Looking for Penpals?

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Since several at WA expressed an interest in my last blog, Is Handwriting a Dying Art, I thought I might follow it with a possibility of choosing an inmate as a means to exchange handwritten notes and letters.

The interest in getting and sending handwritten notes prompted me to send this blog as a possible way to find someone with whom to write.

Over the years I have corresponded with a number of inmates. I only do handwritten letters.


There Are Some Risks

Finding and corresponding with an inmate can be risky. Besides, this isn't for everyone.

However, the good far outweighs the bad.

Some risks do exist:

  • getting conned
  • inmate trying to get something from you
  • your address exposed
  • becoming too personal

Can I tell you that you are in charge of all the above. I use a post office box address, and I write to those inmates with whom I have personally known.

I do correspond with several inmates on social media, and many have sent me friend requests on Facebook.


Jpay

Although this post concerns sending handwritten messages, inmates do have access to email messages. Most inmates want to get you involved with Jpay. Jpay gives them a means to receive money into their prison accounts

I'd suggest you keep your writing to handwritten messages. If you go the Jpay route, you aren't keeping handwriting alive, and most likely you will get conned into sending them money.

The requests begin small with a sob story about needing this or that item. I would highly recommend that you keep your contact with an inmate pen pal to written notes and letters.


Lots of caution here!!!

If you decide to find an inmate with whom to share written messages, know that it could be dangerous. Many inmates are looking for a lamb to fleece, so don't be their sacrificial lamb.

However, after serving over 40 years as a volunteer chaplain, I know the value placed on receiving mail by an inmate. It becomes a special time when mail is received by them.


Choose Someone You Know


Since one in every 100 Americans are incarcerated, you may know an inmate. Most of us do!

Maybe one of your former classmates has been incarcerated. He/she would love to hear from you. Choose him/her as a possible pen pal and exchange letters with that individual.

I would suggest, also, that you choose someone of the same sex as you to write. It keeps things much simpler if you do.

As always, I am here to help. Let me know if you have questions or concerns.w

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Recent Comments

14

Yes, this is a good and bad things maybe. Some of the inmates accused wrong, some of them wants to change their lives but they couldn't because they're behind the bars. These people needs courageous letter from someone who cares them outside their world. Someone that give them hope to continue making a good things that leads them to out and continues to live the remaining years of their lives in this earth soil.

So true, bluemagic. Most of us have made mistakes. However, the majority of the inmates will pay for theirs for the rest of their life.
If we take the role of mentor for an inmate, just maybe he/she might not return as 70 percent of the inmates do.
Blessings, and thanks for taking the time to write!

Thanks it sounds like a very worthy cause but being mindful of all the cautions you mentioned. I am from the UK and am not sure if I could take this on here. However, I am a founder member of our local Community Gospel Choir and we do hold concerts in our local womans prison and this is always an amazing experience for both inmates and ourselves. Hoping there are some who would take up your challenge of pen-paling inmates either here or in the U.S.A. or elsewhere. Thanks for sharing this opportunity.

Hi Alan,
Glad you visit the inmates! Can I say that they truly enjoy outsiders coming to sing and speak with them.
I spent 40 plus years in prisons in Kentucky. I never felt afraid or threatened; however, there are some risks. Your being cautious makes great sense.
Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. Blessings.

Sounds like a worthy altruistic cause

Thanks Rich,
It is, but one that must be attempted with eyes wide open.
Thanks for your comment. Blessings.

What a great cause.

Thanks so much. Yes! if you like to write, and most of us at WA do indeed, then finding an inmate with whom you can share how to live life on the outside becomes valuable to them.
Blessings.

It sounds like a great idea. Even inmates need friends This is one way to keep handwritten messages alive.

Maxine

You are so right, Maxine. No doubt you can be a huge influence on someone who has reached the bottom.
Besides, writing to an inmate gives us great practice and helps with our creativity.
Blessings!

Hi Howard thanks for sharing I have never heard of inmates pen pal it sound's like it can be intresting. We used to have a ministry for prisons and one thing i learned was how open they could be if you had their trust. They were also very excoriated to receive visitors or letter.one can alwsys have a word of encouragement to them.keep up the good work

That's great, my friend! Yes, we can help them by teaching principals that they can use whenever they get out. They need help in this area more than any other.
In Kentucky over 70% of the inmates return to prison. In reality an inmate ends up serving a life sentence three years at a time.
Blessings.

Thanks for sharing, Howard.

Thanks Roger.
Enjoy sharing the little bit I know! Blessings.

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