Supporting KAIROS & the National Women's Prison Project Ministries

Today I learned all the latest line dances at a Line Dance Workshop. This workshop was also a benefit for the National Women's Prison Project (NWPP), sponsored by Freida Robinson-Dawkins, a Studio "A" Model and National Director for the NWPP. The Dance Instructor was Daphne Hicks of Fitnance, Inc.

I was excited to be able to help such a good cause to help women in prison. I supported this organization because many women who go to prison have been previously sexually abused. Some women have been sexually violated while in prison. Yet, once inside, women often get less treatment.

The National Women’s Prison Project (NWPP) was established in 2003, after seeing the needs of women who have experienced the criminal justice system being yet unmet in the community. There were several agencies that provided one or two essential services, but not one that attempted to address the needs using a holistic model. With the ever increasing number of females now being incarcerated, NWPP focuses on the gender based needs while providing on-going support, both inside of correctional facilities and on the outside.

The NWPP worked alongside KAIROS at this event. The mission of Kairos Prison Ministry is to bring Christs' love and forgiveness to all incarcerated individuals, their families, and those who work with them, and to assist in the transition of becoming a productive citizen.

During the workshop, I learned the Chinese Checkers line dance (or at least this is the one I remember!). Afterwards, Claudia Bellony, Vendor of Success in Style, gave me a friendship bracelet made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo! (:D) Anyone who reads any of my many blogs knows that I support women in the Congo, so this was a very precious gift to me. Claudia was extremely encouraging and kind, calling me a "celebrity"! She was very beautiful and spunky too!

Once again, another great opportunity and only my second appearance during week one as Mrs. Maryland. Early tomorrow morning I am off to support Deanna Linz, my International Pageant sister, during her walk for March of Dimes!