On January 14, 2007, I will be walking in the Houston Press/Smart Financial 5K to raise money for Kairos Outside.

Kairos Outside is an ecumenical Christian Ministry designed for supporting families of persons incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison system.

Kairos Outside helps support the women of these families giving them encouragement by demonstrating God's love and acceptance.

This support and encouragement begins for them during a Kairos Outside weekend held twice a year. The Kairos Outside weekend is designed for both Christian and non-Christian guests - most dealing with very real issues of isolation, rejection, anger, financial hardship and loneliness. The weekend consists of a series of presentations, fellowship activities and worship in an environment of confidentiality and safety. It is a time of instruction, sharing, strengthening and renewal. These women address critical eneds, build self-esteem, idenitify goals and establish a supportive community with women in similar circumstances. Kairos Outside aids in breaking the cycle of family abuse and self-defeating attitudes that can lead to generations of crime and incarceration.

There is a corresponding Kairos Inside ministry for the incarcerated family members and in conjunction with Kairos Outside results in a stronger family which gives the prisoners an additional reason to make the most of their freedom. Officials in the Department of Criminal Justice have stated that the Kairos programs have a better chance of success for rehabilitation with a lower cost than any program that the Department currently operates.

The approximate cost for one Kairos Outside weekend is $10,000. Your donation is a tax deductible contribution used for the food and housing expense of a Kairos Outside weekend. Kairos Outside is a non-profit ministry funded by people who care.