On October 17, 2015, at the Huntsville "Walls" Unit, 40 volunteers and 132 offenders celebrated the 67th anniversary of the Pathfinders group. This is an Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) group that was established in 1948.  In fact, the Pathfinders group is the second oldest prison AA group in the United States, with San Quentin being the oldest. Although this was the first group established in the Texas prison system there are currently 78 AA groups actively meeting inside the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

Anniversary celebrations are of historical importance.  This was a wonderful event to show the significance of the program over the years. In spite of the many changes in corrections, the central ideas of AA have not changed.  AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other to collectively solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. AA does not endorse any specific faith preference, but rather encourages any and all paths of spirituality. Their concepts embrace the spiritual and recognition of a higher power is important. The purpose of these groups still today stands strong.

This anniversary event program was sponsored by the Southeast Texas Area Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous Correctional Facility Committee (SETA-CFC). The purpose of the SETA-CFC is to carry the AA message to men and women throughout the criminal justice system.  They provide support to offenders reentering society, coaching them prior to release and assist them to get to their first AA meeting upon release. These volunteers share their personal experiences, provide free books and literature. SETA-CFC is currently sponsoring 22 units within the TDCJ.

If you have an interest in supporting the mission of SETA-CFC and want to partner with this organization visit their website http://aa-seta.org/ .  SETA-CFC partners are provided with all necessary programmatic materials to join in the effort to provide offenders the opportunity for a successful recovery.

On November 1, 2015, over 70 volunteers and 42 female offenders gathered at the Plane State Jail for the closing of their first Jubilee program.  The Jubilee Prison Ministry is specifically focused to serve individuals at state jails.  Offenders were separated in groups named after mighty women of God such as: Blandina, Cheryl, Eve, Esther, Felicity, Maura and Miena; as these mighty women of faith have fearlessly faced death and gave their life to protect the church, spread the gospel, help those in need and serve as a witness.  Offenders identified with these role models and found hope in their shattered dreams. Each participant seems to have a new inspired hope to continue to strive to be a productive citizen and return home to a family that loves them.    

The Jubilee Prison Ministry program was founded in 2014.  The ministry focuses on spiritual transformation through engaging the incarcerated in what seems as a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Although spiritual transformation is at the forefront, behavioral changes occur as a result of the transformation.  Programming of this nature benefits the entire community in which these men and women reside upon release.

The program targets both female and male offenders with short-term (less than five years) sentences with the dual objectives of “Transformation” and “Transition.” Transformation is aimed at helping them become an active member of the body of Christ, and transition to a faith community in the free world where they can live out a purpose-driven life.

If you would like to learn more about Jubilee or become a volunteer please visit their website for further information.

https://www.jubileeweekend.org/home.html

Kairos Outside (KO) is a special weekend retreat designed to support the female loved ones of men and women who are or have been incarcerated. Families of the incarcerated "do time" right along with their loved ones. In a safe environment with supportive 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. KO began in California in 1989 as an idea from the Chaplain at San Quentin State Correctional Facility. Jo Chapman, a Kairos volunteer from California took the Chaplain’s idea and developed KO.

Any adult female of at least 20 years of age, whose life has been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, is eligible to attend a “KO Weekend”.  Women, who did not have an opportunity to attend a Kairos Weekend while incarcerated, may also attend.  This program is not limited to those women whose relatives/friends have attended a Kairos Weekend. 

Kairos Inside is a Christian based prison ministry which addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth and their families. Kairos Inside is composed of a volunteer team of men and women that are well-organized and well-trained from the surrounding communities to present an introductory 3-day weekend, described as a short course in Christianity. This inter-denominational team of approved TDCJ volunteers - both clergy and laypersons - works in cooperation with the Chaplain who carefully selects up to 42 inmate leaders to attend. The program has a follow-up that includes Kairos reunions and a regular prayer and share.

The Kairos Prison Ministry is an excellent way to provide for a spiritual experience on the inside; while “Kairos Outside” is designed to bolster the loved ones who are supporting those incarcerated individuals. The women on the outside, in many ways, have to be stronger than those on the inside to survive in today’s world. KO is intended to let those families know that there is a community that cares about them and their needs.

Texas has KO offices in Amarillo, Midland, Corpus Christi, Houston, San Antonio, Central Texas, North Texas, East Texas, and Wichita Falls.  You may obtain information about the next available week-end in Texas by going to the website: www.kairostexas.org or contacting the office below:

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.
100 DeBary Plantation Blvd.
Debary, FL 32713
(407) 629-4948