History of Exodus
Exodus was started by an ex-offender in the mid 80’s in Dallas, Texas. In 1993, Chaplain John Bird, from Jefferson City, went to Dallas to view the Exodus program. He returned to Jefferson City and began an Exodus ministry there. A couple years later, Candace Betts, a Bolivar resident, saw a need to minister to people coming out of prison, not just to those in prison. She discovered Exodus Ministry in Jefferson City after meeting John Bird and began the ministry in Bolivar, Missouri in 1995.
In July 1996, the first family came to Bolivar. As the community saw the ministry functioning, they donated time, talents and money to the ministry.
In March 1997, a triplex was purchased with the help of the Jefferson City ministry and two apartments were set up to receive families and one apartment was set up as an office. The building was paid off within two and a half years. Candace was the Director of Exodus Ministry for 12 years.
Since that time, the ministries in Dallas and Jefferson City have ceased, but the Bolivar ministry continues strong.
In the spring of 2009, an accidental fire destroyed the triplex. God provided direction and funds, allowing the ministry to purchase a quadriplex, where the ministry currently resides.
“It’s overwhelming and exciting all at once. I feel ready though, because I have created relationships with positive people who care about my well-being. Having these people in my life makes it a little less scary. ”
what we provide
We seek to provide a Christian community to our residents as they continue to fight for their sobriety and new norm outside of prison. We provide a furnished apartment for our participant to use during their 1 year journey with Exodus. The on-site team will work with each resident in building a resume and applying for a job in the community. Once the resident is offered employment, she will then utilize a transportation list consisting of Exodus Volunteers to help with transportation to and from work. During the time the resident is waiting for employment she is expected to volunteer in the community. Each participant will meet with the financial team to help create a budget after receiving employment. Participant will be paired with a mentor in which she is anticipated to meet with each week to help conquer the daily struggles of life after prison.