see attached
Resource Directory for Prisoners
Naljor Prison Dharma Service
(Version: 3/21/2018)
Friends, this resource directory is our way of extending compassion and assistance to you in a way that will
hopefully bring some practical benefit and upliftment in this challenging time of your life. It is our sincere desire
that these resources will offer new horizons of possibility and positive potential. Please note, in addition to the
mailing address of the organizations listed, we chose, when possible, to include the phone numbers, e-mail
addresses, and websites. In this way, all possible avenues are offered for you and those you are connected with on
the outside to establish contact with these excellent resources. If you have a chaplain, friend or family member with
access to the internet, this directory may be printed out free of charge from our website. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual Resources / Buddhist
• Americana Buddhist Temple
10515 Noth Latson Road, Howell MI 48855 / Website: www.abtemple.org
The major practice of this Temple includes Ch'an and Esoteric Buddhist Teachings; the abbot, Ven. Cheng
Kuan, is a descendant of the Tsao Dong Chan lineage. We offer Mahayana Buddhist books free to prisoners.
Please write for a booklist. We also offer free downloads of Buddhist books on our website.
• Amitabha Buddhist Society of U.S.A.
650 South Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale CA 94087 / Tel: (408) 736-3386 / E-mail: info@amtb-usa.org /
Website: www.amtb-usa.org
Pure Land Buddhism (Mahayana), is a method of cultivation for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. This path is
for those who wish to transform life's pain and suffering into happiness and fulfillment with direction and purpose.
We offer audio and video tapes, books, and pictures of Buddha. Teachings offered in English or Chinese. Please
write for a catalog. We are not the publisher, so please provide specific prison regulations for receiving items.
• Asian Classics Institute
Correspondence Course, 7055 Juniper Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80908 / Tel: (212) 475-7752 /
E-mail: aci@world-view.org / Website: www.world-view.org
The Asian Classics Institute is dedicated to the serious study and personal practice of the original teachings of the
Buddha. Our purpose is to provide a thorough, accurate Tibetan Buddhist education to anyone interested. We offer
15 formal study courses which parallel the same basic core of information that a Geshe (Doctor of Theology) learns
at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. This course is provided free of charge to prisoners who are unable to pay.
• Buddhist Association of the United States
1709 Mexico Ave., Tarpon Springs FL 34689 / E-mail: rjbhhh3@mac.com / Website: www.baus.org
We welcome inquiries from all schools of Buddhism. You may write to receive books on Buddhism and our
Buddhist Correspondence Course. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of
Buddhism, with a focus on meditation and mindfulness practice.
• Buddhist Bookstore / Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
1710 Octavia St, San Francisco CA 94109 / E-mail: bcahq@pacbell.net
The Jodo Shinsu lineage emphasizes gratitude for Amida Buddha for freely given wisdom and compassion. Amida
Buddha embraces everyone regardless of deeds or character, all that is required for liberation is accepting Amida
Buddha’s embrace. Write to request Jodo Shinshu pamphlets as well as a catalogue for the Buddhist Bookstore.
• The Buddhist Library
PO Box 20101, Fredericton, NB E3B 6Y8 Canada
The Buddhist Library is a nonprofit service organization which distributes books, catalogues, magazines, and other
materials on Buddhist teachings and training. Subjects include: meditation, dealing with fear and worry, ethics, stress
reduction, coping with change, bringing peace into your life, developing personal insight, and many more topics.
The Library responds to all requests for information, but the majority of our distributions go to inmates of
penitentiaries in the United States and Canada. We welcome correspondence from everyone interested in Buddhist
thought. The Library will provide information, and material where possible, and will act as a referral service to other
Buddhist sources as appropriate. (A letter to Canada requires .60 cents.)
• Buddhist Peace Fellowship / Turning Wheel Newsletter
PO Box 4650, Berkeley CA 94704-0650 / E-mail: prisons@bpf.org / Website: www.bpf.org
Turning Wheel Journal is the quarterly publication of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. The BPF prison project
offers a one year subscription to prisoners for $10.00, and for non-prisoners the cost is $45.00 per year.
• Compassion Works For All / Dharma Friends Newsletter
PO Box 7708, Little Rock AR 72217-7708
Compassion Works For All offers their monthly newsletter, Dharma Friends, free to prisoners. Available by
subscription ($10 for 4 months) to those who are not incarcerated or for those who can offer this donation.
Dharma Friends supports Buddhists in their meditation practice and provides healing and psychological guidance.
Write to: Dharma Friends / Compassion Works For All, and ask to be placed on the Dharma Friends mailing list.
• Dallas Buddhist Association
515 Apollo Rd, Richardson TX 75081 / E-mail: amtbdba@yahoo.com / Website: www.amtb-dba.org
Pure Land Buddhism (Mahayana), is a method of cultivation for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. This path is
for those who wish to transform life's pain and suffering into happiness and fulfillment with direction and purpose.
We offer audio and video tapes, books, and pictures of Buddha. Teachings offered in English or Chinese. You may
write for a catalog, and please provide specific prison regulations for receiving items.
• Dharma Publishing
2910 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley CA 94702 / Tel: (510) 548-5407 / E-mail: info@dharmapublishing.com /
Website: www.dharmapublishing.com
We prefer to send books to prison libraries where they can be enjoyed by many, but we can also send individual
books to prisoners upon request.
• Dharma Seed Archival Center
PO Box 66, Wendell Depot MA 01380 / E-mail: dharma@crocker.com
Inmates may write to receive free audio and video talks on Western Vipassana Buddhist teachings. Please include
shipping instructions in accord with prison regulations for receiving audio or video tapes.
• Dharmaseed Prison Project
PO Box 1494, Attn: Molly Chambers, Greenfield MA 01301 / Website: www.dharmaseed.org
The Dharmaseed Prison Project offers tapes and CDs of Western Buddhist teachers regarding meditation and
Buddhism. To start the process, please request either a beginners, intermediate or an advanced catalog which will be
sent to you. You may then select which CDs you want on the catalog form and return it to Dharmaseed.
Dharmaseed will then send your requests. A limited number of tapes are also available upon request.
• Freeing the Mind / Kadampa Buddhism
Kelsang Tekchog c/o Saraha Buddhist Center, PO Box 12037, San Francisco CA 94112 /
Website: www.kadampas.org
The New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) is an association of Buddhist Centers and practitioners that derive their
inspiration and guidance from the example of the ancient Kadampa Buddhist Masters and their teachings, as
presented by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Please write to request a correspondence program or free books offering the
teachings of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
• Gassho Newsletter / Atlanta Soto Zen Center
Attn: Gassho, 1167-C Zonolite Place, Atlanta GA 30306 / Website: www.aszc.org
The Gassho newsletter is a free publication created by and written for incarcerated sangha practitioners. Articles
discuss prison life and the practice of Buddhism for those serving time. Each issue is produced in conjunction with
the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. Inmates may write and request to be on the mailing list. Also, we welcome questions,
articles, artwork, etc. from prisoners for publication.
• The Heart Mountain Project
c/o Doug Booth, 1223 South St. Francis Drive Suite C, Santa Fe NM 87505
We offer a 17-page meditation manual free of charge to prisoners. Choose from several styles of meditation practice
to attain deep relaxation, clear thinking, and peace of mind—a place you can go at any time to find renewed
strength to deal with life’s challenges. A Spanish translation is available. May you be at peace.
• Insight Meditation Society
1230 Pleasant St, Barre MA 01005 / Tel: (978) 355-4378 / E-mail: ims@dharma.org /
Website: www.dharma.org/ims
IMS is a Buddhist vipassana meditation center. Inmates may write to receive a free copy of our newsletter Insight,
which comes out twice a year, as well as receive a letter listing other resources.
• International Buddhist Meditation Center
928 South New Hampshire Ave, Los Angeles CA 90006 / Tel: (213) 384-0850 / E-mail: karunadh@earthlink.net /
Website: www.ibmc.info
IBMC is primarily oriented toward Zen but teaches all schools of Buddhism. You may write to receive two free
books: Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice by Thich Thien-An and Buddhist Concepts by American Disciples. We
also offer a free newsletter.
• Liberation Prison Project
PO Box 31527, San Francisco CA 94131 / Tel: (415) 701-8500 / E-mail: info@liberationprisonproject.org /
Website: www.liberationprisonproject.org
We provide many services and materials for prisoners interested in Tibetan Buddhism. We offer the following: free
Tibetan Buddhist books; small booklets for specific practices and prayers; materials for prison libraries; a free
subscription to our publication Liberation Magazine; and practice support for serious students. Selected literature
is available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
• Metta Forest Monastery
PO Box 1409, Valley Center CA 92082 / Website: www.watmetta.org
Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by
Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation
teacher since 1993. We offer free Dhamma books including translations from the Pali Canon and teachers in the
Thai Forest Tradition, as well as books by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. Please write or visit our website for a list of
available titles.
