Advisory Council

Kairos at Polunsky Advisory Council

Position
Member
Chair:
Wesley Padgett
Vice Chair:
John Wiemers
Secretary:
Purvis Harper
Clergy/Spiritual Director:
Mike Costello
Continuing Ministry Coordinator:
TBD
Institutional Liaison:
Coy Reese
Fundraising/Sponsorship Coordinator:
Elizabeth Padgett
Financial Secretary:
Pam West
Treasurer:
Carlos Ripley
Agape Coordinator:
Francisco Bustamante
Communication Coordinator:
Joe Lee
Data Coordinator:
Forrest Page
Recruiting:
Brandon West

Guiding Progress Through Community Insight

At Kairos of Texas Polunsky Unit, our Advisory Council plays a crucial role in fostering meaningful change within our community. Composed of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, this council meets regularly to discuss innovative ideas, address challenges, and strategize solutions for the betterment of our programs and the lives of those we serve. Their invaluable insights help us create a supportive environment, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and respected. By collaborating closely with our staff, the Advisory Council helps to enhance our mission, ultimately guiding us in making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families in Livingston, Texas. Together, we strive to build a brighter future for everyone involved.

Transforming Lives Through Prison Ministry at Kairos Polunsky

What is the Advisory Council?

The Advisory Council is a dedicated group of individuals committed to supporting the mission of Kairos of Texas. Composed of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, the council meets regularly to discuss strategies, share insights, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced by individuals incarcerated at the Polunsky Unit. This collaborative effort aims to create a more impactful program that can help participants reintegrate into society successfully.

The Importance of Community Involvement

Community involvement is at the heart of what we do. The Advisory Council brings together a wealth of experience and expertise, enabling us to foster a supportive environment for those seeking redemption and hope. Our council members understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in the correctional system and work tirelessly to advocate for their needs. By engaging with community leaders, social services, and local organizations, we strive to create a network of support that extends far beyond prison walls.

Council Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of the Advisory Council include

Enhancing Program Effectiveness

The council regularly assesses the programs offered at Kairos of Texas, providing valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement. This continuous evaluation helps ensure that our initiatives meet the evolving needs of participants.

Strengthening Community Ties

By fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the council helps to build a robust support network. These connections can lead to opportunities for job training, educational resources, and mentorship for individuals preparing for reentry into society.

Advocating for Change

The council serves as a voice for those who may not have the opportunity to speak for themselves. Through outreach and advocacy efforts, members work to raise awareness about the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and promote policies that support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Facilitating Fundraising Efforts

Financial support is vital to the success of our programs. The Advisory Council actively participates in fundraising initiatives, helping to secure the resources needed to continue providing impactful services to our participants.

Promoting Community Awareness

The council engages in outreach efforts to educate the community about our mission and the importance of supporting rehabilitation initiatives. By fostering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, we aim to reduce stigma and promote compassion within our community.

The Impact of the Advisory Council

The Advisory Council has made a significant impact on the Kairos of Texas Polunsky Unit and the individuals we serve. Through their collective efforts, council members have helped to

Increase Participation

By implementing new outreach strategies, the council has successfully encouraged more individuals to participate in our programs, providing them with the tools they need to succeed upon release.

Enhance Program Offerings

Council feedback has led to the introduction of new workshops and resources that address specific needs identified by participants. These programs focus on personal development, emotional well-being, and practical skills necessary for life outside prison.

Build a Supportive Network

The connections established by the Advisory Council have resulted in partnerships with local businesses and organizations that provide job training, mentorship, and other essential services. This network creates a pathway for individuals to successfully reintegrate into society.

Inside Kairos Polunsky: Stories from Prison Ministry Work

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to support the mission of Kairos of Texas Polunsky Unit, consider getting involved with our Advisory Council. There are various ways to contribute

Become a Member

Join our council to bring diverse expertise that strengthens our programs and outreach
efforts.

Volunteer Your Time

Support Kairos by mentoring or facilitating workshops, impacting lives with meaningful volunteer work.

Support Fundraising Initiatives

Your contributions and participation in events help fund essential programs promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.

Advocate for Change

Raise awareness and support policies for rehabilitation, fostering compassion for those in the correctional system.

Success Stories

We are proud to share some success stories from former participants who have transformed their lives through Kairos. These individuals have overcome significant challenges and are now living examples of the power of redemption. Their stories inspire hope and motivate others to pursue their own journeys of transformation.

John’s Journey

After attending a Kairos retreat, John realized the importance of taking responsibility for his past actions. He committed to personal growth and, upon his release, secured a job and began reconnecting with his family. John now volunteers with Kairos, helping others find the same hope he discovered.

Moving Forward Together

The Advisory Council at Kairos of Texas Polunsky Unit embodies the spirit of community and collaboration. Together, we strive to create a supportive environment that empowers individuals to transform their lives. As we continue to evolve and grow, we invite you to join us in this journey.

By working together, we can foster hope, promote healing, and pave the way for a brighter future for all. If you’re interested in learning more about the Advisory Council or how you can get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in the Polunsky Unit and their families.

Statement of Faith

The people of Kairos are called by God to share the love of Christ with those impacted by incarceration. Kairos encourages believers from a variety of Christian traditions to be volunteers in this Christ-filled ministry.

Kairos programs offer to prison residents, their families, and those who work with them the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, and to grow in their faith and servant hood in Christian community. We stand on the common ground of the following elements of faith:

We in Kairos believe:

  •  The Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired word for our faith and our lives.
  •  In the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  •  In the deity, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  •  Friendship with God is a free gift, for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
  •  The love of Jesus Christ motivates His followers to provide food for the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothes for the naked and visits to the sick and those in prison.
  •  In sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with all incarcerated individuals, their families and to those who work with them inside and outside the correctional institution.

Agreement

By my signature, as a faithful member on a Kairos Inside team:

  1. I will obtain a current Kairos Inside manual. I will read the manual and I will follow the program as it is presented in the Kairos Inside manual with no unauthorized additions or deletions.
  2. I will make every effort to attend ALL team meetings. I understand that if I miss these team meetings, I could be dismissed from the team.
  3. After becoming familiar with the program, as a Christian I agree to support, in good faith, the Weekend activities, as well as the theological and scriptural content of the Talks/Meditations outlined in the Kairos Inside manual.
  4. I am a Christian and I have read and agree with the Mission Statement, the Vision Statement, the CORE Values, and the Statement of Faith of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.