The New York State Department of Children and Family Services (NYSDOCFS), Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY), Bureau of Ministerial Services (BMS), has formed a new partnership with Kairos Prison Ministry International to bring the full Kairos Torch program into the Department’s Secure Centers for Youth.

The first phase of the inaugural Kairos Torch program was launched at the Goshen Secure Center in Goshen, New York, on February 16–18, 2026 (Kairos Torch Weekend). Trained volunteers from local churches entered the facility to share Christ’s unconditional love and acceptance with eight young participants, encouraging them to remove their masks so their true selves could shine rather than the identities they feel pressured to portray.

Each part of the 2½-day event was intentionally designed to reinforce Kairos Torch’s primary goal: placing each young person on a structured mentoring path with a mature Christian mentor. Weekly Kairos Torch mentoring sessions are now underway and will continue for six months. These sessions utilize guided materials that foster both internal and external growth, equipping youth with holistic life skills to support their overall development. Each mentor/mentee meeting begins with Scripture and follows a structured guide that opens discussion on topics such as self-esteem, anger management, family relationships, goal setting, and forgiveness.

In addition to weekly mentoring, volunteers return to the facility for monthly Kairos Torch reunions to further strengthen relationships with the youth. An evidence-based curriculum is integrated into the program to help track participant’s progress and growth. After completing the mentoring phase, these supportive relationships continue through weekly group Bible studies designed specifically for youth, lasting until they leave the facility.

The Kairos Torch Weekend at Goshen concluded with a closing service attended by local church members, as well as representatives from the Kairos Inside and Kairos Outside ministries. Kairos Outside serves women impacted by incarceration by offering a Weekend experience in a safe, supportive environment where they can find strength and encouragement through small group connections. During the closing service, Kairos Outside participants shared about their program and invited the youth to encourage significant women in their lives to attend.

Also in attendance at the Kairos Torch Weekend were three chaplains from the Bureau of Ministerial Services, Chaplain Chaun Richardson, Director of Ministerial Services; Chaplain Guytrell Johnson; and Chaplain Carl Wisher, as well as three Associate Commissioners from the Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth: Dr. Galen Gomes, Office of Youth Academic and Developmental Services; Joan Gardner, Office of Community Partnerships and Family Engagement; and Timothy Nemeyer, Youth Programs and Services.

A second Kairos Torch Weekend with a new group of youth is being planned for Fall 2026. In addition, plans are underway to expand the Kairos Torch Ministry to MacCormick Secure Center in Ithaca, New York, and Brookwood Secure Center in Hudson, New York.