• Naljor Prison Dharma Service
Website: www.naljorprisondharmaservice.org
Naljor Prison Dharma Service offers The Heart of Dharma Collection: ten precious dharma teachings. These
accurate, concise teachings are perfect for daily study, contemplative meditation, and inspiration. Practitioners of all
lineages will greatly benefit from these essential teachings. This entire collection is available free of charge from our
website. We also offer an excellent 29-page Resource Directory for Prisoners. This directory presents an open
horizon of possibility and potential for personal support and psychological/spiritual transformation. We encourage
individuals and outreach organizations serving those on the inside to freely download and distribute these teachings
as well as our Resource Directory. You are welcome to put your own information at the top of this directory to
customize it for your organization. For those on the inside, if you have a chaplain, friend or family member with
access to the internet, this directory and the collection of dharma teachings mentioned above can be printed out
free of charge from our website.
• National Buddhist Prison Sangha / Zen Mountain Monastery
PO Box 197, South Plank Road, Mt. Tremper NY 12457
The National Buddhist Prison Sangha is a nationwide support network offering personal guidance, support, and
instruction for prisoners interested in Zen Buddhist practice through correspondence, books, audio tapes, and a
series of training manuals specially designed for prison practitioners.
• Noble Silence Program 100-Day
Dharma Instructions, NFPP, 23611 NE SR26, Melrose FL 32666
Free Dharma instructions (meditation, Buddhist spirituality) are available for anyone inside or out of prison, and to
institutions anywhere in the USA or Canada. This is NOT a book, but rather instructions. For more information
write to the address above and please send a self addressed stamped envelope if possible.
• Parallax Press
PO Box 7355, Berkeley CA 94707
We offer the engaged Buddhist teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. You may write to receive slightly damaged books
free of charge. You may request a specific Thich Nhat Hanh book, however it may not always be possible to fulfill
your request, or simply write and request our catalogue.
• Prison Mindfulness Institute
PO Box 206, South Deerfield MA 01373 / E-mail: info@prisonmindfulness.org /
Website: www.prisonmindfulness.org
Nonsectarian international support network for prisoners, contemplative organizations, volunteers, and corrections
staff.
• Purple Lotus Temple
636 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno CA 94066 / Tel: (650) 952-9513 / Website: www.purplelotus.com
The objective of the Purple Lotus Temple is to promote, with compassion and dedication, the True Buddha Tantric
Dharma to benefit sentient beings. The Purple Lotus Journal is a yearly magazine offering reprinted teachings and
lectures. Prisoners may write to receive a free subscription and further information. We also donate Buddhist books
to prison libraries and prison dharma groups. Our magazine and books are available in either Chinese or English.
Please provide us with the prison regulations for sending books.
• Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca NY 14851-6483 / E-mail: info@snowlionpub.com / Website: www.snowlionpub.com
Snow Lion Publications offers a free newsletter and catalog (called Snow Lion) upon request. We will also consider
sending books to prisoners in solitary confinement.
• Srvasti Abbey / Ven. Thubten Chodron
PO Box 30446, Spokane, WA 99223
Sravasti Abbey offers books on Buddhism by Ven. Thubten Chodron and other Buddhist teachers to inmates and
prison libraries free of charge. Tapes and CDs with guided Buddhist medtiations and teachings are also available.
• Strawberry Dragon Zendo
1800 Robertson Blvd #197, Los Angeles CA 90035
Strawberry Dragon Zendo is a Buddhist outreach program involved in prison work, hospital and hospice, and interreligious work. Inmates may request books for prison libraries. Those who are seriously interested in the study of
Buddhism are encouraged to write.
• The Sutra Translation Committee of the US and Canada
2611 Davidson Ave, Bronx NY 10468 / Tel: (718) 584-0621 / E-mail: ymba@ymba.org / Website: www.ymba.org
We offer a number of excellent dharma books to prisoners free of charge. Please write for a list of these books.
• Tricycle Magazine: The Buddhist Review
1115 Broadway Suite 1113, New York NY 10010 / Subscription Services: (800) 873-9871
Tricycle Magazine is published quarterly. Inmates may write to request used or damaged issues.
• Wildmind Meditation Services
177 Main Street, Newmarket NH 03857 / E-mail: steve@wildmind.org / Website: www.wildmind.org
Wildmind Meditation Services is a non-profit organization promoting mindfulness and compassion through the
practice of meditation. We offer guided meditations tapes (in clear plastic, assembled without screws) for use in
prisons. Tapes include the Mindfulness of Breathing meditation and the Metta Bhavana (Developing Loving
Kindness) meditation. These tapes are available to prisoners free of charge. If family or friends want to purchase the
tapes for a prisoner or their own use, there is a charge of $6.95 per tape plus shipping costs. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual Resources / Christian
• American Bible Academy
PO Box 1627, Joplin MO 64802 / Website: www.abarc.org
We offer seven different Bible correspondence courses in English and Spanish. We also provide Bibles, Christian
greeting cards and baptisteries, available through your prison chaplain.
• Bethany Divinity College and Seminary
2573 Hodgesville Road, Dothan AL 36301 / Tel: (334) 793-3189 / E-mail: bethanybc@alla.net /
Website: www.bethanybc.edu
Bethany Divinity College and Seminary is now in its third decade of providing off-campus theological education to
students. We are a nondenominational school, conservative theologically, offering both undergraduate and graduate
degrees in the areas of Christian counseling, Christian education, missions, Bible, and theology. We are an approved
Southern Baptist seminary extension. Inmates receive 50% discount off the regular tuition. Write for further
information.
• Christian Bible College and Seminary
10106 East Truman Road, Independence MO 64052-2158 / Tel: (800) 543-3720 / E-mail: info@cbcs-degree.com /
Website: www.cbcs-degree.com
The Christian Bible College and Seminary was founded to make available valid and affordable Theological degrees
and/or a Christian Counseling Therapist Certification to all who labor in His service. We offer accredited Associate,
Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degree programs, and board certified Christian Counseling and Therapist
Certification.
• Emmaus Correspondence School
2570 Asbury Road, Dubuque IA 52001 / Tel: (563) 588-8000 / E-mail: rnor@emmaus.edu /
Website: www.ecsministries.org
Offers Bible correspondence courses in English and Spanish. Today, through the cooperation of the Emmaus
Home Office and a network of prison coordinators, doors have been opened to more than 3,000 institutions, where
inmates are being reached and taught through Emmaus correspondence courses. More than 4 million courses have
found their way behind bars and into prison cells. This ministry has been used by God to transform lives, not only
of prisoners, but often of family members. Many become powerful witnesses to other inmates. Certificate of
completion upon completion of course.
• Full Gospel Bible Institute
PO Box 1230, Coatesville PA 19320 / Tel: (610) 857-2357
Preparing and developing men and women for the ministry through in-depth study of the Bible. We offer a
nationally accredited Graduate of Theology Program through correspondence.
• Heart of America Prison Ministry Inc.
PO Box 1685, Independence MO 64055 / Tel: (816) 257-1822 / E-mail: tommhair@comcast.net /
Website: www.heartmin.org
Heart of America Prison Ministry is dedicated to helping inmates come closer to God. If you write a short
testimony, we will put you on a waiting list to receive a beautiful leather-bound study Bible. You will also be placed
on the mailing list for our monthly newsletter.
• International Bible Society
1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80921-3696 / Tel: (719) 488-9200 / Website: www.ibsdirect.com
Inmates may write to request an NIRV (New International Readers Version) Free On the Inside Bible. Developed
in conjunction with Prison Fellowship, this paperback Bible includes helps, easy-to-read text, and is available in
English or Spanish. Prison inmates nationwide testify that this Bible has changed their lives like no other.
• Joy Writers' Ministry / The Church at Liberty Square
2001 Liberty Square Drive, Cartersville GA 30121 / Tel: (770) 382-9489
Christian pen pals.
• Lamp and Light Publishers, Inc.
26 Road 5577, Farmington NM 87401 / Tel: (505) 632-3521 / E-mail: lamplight@cyberport.com
Offers a total of 14 Bible correspondence study courses free of charge. Certificate of completion.
• Loved Ones of Prisoners (LOOPS)
PO Box 14953, Odessa TX 79768 / Tel: (915) 580-5667 / E-mail: info@loopsministries.com /
Website: www.Loopsministries.com
Loved Ones Of PrisonerS, Inc. is a nondenominational, nonprofit, religious organization dedicated to the support
and restoration of prisoners and their families through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Inmates may write to LOOPS and
request their newsletter, Reflections. The newsletter lists the Bible correspondence courses which are offered.
Certificate of completion is offered as well.
