The Penitent Thief, Inc.

10/07/2026

"We're not really a program. We prefer to be more like a family."

Stacy explains why the women go out together once a month. They might have lunch, join a Bible study, or even visit a horse ranch. For some, it’s their first time being around horses.

These outings offer an escape, something therapeutic, and a chance to connect with others. As Stacy says, the women support her just as much as she supports them.

You can read more about the women’s program in this month’s issue of Inside The Mission: https://mailchi.mp/3e34f1aef552/sf-12773630falledition2026-12774179

09/29/2026

The room is filling up.

We said we wanted 400 people this year. We are not there yet, and we would love for you to be part of how we get there.

Thursday, November 19th. Doors open at 5:30 pm at First Orlando's John Young Campus. Carnival games, food, live entertainment, and a panel of business owners and community partners who help elevate our people. Program at 7:00 pm, out by 8:00 pm, because we respect your time.

And here is the part we are most excited about. The men and women in our program are the ones running the game booths alongside our community champions.

Yes, this is a fundraiser, but you're guaranteed to have some good family fun and learn about how you can be part of our mission! Be comfortable...wear shorts, wear a T-shirt. Come shake some hands and talk to our people about how far they have come. There is never any pressure at our events.

Free to attend. Register so we know how many chairs to set out. 🎪

https://thepenitentthief.org/events

09/24/2026

Check out our updated website!!

Enriching the lives of our formerly incarcerated neighbors

09/23/2026

🅿️ Even before a system had been established, even before a team had been formed, and even before most people knew that The Penitent Thief existed, Jeff Jaskot was already turning up.

He gave appliances to all of our transition homes and when the appliances required repair he repaired them himself. He employed our men who had come out of incarceration, even though most employers would not answer their calls. He donated a box truck, lent us equipment, and gave us financial support. He employed Stacy on a part-time basis during the period when she was moving from her career into this mission on a full-time basis. He has mentored Paul and has acted as a mentor to the people in our program. Above all else, though, he has been a friend.

There aren't enough words, Jeff, but we'll keep on trying. Thank you. Aggressive Appliances

Get an inside look at how our community shows up in our Inside the Mission monthly issues. DM us for more details.

09/22/2026

🅿️ Once a month, this stops being a program.

On a Sunday evening, everybody comes together. Not a class, not a session, not a service. The whole family in one room. This one was our first: a talent show! https://youtu.be/atE02aksKAY

Once a month, everybody comes together.Not a class. Not a session...

09/04/2026

You're invited! https://youtu.be/vBFzj9OYLoY

The first time around we had approximately 35 people, last year we had 309, and this year our aim is 400, which is something new for us.

We're throwing a carnival.

On Thursday, 19th of November, the doors will open at 5.30 at the John Young Campus of First Orlando. There will be carnival games, food, and also the opportunity to talk to people. The program will start at 7.00, when we'll become a bit more formal and show you what five years of work has achieved. We'll finish by 8.30, since we respect your time.

This is what happens in that room. To those men and women who have just come out, we can say all day long that the community is supporting them; but that night they get to see it—they see all those people turning up for them—and that's when someone thinks to themselves, well, I can do this.

So don't put your head in the sand about inviting somebody to a fundraiser. This is a good time. Wear shorts. Wear a T-shirt. Bring the kids. Come play a game, eat a sandwich, meet our people, and hear how far they've come.

We never exert any pressure at our events; you are our guest and all we want to do is say thank you.

Take a friend along. Assist us in reaching 400.

09/02/2026

News 6 WKMG / ClickOrlando Came out to Howey-in-the-Hills.

Virginia's Pancake Palace opened this summer in the old Howey Market, named after Brad and Christina Cowherd's 11-year-old daughter. When they decided to open it, they knew it would do something for the community too. So they partnered with us to hire second-chance employees.

Tara is one of them. She told News 6 her story better than we could, including the part about her 13-year-old daughter being back home with her permanently.

Here's what Christina Cowherd said about her second-chance team: "They are absolutely our hardest workers, and it has been a privilege to work with them."

That's an employer talking. Not a donor, not a volunteer. Somebody who took a chance on hiring and would tell you it was the best staffing decision they made.

Read the full story: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/09/01/this-central-florida-restaurant-isnt-just-serving-pancakes-its-changing-lives/

And if you want the rest of what's been happening around here, this month's Inside the Mission went out today. Pancakes in Lake County, a Sunday night talent show, and an invitation to something in November. You can read it here, and subscribe if you'd like it in your inbox: https://mailchi.mp/7d3aa4c36960/sf-12773630falledition2026

Virginia's Pancake Palace is at 101 S. Palm Ave, Howey-in-the-Hills, open 7am to 2pm every day. Go get the banana strawberry. Virginia says it's the best one.

A new Howey-in-the-Hills restaurant is serving up more than pancakes and coffee - it’s also helping people rebuild their lives.

06/02/2026

Our good friend, Tim Tucker, is here visiting from South Africa. Tim is a missionary with The Message, and has a servant’s heart. Please take a moment to read his latest blog.

Discover how Paul Del Favero’s journey from prison to purpose reveals that lasting transformation begins by showing up and following Jesus one day at a time.

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

Hey Friends and Family. We have a guest/missionary coming into town from South Africa for 9 nights, May 30-June 8th. Tim is a Godly man, huge servant’s heart, and runs a prison ministry much like Paul and I do, but over in South Africa. He will be here in the US visiting mission partners. We are always super excited to get to spend time with him while he’s in town, and he would typically stay with us. However, due to Paul’s mom living with us now, space is a bit tight. We were going to rent him an Airbnb local to us in the Maitland/Altamonte area, but wanted to put this out there first to see if anyone would have a guest cottage or spare room they’d be willing to host him for his visit. He’s very quiet, and will be out and about most days connecting with people in the community….and we are lending him a car to drive. Let me know if you feel like you’re able to offer some assistance here before I rent the Airbnb. Thank you!!!