Kairos privacy statement

Privacy and Conditions of Use

Kairos Prison Ministry International online privacy statement

Kairos Prison Ministry International (KPMI) is committed to respecting your online privacy and security. We've structured our Web site so that, in general, you can visit us on the Web without identifying yourself or revealing any personal information. Once you choose to provide us personally identifiable information (any information by which you can be identified), you can be assured that it will only be used to support your relationship with Kairos Prison Ministry International.

Awareness

Kairos Prison Ministry International provides this Online Privacy Statement to make you aware of our privacy policy and security practices, and to inform you about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and from the bottom of every Kairos Prison Ministry International Web page.

What we collect

On some Kairos Prison Ministry International web pages, you can become a volunteer, make donations, and request materials. The types of personal information collected on these pages are name, email, phone number, contact and ministry information. In order to tailor our subsequent communications to you and continuously improve our services, we may also ask you to provide us with information regarding your personal or professional interests, demographics, experiences as a donor and/or volunteer, and your contact preferences. In internal databases, we maintain records of service as a volunteer and donor to the ministry to assist in communications and to keep individuals informed of local, state, and national training, procedures, information, and opportunities for service and support. Other data related for our programs and people involved in our programs are collected and used in our internal databases but not used in public sites.

How we use it

Kairos Prison Ministry International uses your information to understand your needs and provide you with better service. Specifically, we use your information to help you complete a transaction, communicate back to you, update you on ministry opportunities and special events, and to personalize our Web site for you. Credit card numbers are used only for payment processing and are not retained for other purposes. From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research or provide you with information we think would be of particular interest. At a minimum, we will always give you the opportunity to opt out of Kairos Prison Ministry International information, direct marketing or market research contact. Data collected online may also be combined with information you provide when you register online as a Kairos donor and/or volunteer or participate in ministry programs as a volunteer or donor. Kairos does not post donor names or information on our public websites. Kairos uses email addresses and mailing addresses to send updates about various ministry activities. Persons can unsubscribe.

Who we share it with

Kairos Prison Ministry International will not sell, rent, or lease your personally identifiable information to others. Unless we have your permission or are required by law, we will only share the personal data you provide online with Kairos Prison Ministry International entities and/or business partners who are acting on our behalf to complete the activities described above. Such Kairos Prison Ministry International entities and/or business partners, including those located in other countries, are governed by our privacy policies with respect to the use of this data.

Choice

Kairos Prison Ministry International will not use or share the personally identifiable information, which you provide to us online or through your voluntary service, in ways unrelated to the ones described above without first letting you know and offering you a choice. As previously stated, you may let us know if you do not wish to receive unsolicited direct marketing materials from us, and we will do everything we can to honor such requests.

Accuracy and Access

Kairos Prison Ministry International strives to keep your personally identifiable information accurate. We make every effort to provide you with online access to your event registration data so that you may update or correct your information at the Kairos Prison Ministry International site where it was submitted. To review or correct your personal information contact us at (407) 629-4948, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. To protect your privacy and security, we will also take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting you access or enabling you to make corrections.

Security

Kairos Prison Ministry International is committed to ensuring the security of your information. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the appropriate use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. We use Internet encryption software, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, when collecting or transferring sensitive data such as credit card and/or contact information.

Conditions of Use

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. provides the services described on its web site to you subject to the following conditions. If you visit, you accept these conditions. Please read them carefully. In addition, when you use any current or future Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. web site service or visit any entity referenced by Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc., in its web site, you also will be subject to the guidelines and conditions applicable to any such entity. Photos are used by permission.

Agents

We contract with companies and individuals to perform functions on our behalf. Examples include sending newsletters, shipping product, processing donations, and sending mail. These third parties use information only to fulfill the task we have hired them to perform.

Children’s Privacy

No part of Kairos websites or communications are designed to attract anyone under 13 and we do not collect or maintain information from those under 13.

Privacy and Security Statement

Information collected on the Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. web site is subject to Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.'s Online Privacy Statement.