• The Messianic Times
PO Box 2190, Niagara Falls NY 14302 / Tel: (905) 685-4072 / E-mail: office@messianictimes.com /
Website: www.messianictimes.com
The Messianic Times is a leading international Messianic Jewish newspaper. It includes news from the worldwide
Messianic community, Israeli current events and analysis, opinion pieces, book and music reviews, teaching articles,
and a directory of Messianic Jewish synagogues. We seek to provide accurate, authoritative, and current information
to unite the international Messianic Jewish community, teach Christians the Jewish roots of their faith, and proclaim
that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah. Write for a free subscription.
• The Missing Link
PO Box 40031, Cleveland OH 44140-0031 / E-mail: online@misslink.org / Website: www.misslink.org
We concentrate on linking troubled youth and adults with life changing programs around the world. Our services
include: Christian residential programs, providing counseling and other services to incarcerated adults and juveniles,
ministering to the needs of families who have a member in prison, providing encouragement and guidance to
persons recently released from prison, and many other services. We offer our services without discrimination
toward one’s religious or sexual preferences.
• Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries
PO Box 1530 Woodinville WA 98072-1530 / Tel: (425) 483-4151 ext. 1 /E-mail: GVT@pfcom.org
Prisoners For Christ Outreach Ministries is a nondenominational Christian prison ministry. We are dedicated to
sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are now expanding throughout the United States with our popular Bible
study correspondence course. You may write to receive the first introductory lesson. Certificate of completion
issued after each unit of the course.
• Prison Fellowship Ministries
PO Box 17500, Washington DC 20041 / Tel: (703) 478-0100 / E-mail: correspondence@pfm.org /
Website: www.pfm.org
PFM is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization with one mission: exhort, equip, and assist the Church in its
ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims and their families, and to promote biblical standards of justice in the
criminal justice system. We are the largest prison ministry in the world, offering a broad array of services which
include, InnerChange Freedom Initiative: comprehensive in-prison pre-release programs and aftercare; Angel Tree:
church volunteers buy and deliver gifts to the children of prisoners in the name of the incarcerated parent; Pen Pal
Program; and we publish the Inside Journal, a free newspaper written strictly for prisoners and distributed in nearly
every American correctional facility seven times a year through the chapel.
• Prison Mission Association / Bible Correspondence Fellowship
PO Box 2300, Port Orchard WA 98366 / Tel: (360) 876-0918 / E-mail: pma@pmabcf.org /
Website: www.pmabcf.org
Inmates may write to PMA and request Bible study courses. PMA will respond with the first Bible course.
Completion certificate issued at the end of each course studied.
• Prison Resources
Maury Maurer, 59 Industrial Road, PO Box 649, Addison IL 60101 / Tel: (630) 543-1441 /
E-mail: friendmaury@cs.com / Website: www.prisonresources.com
We provide Christian literature, both for evangelization and for feeding souls, to inmates or chaplains upon request.
You can write to receive free Bibles, calendars, and Christian literature (nonfiction).
• Set Free Prison Ministries
PO Box 5440, Riverside CA 92517 / Tel: (909) 787-9907 / E-mail: sfpmkyr@aol.com
Bible study courses sent directly to inmates, free of charge, in Spanish and English. SFPM provides a set curriculum
of Bible courses, along with a postage paid return envelope, and offers a completion certificate with each completed
course.
• Water of Life/Steinkamp Bible Studies
7623 East Avenue, Fontana CA 92336 / E-mail: brians@wateroflifecc.org
Steinkamp Prison Ministry offers a 10-lesson course that takes you through all 27 books of the New Testament and
exposes you to 9 basic doctrines. Course takes 10 months. A certificate is issued at the 3rd lesson and upon
completion. You will receive a full Bible after lesson 7. We also provide Now What booklets to help you
understand Salvation.
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Spiritual Resources / Hindu and Yoga
• The American Gita Society
511 Lowell Place, Fremont CA 94536 / Website: www.gita-society.com
The American Gita Society offers a free membership, open to all. We offer a free Gita correspondence course. For
the Gita correspondence course, send your request along with a self-addressed stamped envelope (business-size
#10) with 2 first-class stamps on it. We also provide a free hardcover Bhagavad Gita to the prison library or
chaplain upon request (not sent to individual inmates).
• Association of Happiness for all Mankind (AHAM)
4368 NC Hwy 134, Asheboro NC 27203 / E-mail: ahamcntr@asheboro.com / Website: www.aham.com
We are a direct lineage of the teacher Ramana Maharshi. Please write to us if you are interested in the practice of
Self Inquiry (Atma Vichara) and awakening to your True Nature. We offer a free newsletter, Heart to Heart, and
the booklets: Living Free While Incarcerated and Practicing Self Inquiry.
• The Gangaji Foundation Prison Project
505A San Marin Drive Suite 120, Novato CA 94945 / Tel: (415) 899-9855 (800) 267-9205 / E-mail: info@gangaji.org
/ Website: www.gangaji.org
The Gangaji Foundation Prison Program is committed to supporting prisoners throughout the world by providing
volunteers, books, audio and video tapes at no charge. There are some prisoners who would like to correspond with
volunteers regarding the teachings of Gangaji. If you are interested please write to Hari Lubin, Prison Program
Manager c/o the Gangaji Foundation. Many prisons have started video groups on their own. These groups meet on
a regular basis to watch videos of Gangaji and discuss the ways this teaching affects them on a personal level. Some
prison participants have reported a reduction in anger and tension, and realized that they are already the freedom
and peace that they have been seeking. Videotapes and books are sent to these groups free of charge.
• IPBYS (International Pure Bhakti Yoga Society) Prison Program
PO Box 52724, Durham NC 27717 / E-mail: prisonseva@gmail.com / Website: www.prisonseva.org
The International Pure Bhakti Yoga Society (IPBYS) operates by the mercy of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana
Gosvami Maharaja (Srila Gurudeva). We distribute Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja’s nectar filled books, full of
spiritual enlivenment. We also offer a free monthly course answering such questions as: What is the soul? Who is
God? What is my true purpose? What is karma? Why do I suffer and how can I end my suffering? What is the best
type of yoga? What is the best way to meditate? What is life’s greatest treasure? We also provide spiritual pen pals.
Please write us to request books or to sign up for the course.
• ISKCON Prison Ministry
1400 Cherry St, Denver CO 80220
ISKCON Prison Ministry has been giving Krishna consciousness to the inmates of prisons all over the world for
over 20 years. Many people are looking for Krishna while incarcerated. We offer free books on devotional yoga,
spiritual correspondence, Back To Godhead magazines, japa and neck beads, and our IPM Freedom Newsletter.
• Noble Silence Program 100-Day
Dharma Instructions, NFPP, 23611 NE SR26, Melrose FL 32666
Free Dharma instructions (meditation, spirituality) are available for anyone inside or out of prison, and to
institutions anywhere in the USA or Canada. This is NOT a book, but rather instructions. For more information
write to the address above and please send a self addressed stamped envelope if possible.
• Osho Viha Meditation Center
PO Box 352, Mill Valley CA 94942 / E-mail: oshoviha@oshoviha.org
The Osho Meditation Center offers books by the enlightened master Osho (Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh), free of charge
by request. We will send you available books from our present stock. We also offer a video program, providing free
Osho videos, as well as the video “Doing Time Doing Vipassana.”
• Ram Dass Tape Library Foundation
524 San Anselmo Ave #203, San Anselmo CA 94960 / Website: www.ramdasstapes.org
We provide audio tapes of the treasured lectures and teachings of Ram Dass free of charge to inmates. Ram Dass’
Hindu oriented teachings focus on service and devotion as spiritual path. You may write for a catalog or make a
specific tape request. Please be sure to send your request with the necessary information regarding facility
regulations for cassette tapes. Our cassette tapes are in clear, five-screw cassette shells.
• Sai Baba Bookstore
305 West First St, Tustin CA 92780
Inmates may write to receive free books with the teachings of Sai Baba.
• Siddha Yoga Meditation Prison Project / SYDA Foundation
Prison Project, PO Box 99140, Emeryville CA 94662 / Tel: (510) 428-1836 /
E-mail: prisonproject@compuserve.com / Website: www.siddhayoga.org
The Prison Project is dedicated to supporting the spiritual development of incarcerated students of Siddha Yoga
meditation. Swami Muktananda, who founded this Project in 1979, wrote a message to prisoners in which he said,
“If you want to respect yourself, if you want to improve yourself, if you want to experience the joy of your own
inner Self, you can do that anywhere, even in prison.” The Prison Project provides a free 12-year Siddha Yoga
correspondence study course, called In Search of the Self, free of charge to any prisoner who requests it. Lessons
are received monthly and are available in Spanish translation. The Prison Project also includes over 200 trained
volunteer teachers who visit prisons and provide programs and courses designed to deepen the student’s
understanding of Siddha Yoga. The goal of the efforts of over 200 teachers is to enable sincere seekers to devote
their prison time to the discovery of the divinity that exists within us all.
