend to be. The Weekend is followed by a continuing ministry that includes six months of weekly one-to-one mentoring of the youth by Kairos volunteers, and monthly group Reunions. Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities. About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated; and Kairos Torch, for incarcerated youth. From simple beginnings as a short course in Christianity inside a Florida prison in 1976, Kairos has grown to serve more than 500 prisons and communities in 10 countries and 37 states. Each year, more than 30,000 volunteers donate 3 million hours of service with an estimated dollar value of $36 million. To

By Jaime Ramirez|May 17th, 2019|#1 Weekend, Kairos Programs, Kairos Torch, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Inside Out: Changing Hearts, Transforming Lives, Impacting the World

Inside Out: Changing Hearts, Transforming Lives, Impacting the World

By The Rev. Arthur Mollenhauer Published 3:54 pm EDT, Friday, October 26, 2018 This article first appeared in Greenwich Time There is only one correctional institution in the State of Connecticut exclusively for women. It is the York Correctional Institution in Niantic. This facility houses a maximum of 1,500 inmates. The average age of women there is 35. I had the privilege of visiting last Saturday. I say privilege firstly, because not anyone can get into a correctional facility. Secondly, because what I experienced was extremely uplifting and life-changing, not only for the inmates, but also for the volunteers who worked with them, as well as the guests who attended a closing ceremony for the Kairos Prison Ministry program. The United States leads the world in incarceration rates. We have 716 imprisoned per 100,000 people. Kairos is a ministry based on the words of Jesus, “I was in prison, and you came to visit me.” Kairos Prison Ministry reaches out to as many incarcerated as possible. Kairos volunteers strive to bring God’s light into the darkness of the prison through a three-day program that aims at transforming the participants through God’s love, light and grace. Where Kairos has been offered, correctional institutes have experienced as low as 10% recidivism as compared to 23% of non-participants. Something is working. Tears came to my eye as Jill gave her testimony of what Kairos has done for her life. “I am serving a 35 year sentence. When I was an adolescent, my life began spiraling out of control and I got deeper and deeper into bad things. I ended up making very bad decisions which eventually led me to do something I had never even contemplated. I ended up here, down and out.” Seventy five inmates tried to get accepted into the Kairos Inside program

By Jaime Ramirez|January 4th, 2019|Kairos Inside, Kairos Programs, Newsroom, Testimonials|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Pamlico Correctional Institute In Bayboro, North Carolina

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Pamlico Correctional Institute In Bayboro, North Carolina

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Bill McVay Marketing and Communications bill@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 Studies have shown program reduces inmate recidivism and improves the prison environment DeBary, FL., – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Inside Program at Pamlico Correctional Institute located in Bayboro, North Carolina beginning Thursday, January 24th. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Inside Weekend at this facility and is another step forward in helping inmates transform their lives. Kairos Inside is a ministry program whose mission is to develop a Christian community inside the prison. The program results in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. Up to 42 inmates participate in the 3.5 day Weekend program which includes a series of talks, discussions, prayer, and chapel meditations with the aim of creating or continuing a desire for spiritual growth. The Weekend will then be followed up with Continuing Ministry of monthly Reunions and weekly Prayer and Share groups which provides an authentic and vital Christian community for accountability and encouragement. Pamlico Correctional Institution is a medium security prison in Bayboro, North Carolina that houses up to 576 adult male inmates. Pamlico Correctional Institution originally opened in 1998 as a privately-owned prison. In 2000, the North Carolina Department of Corrections took over operations and eventually purchased the facility. Currently, the prison population is 576, with a staff of 201. Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities. About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.

By Jaime Ramirez|January 3rd, 2019|#1 Weekend, Events, Kairos Inside, Kairos Programs, Newsroom|0 Comments