Copyright

All content included on this site, such as text, graphics, logos, photographs, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is the sole and exclusive property of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. The compilation of all content on this site is the exclusive property of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws.

Trademarks

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.'s trade names, trademarks, trade dress, and service marks, including those marks indicated on our web site are the sole and exclusive property of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc., including, without limitation, designs, logos, page headers, button icons and scripts ("Marks"). Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.'s Marks and trade dress may not be used in connection in any way not expressly authorized in writing by the Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. or in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among the public, or in any manner that disparages or discredits Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. All other trademarks not owned by Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. that appear on this site are the property of their respective owners.

License and Site Access

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. grants you a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable, and revocable license to access and make personal use of this site and not to download or modify it, or any portion of it, except with express written consent of the Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. This license does not include any resale or commercial use of this site or its contents; any collection and use of any information, images, content or photographs or any derivative use of this site or its contents; any downloading or copying of information for the benefit of another; or any use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools. This site or any portion of this site may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, visited, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose without express written consent of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. You may not frame or utilize framing techniques to enclose any Marks, photographs, content or other proprietary information (including images, text, page layout, or form) of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.'s web site without express written consent. You may not use any meta tags or any other "hidden text" utilizing Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.'s web site name or Marks without the express written consent of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. Any unauthorized use terminates the permission or license granted by Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc., to access this site.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY THIS SITE IS PROVIDED BY KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL, INC. ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE OPERATION OF THIS SITE OR THE INFORMATION, CONTENT OR MATERIALS INCLUDED ON THIS SITE. YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THIS SITE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THIS SITE, ITS SERVERS, OR E-MAIL SENT FROM THE KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL WEB SITE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL, INC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS SITE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Are cookies used?

Cookies are used to determine the success of Kairos website and marketing campaigns. This allows us to be good stewards with the donations that are given to us to determine our online effectiveness, which also helps keep our expenses low.

In addition to cookies, we use other technologies, including pixel tags, to gather information on how our users interact with our web site and to help us efficiently monitor our web site and marketing campaigns. These technologies, for example, show us popular pages, conversion rates, click-throughs and other information that can be used to improve our website. We also occasionally share select non-personal information with trusted third parties. Kairos and its third-party vendors use pixel tags to track and analyze non-personally identifiable usage information to compile statistical traffic analysis or usage patterns.

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a series of data characters that, when programmed into a Web site, is placed by the Web server into the browser's application folder on your computer. Once placed onto your machine, the cookie will allow the Web site to "recognize" you as a unique individual. Cookies do not collect data from the end user's hard drive.

Can cookies be removed from my hard drive?

Yes, cookies can be removed from your hard drive. Also, depending on what type of Web browser and what browser version you are using, you may be able to change the properties on your cookie file so that cookies are not used or saved. Please check with your browser provider for more information on removing cookies.

Copyright Approved April 14, 2013; updated November 2020

2022 Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Volunteer Training

Welcome!

All volunteers completing online training must submit a Volunteer Application in order to be processed.

If you have never trained online, volunteers must first register as a new online training user. Once registered, volunteers may simply log-in as returning users thereafter. See links below.

For more information, contact Volunteer Services at (936) 437-3026.

The following online refresher course reviews the rules required to be a successful TDCJ volunteer:

·        Registration: volunteers using this training for the first time.

• Log-in: returning volunteers.

All volunteers will be required to sign an agreement stating that you understand these rules and the risks associated with volunteer work at TDCJ.

 

Nature of Kairos

The Nature of Kairos

Kairos is a ministry made up of Christians (as defined in Statement of Faith) from various denominations and churches.  All volunteers at all levels when serving in Kairos should follow the Policy Statement on Interdenominational Christian Ministry. 

In line with the Interdenominational Christian Ministry policy, any differences in doctrine, practice, or belief within the Christian body should be left outside of the Kairos environment. 

The volunteer body and each team should be developed with denominational diversity.  At the same time, focusing on the common ground as Christians, the staff and volunteers must present themselves, on teams and as a community, in a cohesive and unified manner. 

