Christian Journey Courses highlighted
A luncheon at First United Methodist Church raised more than $30,000 for Christian Journey Courses, a faith-based program offering life-skills training and behavior transformation courses for inmates in Kendall and Bandera counties.
Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier spoke in support of the program and discussed its impact on prisoners at the Kendall County Jail.
“It’s our responsibility in that facility to provide them a safe and secure place and hold people accountable for the decisions that they make,” Auxier said. “But understand and know that along with accountability, hope can also exist, and that’s what they (CJC) bring to the table.”
Auxier said the program helps provide inmates with a new path forward.
“Through faith, responsibility and a willingness to change, there could be a new beginning,” he said. “Every person who leaves our jail with stronger character, greater faith, better decision-making skills and a renewed sense of purpose has a better opportunity to become a productive member of our community and, more importantly, a better parent, spouse, son, daughter or neighbor.”
The five-week program offers specialized services for jail inmates, probationers and others seeking to overcome dysfunctional lifestyles.
Course topics include generational programming, guilt, boundary setting, character development, conflict resolution, anger management, anxiety, domestic violence and forgiveness.
CJC volunteer Jerry Mulberger recounted an experience with an inmate who struggled to forgive an abusive father.
“This guy had a father who was very abusive, and he hated his father,” Mulberger said during a panel discussion. “One of the last classes we had, he said his dream was to forgive his father. And the whole class just went crazy.”
The luncheon, catered by Boerne High School’s culinary class, was preceded by a silent auction and raffle featuring items including a one-night stay at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort, gift cards from Boerne Radio, artwork from local artists and a Ruger 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
The luncheon gave the students a chance to serve the community, an educator said.
“We want to do a lot in the community, because that’s what career and technical education is all about: giving them those real life learning experiences,” said Amy Hogan, Boerne ISD culinary teacher.
Event sponsors included Edward Jones, Ryder Wash Systems, the GVTC Foundation and the Dirk Mosis III family.
According to CJC Secretary Lynn Heckler, donations are still needed to help the program reach its annual fundraising goal of $45,000.
Monay Boring serves as the Kendall County coordinator. More information about the program and donation opportunities is available at cjcboerne.org.
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