Kaio Community Member

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Emmaus Ministries reaches out to men in survival prostitution on the streets of Chicago. Through nightly outreach teams and a daytime drop-in center, Emmaus staff and volunteers build relationships of trust with the men, working together to assist them in getting off the streets, rebuilding their lives, and cultivating a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

The word "Kaio," pronounced kah’-yo, is a Greek word that means "to set on fire, to consume." It’s used in Luke 24, in which the disciples say of Jesus, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?"

The Kaio Community offers a unique opportunity for passionate people, motivated by the Gospel, to devote a year to voluntary service with an often-overlooked population in the diverse, exciting city of Chicago. During this year of spiritual, personal, and professional growth, Kaio members are stretched and supported by being part of an intentional community.

Kaio members work full time for Emmaus and are involved in every area of the ministry. They build relationships of trust with men involved in survival prostitution while working on Outreach teams and in the Ministry Center. Each Kaio member is also responsible for an administrative project during their service.

Kaio Community members make a one-year commitment to full-time service, prayer, intentional community, and living simply. Emmaus offers health insurance, room and board, a small weekly stipend, spiritual direction, and at least a few life-changing moments.

Kaio is open to those 21 and over. Members typically join Emmaus in late August/early September. Applications are accepted year-round, but priority is given to applications submitted before July 15.