Kairos has a rich history in 4th day movements, where volunteers are drawn from Cursillo, Tres Dias, Via de Cristo, Episcopal Cursillo, Presbyterian Cursillo, and Walk to Emmaus.  Working positively with these local 4th day communities (as well as others) is highly encouraged.   It is recommended that leaders have their own 4th day experience through one of the various 4th day ministries. 

Kairos program motto is “Listen, Listen, Love, Love”.  Listening and loving on the part of the Kairos volunteer, during all ministry programs, will release participants and guests from their prisons of fear, mistrust, and rejection.  They may then engage in a listening and loving relationship with God and others. 

Each volunteer must take responsibility for their actions and decisions, follow reporting guidelines to facilitate the effective resolution of problems, and ensure they do not exceed the authority of their position within Kairos Prison Ministry. 

 Each Kairos volunteer and staff person should see compliance and accountability with rules, regulations, policiesand procedures as part of Christian service to be followed with a spirit of joy and obedience as we serve our Lord. 

Below is a typical minimum requirement of a Kairos Volunteer including the description of service and duration:

   - Training and Team building of the Volunteer Team – Minimum 20 hours

   - Other preparation (writing letters, fundraising, making cookies, etc.) - ~20 hours

   - Program inside the Unit - ~42 hours

   - Instructional Reunion inside the Unit - ~ 8.5 hours

   - Continuing ministry - ~24 hours (2 hours per month)

What is Kairos Prison Ministry?

What is Kairos Prison Ministry?

Kairos is a Christian, volunteer, lay-led, ecumenical, international prison ministry, in which men and women volunteers bring Christ's love and forgiveness to incarcerated individuals and to their families.

What is the history of Kairos? See Kairos Beginnings

What does Kairos do inside prisons? Kairos Inside addresses the spiritual needs of prisoners. Kairos volunteers go into prisons in teams of 30 to 40 to pray, share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, share meals and fellowship with the incarcerated on a one-to-one basis. The first visit is a three-day event, during which time the team teaches a short introductory course on Christianity. Subsequent visits are weekly 2-hour Prayer & Share reunions.

How does Kairos Prison Ministry impact those incarcerated or affected by incarceration? 

Kairos Prison Ministry affects our communities in many positive ways. Lives have been changed and former inmates return to our communities as more responsible and less violent citizens. Former inmates become better spouses, parents, employees or volunteers and give back to society. Tax payers benefit! 

How committed are our Kairos volunteers? 

In 2014, Kairos volunteers donated over 3 million volunteer hours to the various departments of corrections here and abroad. If you multiply 3 million times the minimum wage in the USA of $7.25 per hour, our ministry donated over $22 million in volunteer time. Volunteers paid an additional $2 million for supplies, bringing the total donation to $24 million. 

How does Kairos affect the lives of volunteers? 

The program also has a very favorable effect upon volunteers. Many volunteers acknowledge that the team training, with its emphasis on introspection, honesty, sharing and community, enhances their spirituality. 

How does Kairos Prison Ministry affect our communities? 

Kairos serves our communities and reduces the number of victims by changing inmate lives. Many of the inmates who participate in the entire Kairos program return to our communities as better and less violent citizens, thereby making our neighborhoods safer. 

What do Corrections staff members think of Kairos Prison Ministry?

 Kairos programs have gained the respect of the correctional system too. In a study of 505 inmates released from Florida prisons, the recidivism rate was 15.7% among those who had participated in one Kairos session, and 10% among those who had participated in two or more Kairos sessions. The non-Kairos control group in the study had a recidivism rate of 23.4%. 

Does Kairos Prison Ministry save money for taxpayers? 

The savings to the taxpayer are substantial. As one former prisoner put it: "It cost the government about $1,000,000 to try me and to imprison me for several years, but a $100 program keeps me out". 

