History of Exodus

Exodus began in 1985 through the work of Don Dennis. Don, an ex-offender, had personally experienced the need for a program that provided both the practical and spiritual aspects necessary to meet the basic needs of ex-offenders.  It was his goal to create an agency that would break the generational cycle of crime and decrease recidivism.

Don worked with Chaplain Jerry Groom, the chaplain at the Coffield Unit and later the chief of chaplains for Texas Department of Criminal Justice, to create a ministry that would serve the un-met needs of ex-offenders.  Originally the ministry began under the Dallas Baptist Association with the mission to serve couples with children.  The organization first opened
its doors to two couples who were mentored by Don Dennis and his wife.  Throughout the next few years, the ministry grew to meet the increasing needs.  In the 1990’s as the organization expanded, the DBA assisted the agency with the purchase of the present facility, a twenty unit apartment complex.  Countless capital improvements have been made to the facility as well as many advancements to the ministries strategy. 

Today, the ministry serves single women ex-offenders and their children.   The agency is proud to have many dedicated board members and volunteers who work together to ensure the agency’s continued success!