KAIROS OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY

For women impacted by incarceration of friend or family

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

                                                               John 13:35

   

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

      

 

 

Q: What Is the history of Kairos Outside Prison Ministry?

A:  Kairos Outside began in 1989 as an idea from the Chaplain at San Quentin State Correctional Facility in California after the first Kairos Prison Ministry retreat was held there.  While Kairos Inside Prison Ministry is an excellent vehicle to provide a religious experience for men and women on the inside....Kairos Outside is designed to bolster the loved ones who are supporting  those incarcerated persons. 

 

Because we believe that the families of the incarcerated are "doing time" right along with their loved ones,   Kairos Outside is intended to let those families know that there is a community that cares about them and their needs. 

 

The women on the outside, in many ways, have to be stronger than their relative(s) on the inside to survive in today's world. Kairos Outside offers a weekend retreat, a safe place, for women to share with each other, and with those who are empathetic to their situation, their struggles and concerns.  

 

We hope Kairos Outside will help them find strength for their life journey and give them a chance to find and build relationships that may last a lifetime.

 

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Q: What Happens At a Kairos Outside Weekend?

A:

  • The Kairos Outside weekend begins on Friday evening about 6:00 p.m. and continues until Sunday afternoon at about 4:00. 

  • The weekend is a series of talks by women on Team sharing their testimonies. Most of these woman are dealing with very real issues of isolation, rejection, financial hardship, and loneliness. Therefore, the Kairos Outside talks are relevant to the thoughts, concerns, and feelings of an incarcerated person's loved one. 

  • Each guest has the opportunity to review the talk in small groups; however, sharing in the small group is voluntary. 

  • The weekend is interspersed with music, prayer, fun activities, and general pampering.   

  • The weekend is Christian in nature, although no religious affiliation is necessary to attend. 

  • All conversations, prayers and talks are confidential.

  • Those who attend are expected to stay for the entire program. 

  • There is no fee charged to the guests.

  • If you're interested in attending an upcoming weekend, or know someone who could benefit from one, please fill out our Guest Reservation form by clicking here

  • To download more information about the weekend click here.

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Q:  Who may attend Kairos Outside?

A:   Kairos Outside is currently for women only.

  • Any adult female 20 years of age or older whose life has been impacted by incarceration of a relative and/or friend is eligible to attend a Kairos Outside Weekend. 

  • Women who did not have an opportunity to attend a Kairos Inside Weekend while incarcerated may also attend a Kairos Outside Weekend.

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Q:  Who Presents The Weekend?

 A:   The Team is made up of approximately twenty-eight (28) women, six (6) men serving in the kitchen and two (20) clergy-women.  Many of the Team Members may be active in the Kairos Prison Ministry throughout the USA and abroad.  All Team Members come from many different Christian denominations and are committed to ministering to inmates and their families.

 

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Q:  What About Privacy and Confidentiality?

A:   Because women are not always able to talk about their situation for fear of repercussion, it is a requirement that the events of the weekend are held in the strictest confidence.  Both team members and our guests are constantly reminded of our Kairos promise: "What you hear here, what you share here, when you leave here, let it stay here."

 

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Q: Do I have to be a Christian to come on the Weekend?

A:  No.  All we ask is for the Guests to be open to discussions from a Christian perspective.

 

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Q: How long is a Kairos Outside Weekend?

A: The Weekend begins Friday night at 6:00 PM and ends Sunday afternoon around 4:00 PM.

 

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Q: What is the cost to attend a Kairos Outside Weekend?

A: There is no cost to the Guests.  The funds are provided by local Christian Communities.

 

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Q: Why should I give up a weekend visit with my relative/friend to attend a Kairos Outside NYC Weekend?

A: Your journey is often difficult.  Many people in the outside world do not understand your position and may reject you.  This Weekend is designed to give you support from women who are in the same situation, and from other Christian women who care about you and those who are incarcerated.

 

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Q: What shall I tell my husband about the men on the team?

A: The men are present, only, to prepare and serve the meals.  They do not participate in any of the Community Room activities.

 

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Q: What about child care during the Weekend?

A: Assistance with child care can be provided upon request, based on individual needs.

 

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Q: Where do I stay during the Weekend Retreat?

A: The Weekend is held at a retreat center in New York City.  The facility provides everything except personal articles.  Dress is casual and comfortable. 

 

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Q: How do I get to the retreat center?

A: You will receive directions and , If required, transportation can be provided upon request.

 

 

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Q: What time should I arrive at the retreat center?

A: Guests are expected to arrive after 6:00 PM on Friday and depart about 4:00 PM on Sunday.

 

 

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Q: How should I dress for the weekend?

A: Dress is casual and comfortable.  Layered clothing is suggested.

 

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Q: What about dietary needs?

A: Special dietary needs can be accommodated.

 

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Q:  How Can I Get Involved in Kairos Outside NYC?

A: There is plenty of opportunity to serve in this ministry: serving on team, being a day angel, making tax deductible donations and of course by your prayers.  To learn more click getting involved or contact us, we would love to hear from you.

 

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Q:  How to Donate?

A: This is a non-profit ministry funded by people who care.  All donations are tax deductible.  We need your financial support.  Please click here for instructions.

 

 

 

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Next Retreat Weekend

KONYC#5: May 4-6, 2012

Bishop Molloy

Passionist Retreat House

86-45 Edgerton Blvd

Jamaica, NY 11432

(718) 739-1229

Directions: Click here

 


Next Reunion

[To be announced]

 

 


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Kairos Outside NYC,

PO Box One,

Larchmont, New York 10538

Phone: 914-777-1914

Email:   hyacinth52@optonline.net

 

This is a non-profit ministry funded by people who care