• Sivananda Yoga Prison Project
Prisoner Outreach, PO Box 195, Budd Road, Woodbourne NY 12788 / Tel: (845) 434-9242 /
E-mail: YogaRanch@sivananda.org / Website: www.sivananda.org
Serves all prisoners requesting help and guidance in their spiritual life. Letters are received almost daily and every
one is individually responded to. A free copy of Swami Vishnu-devananda’s The Complete Illustrated Book of
Yoga is sent to inmates upon request.
• The TriYoga Prison Project
Kali Ray TriYoga, PO Box 6367, Malibu CA 90264 / Tel: (310) 589-0600 / E-mail: info@triyoga.com /
Website: www.triyoga.com
The TriYoga Prison Project offers classes, workshops, and teacher trainings in correctional institutions. We
correspond with inmates, and upon request will provide TriYoga products such as instructional videos, meditation
music, and teacher manuals free of charge.
• Yoga on the Inside Foundation
1256 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90024 / Tel: (310) 234-2700 (888) 569-YOGA /
E-mail: info@yogainside.org / Website: www.yogainside.org
Yoga on the Inside is a nonprofit organization supporting yoga across the nation in places where it's most needed
yet least accessible: schools, treatment centers, children's shelters, pregnant teen programs, juvenile detention
facilities, prisons, inner city communities, and a variety of other settings. Our mission is to “Encourage Freedom
Within” using the 5,000-year-old practices of yoga and meditation. Write for more information or for programs in
your area.
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Further Resources for Psychological / Spiritual Transformation
(Ageless Wisdom / Interfaith / Metaphysical / Native American / Psychology)
• Anthroposophical Prison Outreach Project
1923 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor MI 48104-1797 / E-mail: prisonoutreach@anthroposophy.org /
Website: www.anthroposophy.org
Do you, as a prisoner, feel that there must be some meaning in your prison experience that is still to be discovered?
Or that you can give it meaning? If so, you might be interested in Anthroposophy—the path from the spirit in man
to the spirit in the universe. Anthroposophy embraces a spiritual view of the human being and cosmos, but its
emphasis is on knowing, not faith. It is a path in which the human heart and hand, and especially our capacity for
thinking, are essential. You may write to receive an initial package of literature containing a booklet titled SelfDevelopment In The Penitentiary, as well as other articles and meditation exercises.
• The Art of Living / Prison SMART Program
PO Box 3642, Boulder CO 80307 / E-mail: tduffy4u@cs.com / Website: www.artofliving.org /
Website: www.prisonsmart.org
The Prison SMART (Stress Management And Rehabilitative Training) Program has gained national recognition and
is now offered in prisons and juvenile detention halls across the United States. The breathing techniques and
cognitive skills taught by Prison SMART Foundation volunteers help participants to reduce and manage their stress
levels in order to help them think more clearly and improve their actions. Thousands who have completed the
Prison SMART Foundation's stress management programs are living testaments to its mission. This unique stress
management program assists prisoners in their personal rehabilitation, reducing violence and drug dependence,
while teaching inmates to accept responsibility for past actions and future conduct. We achieve our goals through a
collaborative effort with our sister organization The Art of Living Foundation. This collaborative effort has allowed
the program to expand internationally.
• Association for Research and Enlightenment
215 67th St, Virginia Beach VA 23451 / Tel: (800) 333-4499 / Website: www.edgarcayce.org
Helping people change their lives for the better through the ideas presented in the Edgar Cayce readings. Inmates
may write to receive two books every other month, with the exception that inmates in Washington, California, and
Oregon will receive one book a month. Books offered are oriented toward the teachings of Edgar Cayce, selfimprovement, spiritual growth, holistic health, intuition, and ancient mysteries.
• Contemplative Outreach
PO Box 737, Butler NJ 07405 / Website: www.contemplativeoutreach.org
Contemplative Outreach is an international spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed
to renewing the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday, active life. Our primary focus is presenting the
method of Centering Prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence, traditionally called
contemplative prayer. It consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action
within. It furthers the development of contemplative prayer by quieting our faculties to cooperate with the gift of
God’s presence. You may write to receive a free booklet, Locked Up and Free. We also offer a variety of video
and written resources for ongoing spiritual formation which we will provide to the prison chaplain.
• The Conversations With God Foundation / Prison Outreach
PMB#1150, 1257 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland OR 97520 / Tel: (541) 482-8806 / E-mail: prisonoutreach@cwg.info /
Website: www.cwg.org
Our foundation is based upon the work of Neale Donald Walsch and his books Conversations With God. Inmates
may write to request a scholarship subscription to our newsletter Conversations, and through our Books for
Friends program, you may request any of the Conversations with God books free of charge. In addition, through
God’s Pen Pals we will connect you with other people who are interested in these teachings.
• Friends of Peace Pilgrim
7350 Dorado Canyon Road, Somerset CA 95684 / Tel: (530) 620-0333 / E-mail: peacepilgrim@d-web.com /
Website: www.peacepilgrim.org
Peace Pilgrim walked more than 25,000 miles. She crossed America for nearly 30 years, bearing the simplest of
messages: This is the way of peace—overcome evil with good, and falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.
Peace Pilgrim talked about peace among nations, between people, and the most important Inner Peace. Penniless,
walking with no organizational backing, Peace Pilgrim touched the lives and hearts of countless thousands of
Americans. We offer a free book called Peace Pilgrim, Her Life and Work In Her Own Words, as well the
classic Steps Toward Inner Peace, a 32-page booklet giving steps to follow for inner peace and spiritual growth.
Both books are available in Spanish. We also offer cassettes and will send videos to prison chaplains.
• The Heart Mountain Project
c/o Doug Booth, 1223 South St. Francis Drive Suite C, Santa Fe NM 87505
We offer a 17-page meditation manual free of charge to prisoners. Choose from several styles of meditation practice
to attain deep relaxation, clear thinking, and peace of mind—a place you can go at any time to find renewed
strength to deal with life’s challenges. A Spanish translation is available. May you be at peace.
• Human Kindness Foundation
PO Box 61619, Durham NC 27715 / Website: www.humankindness.org
The Human Kindness Foundation consists of the following components: 1) The Prison Ashram Project: Offers
friendship and support in the form of interfaith books, tapes, newsletters, and workshops. 2) Education and
Outreach: Includes the free distribution of our quarterly newsletter, A Little Good News, and a catalog of books
and tapes.
• Larson Publications Dept K
4936 Route 414, Burdett NY 14818 / Website: www.larsonpublications.org
Free karma book for prisoners. Upon request, Larson Publications will donate the book, What is Karma by Paul
Brunton, to prisoners in the US and Canada. This book offers a positive view of karma, explains what karma is,
how it works, its relationship to forgiveness, freedom, and enlightenment, and how to get karma working for you.
Paul Brunton is one of the 20th century’s most perceptive students of how timeless wisdom enhances daily life.
Please include information regarding prison regulations for reading material being sent in.
• Lionheart Foundation
PO Box 194, Back Bay, Boston MA 02117 / Tel: (781) 444-6667 / E-mail: questions@lionheart.org /
Website: www.lionheart.org
The Lionheart Foundation is committed to playing an integral part in redefining our nation’s prisons as places for
healing and rehabilitation. Through its National Emotional Literacy Project for Prisoners, Lionheart provides
effective resources for breaking the cycles of addiction and violence that permeate the lives of the majority of
prisoners. At the core of the project is the free distribution of the book Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide
to Inner Power and Freedom to prison libraries and prison programs nationwide. Houses of Healing combines
essential tools for change with a deep awareness of the emotional challenges facing incarcerated men and women. It
is a rehabilitative tool that many prisoners are embracing with overwhelming enthusiasm.
• Mettanokit
187 Merriam Hill Road, Greenville NH 03048 / Tel: (603) 878-3201 / E-mail: mettanokit@yahoo.com /
Website: www.circleway.org/
Mettanokit is a nonprofit learning center and service organization working for a more humane society based on the
old values of cooperation and equality and the closeness and caring found in our elder tribal societies. Programs and
services respectfully incorporate the ancestral wisdom of Native Americans and others who honor harmonious
living with Mother Earth and spiritual connections with Creation. We provide information on how to start a Native
American circle, and we offer counseling services through correspondence. Please write to receive a catalog of our
books and tapes.
