1:28
Ratio of children with at least one incarcerated parent.
8
average age of children with an incarcerated parent.
67.8%
number of those released who will return to jail within 3 years.
Break the cycle
Through the Exodus program model, women who have been previously incarcerated are provided a chance to change their destiny along with that of their children. At Exodus they re-invent themselves by developing life and money management skills, becoming employed, starting a savings account, and most importantly – becoming a positive influence for their children to make correct life choices. Purpose, self-esteem, courage and trust are integrated into the “new” parent role model and passed on to their children where the wounds from separation are most often the deepest.
Facing Difficult Issues
Ex-offenders face many life issues and the stigma of being in prison. These women are dealing with the residual pain of having been separated from their children for a long period of time and do not have the immediate financial resources to sustain their family.
Overcoming Old Habits
It is typical for a woman leaving prison to arrive in Dallas with only $50, no job, just a few "friends", and little hope. Old criminal habits linger just below the surface, and without any direction or opportunities, women are tempted to turn to familiar ways and return to desperate behaviors of the past.
“If you educate a man, you have an educated man, but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family.”
Lack of Structured Guidance
Most have struggled with substance abuse and have been abandoned by their husbands. Without loving care and structured guidance, they are vulnerable to returning to their self-defeating ways and negatively impacting the future of their children.
Overwhelmed with Responsibility
While the average worker makes several thousand decisions a day, an inmate makes less than a hundred decisions a day because everything in prison is regimented. When these mothers arrive, many are overwhelmed with responsibility, but have few skills, no support system, or spirit-centered life.
How we help.
Housing
Fully furnished, single-family apartment and all basic living needs at no cost. Participants may keep their furnishings upon graduation from the program.
Childcare
Children have access to pre-school, day-care, after-school programs, and summer camps.
Job Preparation
Residents are equipped for employment with job readiness skills, help with job search and career placement.
Personal Mentoring
Residents are personally mentored by loving, caring, godly volunteers in such areas as parenting, life skills, boundaries, and much more.
Financial
Planning
We teach residents how to handle finances including family budgeting, financial planning, and banking fundamentals.
Program Completion
Upon successful completion of the twelve-month program, graduates of the Exodus Ministries program will continue to use the skills acquired to support herself and her children.
What I love about Exodus
“Exodus is not only giving me a second chance at life and being a mom, but also giving me the tools I need to have a chance at a brighter future. God’s light and forgiveness shines through the hearts of the staff to remind me I am not alone on this journey of rebuilding my life. Exodus opened their arms to me when the rest of the world seemed closed to us.”
—Kellyn, an Exodus resident
Resident Support
Preparing for Long-Term Employment
After the resident's initial thirty day reintroduction, their children are enrolled in child care programs through the Vogel Alcove. When this transition occurs, the resident’s focus shifts to preparing herself for long-term employment. She will take classes, prepare for interviews and begin her job search.
Resident Responsibilities
Each resident must attend and participate in Celebrate Recovery (a faith-based 12-step program). Residents must also complete all court mandated classes, and comply with all conditions of their probation or parole. Each resident is responsible for maintaining their own apartment, preparing meals for their family and helping with community chores, such as lawn care, sweeping sidewalks or cleaning the offices.
Learning Self Support
After obtaining gainful employment, the resident begins the process of learning to successfully balance her new job and caring for her family. She will begin a savings account and work to maintain her employment. Upon successful completion of the program, she will use these skills to continue to support herself and her children.
“I am grateful for this ministry. It has definitely given me a new perspective on life, from the way I think, the way I parent, the way I look at life. I am very grateful for the classes that feed into my spirit and grow me in Christ.”
—Amber, an Exodus graduate
