We’re thrilled to announce the first issue of our online quarterly newsletter, created especially for family members, friends, and advocates of prisoners. To be added to the mailing list, send an email to melissabee@adoptaninmate.org.
Thank you, Connie Bergstrom, for your soothing contribution, I’m looking forward to an Epsom soak now that this issue is out :).
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg should be on every prisoner’s books-to-read wish list.
Forming good habits, changing old habits, reducing bad habits – are all much easier when you understand how habits are formed in our brain stem’s ancient ‘lizard brain’ area beyond conscious awareness.
Habits are not formed or changed the way most people believe. You will be fascinated by this useful book.
— Prisoner in Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Ossining, NY
Note: When sending books to prisoners, it is usually required that books be sent directly from the publisher or bookseller. Please check the rules for the specific facility, which can usually be found on the website. (If you don’t see mail rules on the site, look in the family handbook, also usually available to view and/or download on the facility website.)
Reading a book about the work of someone who has dedicated his life to freeing the innocent is inspiring. When you’re reading that book behind bars, it also evokes melancholy and wishful thinking. No matter where you are when you crack the cover on Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy, be prepared to stay put until you’re finished reading it. Be prepared also to have your eyes opened – maybe even welling with tears.
Stevenson, who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, takes readers inside prison walls and courtrooms, introducing us to the human beings sentenced to die by the hands of justice system officials and a public who’ve forgotten to, or refuse to, view them as humans.
Jason in Texas writes often, has a big heart, and has connected us with others on the inside who need adopting. Jason is one of the fortunate ones in that he has access to his own funds for commissary, and wants to reimburse us for the cost of sending him e-mail and books. (Jpay charges 49¢ per page for an e-mail.)
TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice), where Jason is, offers a service called “e-comm,” that allows friends and family from the outside to purchase commissary-like items that do not count against the inmates’ spend limit for commissary ($85 every two weeks). There is also a spend limit for e-comm, which is $50 per calendar quarter, per inmate. Because e-comm is through a different provider than commissary, they carry different items, so inmates can have a little variety.
We are sending Jason some books that he can read and pass on to others. See our sidebar for a long list of prison book programs.
Please comment or send us an email if you know other angels on the inside that we can spotlight.
We love you Jason!
melissabee
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