• Miracles Prisoner Ministry (A Course In Miracles)
501 East Adams St, Wisconsin Dells WI 53965 / Tel: (608) 253-9598 / E-mail: info@miraclesprisonerministry.org /
Website: www.miraclesprisonerministry.org / Website: www.acimi.com
The Miracles Prisoner Ministry (MPM) is a spiritual recovery program for prisoners, serving all those asking for help
who are incarcerated within the United States and around the world. The ministry offers a recovery-based program
focused on a spiritual solution. It is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, A Course in
Miracles, plus the 12-Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Inmates may write to receive the Spiritual Recovery
Correspondence Course free of charge. Our goals: 1) To aid in the change of an inmate's mind to one of fostering
forgiveness, peace, self-determination, and cooperation. 2) To provide practical tools for inmates to undergo a
transformation that sees any term of incarceration as an opportunity for positive, miraculous, inner self-change. Our
program is offered to inmates, families, communities, institutions, and their staff through multimedia materials,
correspondence courses, and on-site individualized self-help training programs.
• Native American Pride Committee
33 Bay Shore Drive, Bay City MI 48706 / E-mail: natam2000@hotmail.com
We do everything within our power to provide for, assist, and educate our people. All services are offered free of
charge: educational resources, active in all aspects of Native services, correspondence, and spiritual support for
Native inmates. Our newsletter, Native Pride, is distributed monthly to those requesting it.
• Rosicrucian Fellowship
2222 Mission Ave, Oceanside CA 92054-2399 / Tel: (760) 757-6600 / E-mail: rosfshp@rosicrucian.com /
Website: www.rosicrucianfellowship.org
The Rosicrucian Fellowship is composed of men and women who study the Rosicrucian philosophy known as the
Western Wisdom Teachings. This Christian Mystic Philosophy presents deep insights into the Christian mysteries
and establishes a meeting ground for art, religion, and science. Inmates may write to receive an introductory
package. We offer free correspondences courses, including studies in esoteric Christian philosophy, a Bible study
course that helps to bring a better understanding of the deeper truths contained in the Bible, and studies in spiritual
astrology.
• The Rosicrucian Fraternity
PO Box 220, Quakertown PA 18951 / Tel: (800) 779-3796 / E-mail: bevhall@comcat.com / Website: www.soul.org
The Rosicrucian Fraternity is an authentic descendent of the Rosicrucian Order founded in Germany in 1614. We
offer correspondence courses for individual study in spiritual development. These courses are only for the serious
student and those truly dedicated to their personal growth and final immortality. These courses are truly unique. A
comprehensive brochure and application information will be sent free to those who write to us.
• Science of Mind Foundation
573 Park Point Drive, Golden CO 80401 / Website: www.somfoundation.org
Our philosophy is one of affirmative thinking and prayer. There is a power for good in the universe and you can use
it—change your thinking, change your life. Our thinking and our expectations create our reality. It is by studying
and applying spiritual laws that we can change our unconscious beliefs and create improved conditions in our lives.
Science of Mind literature is distributed free to all who request it. We offer a free one year subscription to our
magazine Science of Mind and free books by Dr. Ernest Holmes. Write for brochure and letter.
• Sounds True (Audio)
PO Box 8010, Boulder CO 80306 / Tel: (800) 333-9185 / E-mail: customerrelations@soundstrue.com /
Website: www.soundstrue.com
We offer a wide variety of audio resources supporting transformation and awakening (liberal spirituality, self-help,
mystical Christianity, Buddhist, etc.). Upon request, we will offer audio cassettes directly out of our donation stock.
You may request specific titles, however it may not always be possible to fulfill these requests.
• Steven Cottingham Reiki
700 N. Zaragoza N#286, El Paso, TX 79907 / E-mail: information@stevencottinghamreiki.com / Website:
www.StevenCottinghamReiki.com
Steven Cottingham Reiki provides training for Reiki level I, II and III free of charge (on the outside full course
costs $1,500). Reiki is a healing technique whereby the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of
touch, activating healing processes, restoring physical and emotional well-being. This is a great opportunity to learn
a time honored form of natural healing which you can use on yourself and others. Steven Cottingham spent almost
seven years in the federal prison system. He taught Reiki to many inmates and they were able to heal themselves and
others once they completed the instruction course. We will send you printed lessons, which will contain tests for
each level. Upon completion of each section you will receive a certificate of completion and be licensed to practice
that level of Reiki. With the certificates provided, you will receive programming credit within the Federal Bureau of
Prisons and most state systems. Please send a SASE to the above address. Upon completion of program you will be
a Reiki Master, Teacher, Practitioner. Steven also provides: Instruction for Mindfulness Meditation as well as free
books on Reiki and Meditation. Steven Cottingham Reiki also provides LIMITED paralegal/pro-se services to
inmates. If you are within the federal prison system and need help contact us. We will see what we can do for you.
We have had success with transfers, medical issues, as well as disciplinary issues. There is limited help available for
inmates wishing to file a 2255, or a successive 2255.
• Surviving The System
Traci Lister, PO Box 1860, Ridgeland MS 39158 / E-mail: tlister@survivingthesystem.com /
Website: www.survivingthesystem.com
We are a spiritually-based organization, primarily focused on educating youth and communities about the
consequences of substance abuse and the resultant criminal behaviors. We are trying to keep kids out of prison. In
support of this educational outreach, prisoners may share their stories, artwork, poetry, program ideas, and views on
current events, as well as their joys and fears. Inmates may also write to us to get involved in our recovery/outreach
programs.
• White Mountain Education Association
543 Eastwood Drive, Prescott AZ 86303 / E-mail: staff@wmea-world.org / Website: www.wmea.org
Our organization is rooted in the ageless wisdom teachings, teachings that go to the essence of life. Inmates may
write to receive our bimonthly newsletter, Meditation Monthly International, as well as a correspondence course
free of charge.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Legal Support
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) / Prisoner’s Assistance Directory
National Prison Project Publications, 915 15th St NW 7th Floor, Washington DC 20005 / Tel: (202) 393-4930 /
Website: www.aclu.org
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures,
and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country
by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The ACLU offers the Prisoner’s Assistance Directory, which
includes contact information, services, and descriptions for over 300 national, state, local, and international
organizations that provide assistance to prisoners, ex-offenders, and families of prisoners. The Prisoner’s Assistance
Directory also includes a bibliography of informative books, reports, manuals, and newsletters of interest to
prisoners and their advocates. Copies are available for $30.00 prepaid. Journal, NPP’s biannual newsletter, features
articles, reports, legal analysis, legislative news, and other developments in prisoners’ rights. An annual subscription
is $30 ($2 for prisoners).
• California Innocence Project
225 Cedar St, San Diego CA 92101 / Tel: (800) 255-4252 (619) 239-0391 / Website: www.innocenceproject.com
CIP is a law school program operating out of the Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy of California Western
School of Law. Students work with practicing criminal defense lawyers to seek the release of wrongfully convicted
prisoners (California only). The law students assist in the investigation of cases where there is strong evidence of
innocence, write briefs in those cases, and advocate in all appropriate forums for the release of the project's clients.
Request an Intake Questionnaire by writing to the above address. Criteria: 1) Your conviction must have taken place
in Southern California. 2) You must be able to claim actual innocence of the crime you were convicted for. 3) You
have to have been sentenced for at least four years or longer. 4) You must have filed at least one appeal.
• Centurion Ministries, Inc.
221 Witherspoon St, Princeton NJ 08542-3215 / Website: www.centurionministries.org
Centurion Ministries (CM) is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey. CM has a
national network of attorneys and forensic experts who ably assist us in our work on behalf of the convicted
innocent throughout the U.S. and Canada. However, please note, we are not attorneys. The primary mission of CM
is to vindicate and free from prison those who are completely innocent of the crimes for which they have been
unjustly convicted and imprisoned for life or death. We also assist our clients, once they are freed, with reintegration
into society on a self-reliant basis. CM has a very narrow criteria for the types of cases that we will consider
reviewing. Please review our stated criteria: (1) We only consider murder or rape cases within the U.S. as well as
Canada that carry a life or death sentence. We do NOT consider self-defense or accidental death cases. We will only
consider a rape case if there is the possibility of using DNA testing to clear the convicted person. We do NOT
consider child sex cases unless the case has physical evidence that could be scientifically tested to prove innocence.
(2) You must be absolutely 100% innocent of the crime and have had absolutely no involvement whatsoever with
the crime. (3) You must be indigent and have largely exhausted your appeals. (4) We are NOT lawyers and,
therefore, we do NOT offer legal assistance to those who petition us for help. We CANNOT make referrals to
attorneys. If the inmate does fit ALL of our criteria, their initial letter to us should be brief, outlining the facts of the
crime, and what led to their arrest for the crime. Inmates should NOT send briefs or transcripts of other materials!
We just want to hear the facts in the inmate’s own words. We in turn will send them a letter that outlines exactly
what information we want, and what they can expect from us in the way of assistance.
