What we do

There is a crisis in Polk County for those who are released from jail or prison or coming out of detox programs that are looking for available beds in transition homes or program facilities to help them get on their feet. Often times the intake process to these rehabilitation programs can take time and these individuals are displaced while they wait for this valuable assistance. Unfortunately in many if not most of these cases they are forced into homelessness or back into unsafe places. As a result, many end up back on drugs engaging in criminal activity and then back in jail.  After much prayer; Michael and Kathy- Ann Kidd (the founders of Chaplains Serving Polk County) felt led to rent a home to help bridge the gap and break this cycle before it continues. The House of Blessings is a five-bedroom home in Polk County with seven beds that operates as a temporary housing for individuals who are saving for the required housing fees or who are waiting to enter into a specific program. This home is covered in prayer and the residents are provided housing and food at no cost to them.  Classes and counselling are also provided on site. As amazing as this ministry is; it is currently operating without any government funding or grants (although applications are being processed). Consequently, Michael and Kathy have been funding this home with private funds as well as partial donations. At this time here is an immediate need for monthly or one time to support to help those here in need. If you would like to partner with Chaplains Serving Polk County in this effort to give hope to the hopeless; please do so via the link below. Every bit helps! 

Chaplains Serving Polk County currently teaches a class called "Repair the Breach to Build Life Coach" at the Central County jail here in Polk County. Previously, we partnered with Heart 4 Winter Haven in Polk County assisting the program director in teaching a class called "Life from the Heart" for a period of two years. Both of these classes teach and encourage woman on how to change the course of their lives and live victoriously upon leaving the facility.

Chaplains Serving Polk County works closely with inmates that we have established personal relationships with during our time volunteering in the jail.  We make sure they know they are not alone when they get out. There are many ways that we offer help. One of those ways is by personally picking them up from jail when they have no one else to help.  We also offer assistance by providing prayerful support, Godly counsel and assistance with getting a variety of unexpected needs as they arise. In addition, our organization works in tandem with other non-profit organizations here in Polk County to connect inmates with valuable programs and resources to help them get established in the community.   These programs include additional courses in finances, counselling and housing assistance provided by Heart 4 Winter Haven. 

At Chaplains Serving Polk County we believe that true change is found when ones heart is given to Christ, thus living a surrendered life to him.  We spend valuable time pouring into those who stay with us at our Blessing House location.  Every Monday night a group of woman meet together to study the word of God, pray for each other, cry together and encourage one another. It is a safe place for them to heal.  During this time our house guests will learn how to be free from the bondage of  trauma and unforgiveness that has influenced their lives into a cycle of destruction and addiction. We believe whole heartedly that the root cause of destructive behavior can only truly be healed by the renewing of the mind through the washing of the word of God and the everlasting sacrifice that Christ made for us to set us free!

​

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

​

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.