Kairos & Associated Links:

• Kairos of Texas (KOT)

• Kairos Prison Ministry International (KPMI)

• Kairos Inside (KI)

• Kairos Outside (KO)

• Angel Tree Ministries

• Walk to Emmaus

• Heart of Texas Foundation

• Texas Inmate Family Association (TIFA)

Allan B. Polunsky Unit

Unit Full Name: Allan B. Polunsky Unit

Senior Warden: Daniel Dickerson

Regional Director: Joel Gauna, Region I

Deputy Division Director: Eric Guerrero

Date Unit Established or On Line: November 1993

Total Employees: 691

Security Employees: 533

Non-Security Employees: 109

Windham Education Employees: 10

Contract Medical and Mental Health Employees: Medical = 34; Mental Health = 5

Inmate Gender: Male

Capacity: 2,984

Custody Levels Housed: G1-G5, Death Row, Security Detention

Approximate Acreage: 472

Agricultural Operations: Security Horses, Security Pack Canines, Tree Farm, Unit Garden, Unit Food Bank Garden Program

Manufacturing and Logistics Op.: Box Factory

Facility Operations: Unit Maintenance

Additional Operations: None

Medical Capabilities: Ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services. Medical care available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Seventeen-bed infirmary, including 13 assisted living beds, two respiratory isolation rooms and two mental health observation rooms. Type I Geriatric Facility. Chronic care clinics and Telemedicine and Digital Medical Services (DMS) available. All services on a single level, including CPAP accommodating housing. Managed by UTMB.

Special Treatment Programs: Mental Health Therapeutic Diversion Program (MHTDP)

Educational Programs: Literacy (Adult Basic Education/GED), CHANGES/Pre-Release, Cognitive Intervention; Career and Technology Programs: Automotive Specialization (Transmission Repair); Electrical Trades; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Mill and Cabinetmaking

Additional Programs/Services: Faith-Based Dormitory, Adult Education Program (upon availability), Peer Education, Reentry Planning, Chaplaincy Services, Crime Stoppers, GO KIDS Initiative

Community Work Projects: Services provided to the area food bank and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Volunteer Initiatives: Employment/Job Skills, Substance Abuse Education, Life Skills, Parent Training, Support Groups, Mentoring, Religious/Faith-Based Studies and Activities

Kairos Prison Ministries - Polunsky Unit

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (KPMI) is a Christian faith-based ministry which addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth and, their families through Kairos Inside, Kairos Outside and Kairos Torch.

By sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, Kairos hopes to change hearts, transform lives and impact the world. As a ministry, Kairos embraces a diverse group of volunteers working together to fulfill Christ's call to action in Matthew 25:36 “… I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me.'

What is Kairos Inside about?

The primary objective of the 3-Day Short Course is to prepare specifically selected Residents (prisoners) for the ongoing Christian community of Kairos in the prison. Of great importance, KAIROS is a continuing ministry. Besides the 3-Day Short Course held twice a year, Kairos team members and Kairos Residents gather monthly, at the Wynne Unit on the 3rd Sunday, for a Resident-led Reunion program. On a weekly basis, Kairos Residents meet in the prison Chapel in Prayer and Share groups led by Resident leaders and supported by outside Kairos volunteers.

Why do inmates in a maximum-security prison participate in Kairos?

They hear stories about food; food that none have had since being in prison. Food like fresh fruit, hamburgers, fried chicken, pizza and homemade King Ranch Chicken to name a few. During the 3-Day Short Course in the Wynne Unit, two meals a day are prepared, brought into the prison and served by team members to the Residents. In addition, a bag of chocolate chip cookies is hand delivered by the Kairos team to all 2600 inmate residents and all the Correction Officers and staff.

 What is the impact of this ministry?

Even though prison sentences are long, most inmates will be returned to society. About 93 percent of all inmates will someday be released. National and state funds have been primarily used to build and operate prisons. There has been very little money for rehabilitating prison inmates. For a variety of reasons, 55 to 80 percent will return to prison again. Studies carried out in Florida, Texas, Colorado and California indicate a dramatic reduction in the recidivism rate among those residents who have experienced Kairos.