• Coalition for Prisoners’ Rights
PO Box 1911, Santa Fe NM 87504 / E-mail: cpr1911@yahoo.com
CPR has published a free monthly newsletter for prisoners for over 30 years, covering prison issues and excerpts
from prisoner correspondence. We mail our newsletter to about 8,000 prisoners nationwide. We also provide free
resource lists on a variety of topics. No lawyers on staff.
• Davrie Communications
13215-C8 SE Mill Plain #144, Vancouver WA 98684 / Tel: (360) 882-2932 / E-mail: info@davrie.com /
Website: www.davrie.com
The products and services offered by Davrie Communications provide men and women facing the challenges of
federal incarceration a distinct advantage—knowledge. Since its formation Davrie Communications has provided
educational and practical assistance to men and women whose lives are impacted by the realities of federal
incarceration. In addition, we serve as a valuable information resource to legal professionals with a genuine desire to
support their clients. Davrie clients include legal professionals, defendants, inmates, United States Probation and
Pretrial Services offices, United States Circuit Courts, and the family members of defendants and inmates.
• EDPUBS
PO Box 1398, Jessup MD 20794-1398 / Tel: (877) 433-7827 / E-mail: ymears@aspensys.com /
Website: www.ed.gov/about/ordering.jsp
A National organization providing information and referral services. We specialize in human services and criminal
justice. We link people with resources in their community such as drug or alcohol programs, educational programs
(assistance with reading, writing, and math), volunteer programs, employment assistance, temporary shelter and
housing resources, counseling, and other services.
• Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
1612 K St N.W. Suite 700, Washington DC 20006 / Tel: (202) 822-6700 / E-mail: famm@famm.org /
Website: www.famm.org
FAMM is a national nonprofit organization founded to challenge inflexible and excessive penalties required by
mandatory sentencing laws. We promote sentencing policies that give judges the discretion to distinguish between
defendants and sentence them according to their role in the offense, seriousness of the offense, and potential for
rehabilitation. FAMM's 25,000 members include prisoners and their families, attorneys, judges, criminal justice
experts, and concerned citizens. You may write for further information.
• Grassroots Investigation Project (GRIP)
Quixote Center, PO Box 5206, Hyattsville MD 20722 / Tel: (301) 699-0042 / E-mail: claudia@celldoor.com /
Website: www.lairdcarlson.com/grip
The mission of The Grassroots Investigation Project is to empower family members of death row inmates and antideath penalty activists to create partnerships with lawyers, journalists, and academicians for the purpose of
conducting low-cost investigations of death penalty cases that may reveal innocence and help to bring about a death
penalty moratorium. Inmates may write for further information.
• Innocence Project
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 55 5th Ave 11th Floor, New York NY 10003 /
E-mail: info@innocenceproject.org / Website: www.innocenceproject.org
The Innocence Project at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law was set up as and remains a nonprofit legal
clinic. This Project only handles cases where post-conviction DNA testing of evidence can yield conclusive proof of
innocence. As a clinic, students handle the case work while supervised by a team of attorneys and clinic staff. Most
of our clients are poor, forgotten, and have used up all of their legal avenues for relief. The hope they all have is that
biological evidence from their cases still exists and can be subjected to DNA testing. All Innocence Project clients
go through an extensive screening process to determine whether or not DNA testing of evidence could prove their
claims of innocence.
• Lewisburg Prison Project
PO Box 128, Lewisburg PA 17837 / Tel: (570) 523-1104 / E-mail: prisonproject@windstream.net /
Website: www.lewisburgprisonproject.org
Lewisburg Prison Project educates prisoners as to their civil rights and distributes a variety of legal bulletins and
publications, written in non-technical laymen's terms, at a minimal cost. We accept stamps and self-addressed
stamped envelopes as payment. Write for a free list of materials offered.
• National Center on Institutions and Alternatives
3125 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria VA 22305 / Tel: (703) 684-0373 / E-mail: info@ncianet.org /
Website: www.ncianet.org
It is the mission of NCIA to help create a society in which all persons who come into contact with the human
service or correctional systems will be provided an environment of individual care, concern, and treatment. NCIA is
dedicated to developing quality programs and professional services that advocate timely intervention and
unconditional care. Our goal is to reduce the reliance on institutions in criminal justice proceedings by utilizing
alternatives such as community service, addressing substance abuse problems, and by using a third party monitor.
We offer pre-sentence investigative services, parole release reports, and we provide public information on criminal
justice matters.
• National CURE (Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants)
PO Box 2310, National Capitol Station, Washington DC 20013 / Tel: (202) 789-2126 no collect calls /
E-mail: cure@curenational.org / Website: www.curenational.org
A national grass roots organization dedicated to the reduction of crime through the reform of the criminal justice
system. CURE is a membership organization of families of prisoners, prisoners, former prisoners, and other
concerned citizens. CURE's two goals are to use prisons only for those who have to be in them, and for those who
have to be in them, to provide them all the rehabilitative opportunities they need to turn their lives around. Inmates
may write to request our newsletter or further information.
• The National Death Row Assistance Network of CURE (NDRAN)
Claudia Whitman, 6 Tolman Road, Peaks Island ME 04108 / Tel: (888) 255-6196 / E-mail: claudia@celldoor.com /
Website: www.ndran.org
The National Death Row Assistance Network of CURE is a new organization formed to help death row prisoners
across the United States gain access to legal, financial, and community support and to assist individual prisoner’s
efforts to act as self-advocates.
• National Lawyers Guild
132 Nassau St. Room #922, New York NY 10038 / Tel: (212) 679-5100 / Website: www.nlg.org
The National Lawyers Guild is an association dedicated to the need for basic change in the structure of our political
and economic system. We provide self-help law kits free of charge to assist inmates in representing themselves and
their own cases or in assisting others. The self-help kits are written in an easy to use language that tells you how to
file civil complaints, how to deal with grievances, and most other legal matters that you would encounter in the
course of being imprisoned.
• National Legal Aid & Defender Association
1625 K St NW Suite 800, Washington DC 20006-1604/ Tel: (202) 452-0620 / E-mail: info@nlada.org /
Website: www.nlada.org
NLADA is the nation's leading advocate for front-line attorneys and other equal justice professionals—those who
make a difference in the lives of low-income clients and their families and communities. Representing legal aid and
defender programs, as well as individual advocates, NLADA is proud to be the oldest and largest national,
nonprofit membership association devoting 100 percent of its resources to serving the broad equal justice
community. National listing of free legal services.
• The Prisoner’s Guide to Survival
PSI Publishing, Inc., 413-B 19th St #168, Lynden WA 98264 / Tel: (800) 557-8868 /
E-mail: prisonersurvival@earthlink.net / Website: www.prisonerlaw.com
A comprehensive legal assistance manual for post conviction relief and prisoners' civil rights actions. 750 pages, soft
cover, $49.95 for prisoners. No matter what your legal or educational background, The Prisoner's Guide to
Survival will help you learn how to research the law, study your rights, determine your legal options, and take the
necessary steps to protect your rights or challenge an illegal conviction or sentence. Complex issues are explained in
plain language so that even if you don't have an attorney you can make an informed decision regarding your legal
choices. The Survival Guide includes: Current legislation and court decisions affecting prisoners, actual-size example
forms for Appeals, Habeas Corpus actions, Motions, Constitutional rights complaints for state and federal
prisoners, and much more.
• Prison Law Office
General Delivery, San Quentin CA 94964 / Tel: (415) 457-9144 / Website: www.prisonlaw.com
The Prison Law Office provides free legal services to California state prisoners (only), and occasionally to California
state parolees. Our assistance is generally limited to cases regarding conditions of confinement. The office attempts
to resolve such cases informally, if possible (by advocating to prison officials), or through formal litigation. We also
offer numerous self-help law manuals free of charge.
• Prison Legal News
2400 N.W. 80th St #148, Seattle WA 98117-4449 / Tel: (206) 246-1022 / E-mail: info@prisonlegalnews.org /
Website: www.prisonlegalnews.org
Prison Legal News is an independent 36-page monthly publication that provides a cutting edge review and analysis
of prisoner rights, court rulings, and news about prison issues. PLN has a national focus on both state and federal
prison issues, with international coverage as well. PLN is subscribed to and read by civil and criminal trial and
appellate attorneys, judges, public defenders, journalists, academics, paralegals, prison rights activists, students,
family members of prisoners, concerned private individuals, politicians, and state-level government officials. PLN
will mail, at no charge, an informational brochure, a brochure of the legal and prisoner oriented books it sells, a
calendar, and a bookmark to any prisoner in the U.S. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Book Resources
• AK Press
674-A 23rd St, Oakland CA 94612-1163 / Tel: (510) 208-1700 / Website: www.akpress.org
Distributor for hundreds of small book publishers on subjects ranging from left politics, literature, music, and
history. Our goal is to make available radical books and other materials, titles that are published by independent
presses, not the corporate giants, titles with which you can make a positive change in the world. We offer the
biggest selection anywhere of radical and alternative books on prison issues. Prisoners may receive our catalog for
free as well as a 40% discount on all books.
