In January 2005, I traveled to Kenya on my first mission trip, never imagining it would change the course of my life.

One afternoon, our team visited a men's prison. During the visit, I learned there was also a women's prison nearby. Curious, I asked if I could visit the women

As I listened to their stories, I realized these women were far more than prisoners. Many had committed minor offenses driven by poverty. They were mothers carrying deep wounds, broken relationships, and an overwhelming fear for the children they had left behind.

Some children were living inside the prison with their mothers. Others had been scattered among relatives or left with no stable place to call home.

I couldn't stop thinking about them.

One little boy in particular captured my heart. His story became the beginning of a journey that eventually led to the founding of Building Families For Tomorrow.

What began with one unexpected prison visit grew into a calling to restore women, rebuild families, and transform generations.

Today, Building Families For Tomorrow partners with the Kenya Prison Service to identify women preparing for release and walks alongside them through every step of restoration—from caring for their children while they are incarcerated to helping families reunite, launch businesses, establish homes, and achieve lasting independence.

I never imagined that asking to visit one prison would change the direction of my life.

I'm grateful that so many others have joined this journey. Together, we are proving that every mother deserves a second chance, every child deserves hope, and restoration can transform generations.

About Jana O'Guin

Founder and Executive Director Jana O'Guin founded Building Families For Tomorrow after a life-changing mission trip to Kenya in 2005. A former executive with Bell Helicopter and former International Director of Celebrate Recovery at Saddleback Church, Jana now divides her time between Texas and Kenya, leading BFFT's mission to restore women, rebuild families, and transform generations.