A Prison Pen Pal

In 2005 I decided to do something with my life that might make a difference in someone Else’s life so I decided to start surfing the net for pen pals, I never knew that they would have listed prison pen pals when I started looking, when I first discovered that type of pen pal site I was fascinated and wondered what it would be like to write to people in prison.

Yes I know they are there because of a crime they committed but they are still people and they still need communication with the outside world.

All the sites I found listed what the person was in for that I was going to write to as well as their prison number so I decided to try it. I selected four different people to write to from four different prisons in the United States, told them a little about myself and sent them a photo of me. After all I already had a photo of them because there photo was also on the pen pal site so I thought they should be able to see who they were writing to..

I sent the four different letters and waited for their reply which I received in about two weeks. All four had answered my letters. We wrote each other at least once a week at times more. I was amazed at the talent some of them had as they would make me cards and draw pictures as well as write poems. Some had families waiting for them on the outside, others when they got out would have no one, as these four got close to getting out I chose a few more to write to. Even though most of the ones that I started with have been out for quite sometime now we still stay in contact by phone or email at least once a month. There are a total of eight that have gotten out since I began writing to prisoners.

While in prison one of the guys did leather craft and now that he is out he is in the process of opening his own leather craft shop. when he was in prison he made me a beautiful leather checkbook cover as well as a purse. he has changed his whole life around even though he is out in the real world he has never forgotten his friend that kept him going on the days he was down and lonely. we chat on the phone at least once every two months and we email each other about once a week

Writing to prisoners probably isn’t for everyone, but for those of you that have a little time on your hands and care to make a small difference you just might like to check it out. I have never been sorry that I started writing. There are many prison pen pal sites. All you have to do is search prison pen pals, yes there are some that are better than others as you look them over you will find the ones that you like best.

I do make a point from my very first letter that I do not give money to any of the prisoners that I write to. I also never write to more than one prisoner in the same prison. I try to make all that I write to feel special. 

If you think that this is something you might like to do then check out prison pen pals and remember to always write their prison number on the outside of the envelope because most prisons will not give the inmate the mail (it will be returned to you) if there is no inmate number on the envelope. Also each prison is different with different rules as you get to know each prison you will soon learn what is allowed and not allowed.

Don’t give the prisoner more info than you want them to have till you get to know them well enough and feel comfortable with what you are giving them.

Make it known right from the start that you don’t intend on supporting them.

A lot of them are looking for a real relationship once they get out but if you aren’t interested in a relationship let them know that right from the start as well.

Have fun writing.