• The Aleph Institute
9540 Collins Ave, Surfside FL 33154 / Tel: (305) 864-5553 / Website: www.alephinstitute.org
Aleph is a not-for-profit national organization which has created and implemented a host of programs over the past
20 years that provide alternatives to incarceration, rehabilitate inmates, counsel and assist their families, and provide
moral and ethical educational programs inculcating universal truths and concepts common to all of humanity.
Jewish inmates may write to receive free books, regular monthly literature, holiday offerings, and family programs.
• Books for Prisoners
c/o Groundwork Books, 0323 Student Center, La Jolla CA 92037 / Tel: (858) 452-9625 /
E-mail: groundwork@libertad.ucsd.edu
Groundwork Books offers up to two books per person, free of charge. Send your request, specifying your interests,
and we will send you a detailed booklet for that area of interest. Subjects: politics, spirituality, feminism, dictionaries,
culture, social criticism, and select novels. Stamp donations are appreciated but not required.
• Books Through Bars
4722 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia PA 19143 / Tel: ( 215) 727-8170 / E-mail: info@BooksThroughBars.org /
Website: www.BooksThroughBars.org
We offer a wide range of reading materials free of charge to inmates. Request books by topic and specific subject
areas (for example: novels, self-help, American history, etc.). If you wish, you may request specific titles or authors,
however, we may not be able to provide these. No legal books. Donations, including stamps, are greatly
appreciated. Please send information regarding prison regulations for reading material being sent in. Allow 3 to 4
months for delivery. Only serving prisoners in PA, NJ, NY, DE, MD, VA, WV.
• Books to Prisoners (BTP)
92 Pike St Box A, Seattle WA 98104
BTP sends donated books to prisoners. Choice of books is limited. Please send a list of topics you are interested in.
No legal or religious books. It may take six to eight months for material to arrive, please be patient. Donations of
stamps are appreciated.
• Books to Prisoners D.C. Area
PO Box 34190, Washington D.C. 20043
Books to Prisoners offers free educational as well as a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction reading material to
prisoners around the United States free of charge. Please limit requests to once per 5 months. You can request titles,
but prioritized subjects of interest are preferred. Please list prison restrictions if known. Stamps appreciated. We
lack postage money to respond to all requests and put lower priority on the following: New England, Oregon,
Washington, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.
• The Criminal Justice Ministry of Texas and Still Going Somewhere
301 S. Schutz, El Paso TX 79907 / E-mail: cjm@stillgoingsomewhere.com / Website: www.sanpablutheran.org
We provide the following free services to inmates, regardless of the institution they are in: #1) Free books - Upon
written request we will send up to 4 free books on almost any subject. Please select up to 5 subjects. You may
request by author or title. We cannot guarantee fulfillment of your request, but will do our best. We provide the
following: History, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Science Fiction, Basic Educational Books, Religious (Christian, Islamic,
Sikh, etc.). #2) Our Poetry/Story Wall - The director of our organization has spent time in the US federal prison
system. He understands what you may be going through. Each inmate has a story, be it written as a poem, story, or
letter. Please send us your story so we may share it with others. We have a 'Story Wall' that we take to different
functions and events, and will showcase your work on the wall and at our booth. You may send us your story,
poetry or letters and we will share them with the world at large. #3) Advocacy Services - The sad realization is that
most prison staff will not listen to you or your complaints. You need someone on the outside to step in and help.
We can and will help. If you are having issues with medical, education, housing, or transfers, please contact us. We
will begin our letter writing campaign and help effect some type of positive change for you. We also provide basic
legal services to inmates seeking redress within the federal court system.
• The Granite Publishing Group
PO Box 1429, Columbus NC 28722 / Tel: (828) 894-8444 / E-mail: brian@5thworld.com /
Website: http://5thworld.com
Inmates may write to receive free books on subjects that support the cultivation of planetary consciousness. The
metaphysical/transformational subjects of our books range from Native American spirituality to the extraterrestrial
presence. Please send postage if possible.
• The Inside Books Project
c/o 12th Street Books, 827 West 12th St, Austin TX 78701 / Tel: (512) 647-4803 /
E-mail: insidebooksproject@yahoo.com
We send books free of charge to Texas inmates only. Please expect a three to six month wait. We also offer a
resource list and a free newsletter. Donations and/or stamps are appreciated if possible.
• Jewish Prisoner Services International
PO Box 85840, Seattle WA 98145-1840 / Tel: (206) 985-0577 / Emergency Collect: (206) 528-0363
Offers support, referrals, guidance, educational and religious programs, pen pal service, free Jewish books (for
Jewish inmates only).
• Prison Book Program
c/o Lucy Parson's Bookstore, 1306 Hancock St, Suite 100, Quincy MA 02169 / Tel: (617) 423-3298/
E-mail: info@prisonbookprogram.org / Website: www.prisonbookprogram.org
The Prison Book Program has been supplying individuals and groups of prisoners with free, quality reading material
since 1972. We believe that literacy and access to reading materials are crucial for the personal, spiritual, and political
development of all people. We offer a free National Prisoner Resource List to all prisoners. We do not offer a
catalog of books, so please request books by topics. When requesting books please send us your prison's restrictions
on reading material. Donations, including stamps, are always welcome. Be patient, we have over a 3 month backlog
of requests. We do not send books to Texas, California, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, or Maryland (except Jessup).
• Prison Book Project
PO Box 396, Amherst MA 01004-0396 / Tel: (413) 584-8975 ext. 208 / E-mail: info@prisonbooks.org /
Website: www.prisonbooks.org
You may request books by topics of interest. We do our best to meet the needs and demands of inmates. You may
also request a specific book and we will try to find it for you. No mailing list or catalogue. Donations of artwork and
poetry for fundraising greatly appreciated. Requests from Texas and New England inmates only.
• The Prison Library Project
915 West Foothill Blvd PMB 128, Claremont CA 91711
The Prison Library Project supplies books free of charge to inmates who request them. We try to provide an
ongoing invitation to prisoners to embrace personal responsibility, growth, and a deeper appreciation for the world
of books, ideas, and education. We offer books on self-help, personal and spiritual growth, wellness, and
metaphysical books. No law books, technical, or GED, and no catalogue.
• Prisoners Literature Project
c/o Bound Together Bookstore, 1369 Haight St, San Francisco CA 94117 / Email: prisonlit@yahoo.com /
Website: www.prisonersliteratureproject.com
Please request types of books—not specific titles. No legal books. Stamps or donations are greatly appreciated but
are not required. Sorry, no Texas or Oregon prisoners. Only 1 request per year and please note, there is a several
month delay.
• Real Cost of Prisons Project
5 Warfield Place, Northampton MA 01060 / Email: info@realcostofprisons.org /
Website: www.realcostofprisons.org
RCPP works to strengthen and deepen the organizing capacity of people and communities struggling to end mass
incarceration. Resources include a website with useful up-to-date research, books, links to hundreds of
organizations, PDF’s of RCPP created materials, including three comic books (Prison Town—Paying the Price,
Prisoners of a Hard Life—Women and Their Children, and Prisoners of the War on Drugs) and the newest
sections “Comix from Inside” and “Writing from Prison.” Our comic books are free to prisoners and to organizers,
advocates, family support groups, educators and others.
• San Diego California Coalition for Women Prisoners (SDCCWP)
SDCCWP c/o World Beat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego CA 92101 / Tel: (619) 987-7553
SDCCWP sends books to women prisoners on various women's and political issues. Please write to request a free
book list. Stamp donations are appreciated to pay for shipping.
• Wisconsin Books to Prisoners Project
c/o Madison Infoshop, 1019 Williamson St. #B, Madison WI 53703 / Tel: (608) 262-9036 /
Website: http://lists.madimc.org/~infoshop/wbtp/
Wisconsin Books to Prisoners is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that sends books to prisoners in the state
of Wisconsin, however, we do respond to requests from all over the country. WBTP believes that books are tools
for learning and opening minds to new ideas and possibilities. By providing books to prisoners, we hope to foster a
love of reading and encourage the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Incarcerated individuals may send
us their requests for books. We attempt to provide the requested materials from our stock of donated books. We
also provide books directly to prison libraries.
• Women's Prison Book Project (WPBP)
WPBP c/o Arise Bookstore, 2441 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis MN 55405 / Tel: (612) 729-5845 /
E-mail: wpbp@prisonactivist.org / Website: www.prisonactivist.org/wpbp
Since 1994, the Women’s Prison Book Project has provided women in prison with free reading materials covering a
wide range of topics from law and education (dictionaries, GED, etc.) to politics, history, and women’s health.
