What We Do
Agape Families aims to serve all family members who are impacted by incarceration with various camps, programs and support groups.
Summer Camps
The Agape Youth Camp is a free, outrageously fun experience for kids ages 7-17 who are impacted by incarceration. We offer multiple camps based on a child’s age and geographical location and each camp is tailored to the child’s experience and needs. We use trauma-informed principles as well as lessons from the Bible to help kids learn about hope, healing, and stability in the midst of their circumstances. Check out our camp registration page for details and ways to register or volunteer.
Year-Round Follow Up
While camp is our super fun catalyst program, our heart is to connect with families throughout the year in various ways. Follow up programs include church connections, mentorship, large outreach events, a summer internship program, and more. Check out our Follow Up Programs page for more details.
Year-Round Follow Up
While camp is our super fun catalyst program, our heart is to connect with families throughout the year in various ways. Follow up programs include church connections, mentorship, large outreach events, a summer internship program, and more. Check out our Follow Up Programs page for more details.
Encourage Group
Hearts are broken when a loved one has fallen and is sent away to prison. Wives, mothers, and grandmothers cope with deep, personal loss while continuing to raise children and keep the bills paid. A twice monthly group called Encourage was formed by Agape Families volunteers to provide a place of healing and support for these women. Jesus is at the center of these gatherings as the source of hope and strength for the difficult journey ahead.
OSP Chapel Service
After the post-covid lockdowns within the state prisons, Agape Families was eager to re-enter in April 2022 with a weekly Chapel service at Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. Our founder, Andy Papendieck, a volunteer at OSP since 1999, and his wife Heather, lead an encouraging time of testimony, worship, prayer, teaching and communion for the 20-25 men who gather each week. An early highlight for the Agape Chapel was holding the first water baptism service at OSP in over two years with 12 men participating! The men love hearing about the work of Agape Families and their heartfelt prayers are much appreciated. Please pray that those who gather will find hope, healing, and purpose in their identity as followers of Jesus.
OSP Chapel Service
After the post-covid lockdowns within the state prisons, Agape Families was eager to re-enter in April 2022 with a weekly Chapel service at Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. Our founder, Andy Papendieck, a volunteer at OSP since 1999, and his wife Heather, lead an encouraging time of testimony, worship, prayer, teaching and communion for the 20-25 men who gather each week. An early highlight for the Agape Chapel was holding the first water baptism service at OSP in over two years with 12 men participating! The men love hearing about the work of Agape Families and their heartfelt prayers are much appreciated. Please pray that those who gather will find hope, healing, and purpose in their identity as followers of Jesus.
Providing Resources
Whenever possible, Agape serves as a connector between families’ needs and available resources. Whether it’s Christmas gifts, school supplies, prayer, or more, Agape is committed to serve. And while we can’t always fill every available need, we look for opportunities to facilitate donations and help lift some of the economic and emotional burden on families.