There are other prison book projects, but we seek to meet the specific needs of women in prison. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pen Pal Correspondence
(Buddhist / Christian / Jewish / Non-Religious)
• CellPals!
PO Box 44653, Rio Rancho NM 87174 / E-mail: cellpals2@hotmail.com / Website: www.cellpals.com
CellPals! is a prison pen pal organization on the internet that seeks to aid inmates in finding positive influences
during a given term of incarceration. You may write to request an application packet from our company. We try to
make our site accessible to everyone regardless of financial status.
• Christian Pen Pals
PO Box 11296, Hickory NC 28603 / Website: www.christian-penpals.com
We share the love of Jesus by providing a Christian pen pal for friendship and spiritual help to those who ask, and
by networking with other sources of help for other needs common to prisoners. We are here to help prisoners,
prisoner's families, and chaplains. Our ministry is therefore focused on proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ,
His forgiveness, and His great love for all. When prisoners come to know and follow Jesus, hearts are changed. The
Holy Spirit gives them power to overcome sin and bondage, giving them a transformed life.
• The Conversations With God Foundation / God’s Pen Pals
PMB#1150, 1257 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland OR 97520 / Tel: (541) 482-8806 / E-mail: prisonoutreach@cwg.info /
Website: www.cwg.org
Our foundation is based upon the work of Neale Donald Walsch and his books Conversations With God.
Through our program, God’s Pen Pals, we will connect you with other people who are interested in these teachings.
In addition, you may write to request a scholarship subscription to our newsletter, Conversations, and through our
Books for Friends program, you may request any of the Conversations with God books free of charge.
• Death Row Support Project
PO Box 600 Dept P, Liberty Mills IN 46946
We offer pen pal services to death row inmates.
• Hoshia Inmate Ministry (Messianic Jews)
PO Box 599, Vidor TX 77650 / Website: www.baruchhashem.com
Support and pen pal program for Messianic Jews.
• Inmate-Connection.com
PO Box 83897, Los Angeles CA 90083 / E-mail: info@inmate-connection.com / Website: inmate-connection.com
“Though they may incarcerate the flesh, they can't incarcerate the mind.” This website is dedicated to connecting
inmates with the outside world. You may write to request an application form that will give you a full web page on
our site. The cost is $30.00 for an entire year. Inmate-connection.com is an excellent place to advertise on the net
and get pen pal connections.
• Inmate Connections
465 NE 181st, #308, Portland OR 97230-6660 / E-mail: mail@inmate-connections.com /
Website: inmate-connections.com
The most complete internet pen pal service for prisoners. Webpages start at $45 per year. We offer email
forwarding, photo modification, helpful “how to” brochure and more. Stamps accepted. Write for a free
brochure/application.
• The Insight Prison Project
PO Box 151642, San Rafael CA 94915
IPP is based out of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center and its volunteers are happy to correspond with prisoners
and discuss Buddhist issues through a pen pal situation.
• Jewish Prisoner Services International
PO Box 85840, Seattle WA 98145-1840 / Tel: (206) 985-0577 / Emergency Collect: (206) 528-0363
Offers support, referrals, guidance, educational and religious programs, pen pal service, free Jewish books (for
Jewish inmates only).
• Joy Writers' Ministry / The Church at Liberty Square
2001 Liberty Square Drive, Cartersville GA 30121 / Tel: (770) 382-9489 / E-mail: jjcoker1@bellsouth.net
Christian pen pals.
• Mindful Buddha Outreach Project
3512 Myers Ct. #2, Cheyenne WY 82001 / E-mail: mindfulbuddha@hotmail.com
Mindful Buddha Outreach Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping inmates deepen their
understanding and experience of Buddhism. Through our prison outreach project, we offer pen-pal
correspondence, books, pamphlets, CD’s, and audio tapes to assist inmates with questions on Buddhism and
meditation. Through our support we encourage Buddhist meditation as a path of individual transformation,
teaching us to look within ourselves for the inner peace and happiness we seek. Through developing our wisdom
and compassion, we can improve our quality of life and the lives of those around us. Whether a prisoner of the
mind, or of the body, freedom is within ourselves.
• PrisonerLife.com
PO Box 1664, Voorhees NJ 08043 / Website: www.prisonerlife.com
The PrisonerLife.com website is dedicated to providing all prisoners incarcerated in the U.S. opportunities to
communicate with the world and expand their networks of support. Prisoner's can become a part of the
PrisonerLife.com family by simply entering their information into our member directory. You may ask anyone with
internet access to load information about you into our database. There is no charge for this service.
• Prison Fellowship Ministries
PO Box 17500, Washington DC 20041 / Tel: (703) 478-0100 / E-mail: correspondence@pfm.org /
Website: www.pfm.org
Prison Fellowship's Pen Pal Program matches prisoners with Christian volunteers whose letters bring hope,
compassion, and the Gospel.
• Prison Pen Pals
PO Box 235, East Berlin PA 17316-0235 / E-mail: info@prisonpenpals.com / Website: www.prisonpenpals.com
The largest prison pen pal site on the internet since 1996. Thousands of inmates’ personal, legal, and specialty ads
are listed on this site, providing prisoners with correspondence opportunities. Write for a brochure.
• WriteAPrisoner.com
PO Box 10, Edgewater FL 32132 / E-mail: General-Information@writeaprisoner.com
WriteAPrisoner.com is a website helping prisoners find pen pals. Write to receive a brochure. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Creative Writing / Artistic Resources / Newsletters / Magazines
• The Beat Within
275 Ninth St, San Francisco CA 94103 / Tel: (415) 503-4170 / Website: www.thebeatwithin.org
Our Beat contributors, most of whom are in the system, from death row to county jail, to various youth facilities, as
well as some of whom are now in the free world, are in a unique position to express themselves and realize they are
not alone. Through their writings and art, they discover that they are a part of a larger community. Furthermore,
their voices reach, touch, and hopefully influence the lives of judges, probation officers, families, community
workers, youth, and many others. Our purpose is to educate readers inside and outside of the system. This is why
we challenge our writers to think as teachers as they reflect on their pasts and look ahead. Prisoners may send
commentaries, artwork, and poetry, directed towards teaching, inspiring, and giving hope. If a prisoner's piece(s) is
published in an issue of The Beat Within, we will send them the issue that their work appears in. We are unable to
provide a free subscription. Donations are always appreciated.
• Captive Imagery
3300 NW 185th #129, Portland OR 97229 / E-mail: captiveimagery@captiveimagery.com /
Website: www.captiveimagery.com
Our goal is to represent the most talented artists currently incarcerated in prisons around the world. We evaluate
samples, accepting and rejecting potential clients, on a daily basis. This means our website is growing and changing
every week, with only the best prison artists achieving representation. Originals received from our clients are placed
up for auction in their respective categories on our website. Bids are accepted for a period of seven days, at which
time each original is sold to the highest bidder. Inmate artists are welcome to send us up to five samples of artwork
(photographs, photocopies, or originals), however, we generally do not return samples. If we agree to represent you,
we will send you an agreement with all the necessary information.
• Cell Door Magazine
12200 Road 41.9, Mancos CO 81328 / E-mail: publisher@celldoor.com / Website: www.celldoor.com
The Cell Door Magazine is written for a free audience by prisoners or people who are family members or friends
of prisoners. Our goal is to develop an audience who reads The Cell Door Magazine for its educational and
entertainment value and quality, learning in the process that prisoners are intelligent, personable, talented human
beings. We will definitely consider all submissions. We publish art, poetry, essays, news, opinion, fiction, humor,
and inmate cases.
• Critical Resistance
1904 Franklin St Suite 504, Oakland CA 94612 / Tel: (510) 444-0484 / Email: crnational@criticalresistance.org /
Website: www.criticalresistance.org
Critical Resistance works to end society’s reliance on prisons, policing and other forms of social control as solutions
to social problems. The Abolitionist is a quarterly newspaper, provided free to all imprisoned people, that
highlights the struggle of those inside and out against the prison industrial complex and is a tool for resistance and
political discussion. Submissions are encouraged.
• Gassho Newsletter / Atlanta Soto Zen Center
Attn: Gassho, 1167-C Zonolite Place, Atlanta GA 30306 / Website: www.aszc.org
The Gassho newsletter is a free publication created by and written for incarcerated sangha practitioners. Articles
discuss prison life and the practice of Buddhism for those serving time. Each issue is produced in conjunction with
the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. You may write and request to be on the mailing list. Also, we welcome questions,
articles, artwork, etc. from prisoners for publication.
• Gay Buddhist Fellowship Newsletter
PMB 456 2215-R Market St, San Francisco CA 94114 / Website: www.gaybuddhist.org
The Gay Buddhist Fellowship supports Buddhist practice in the gay men’s community. Our bimonthly newsletter is
a forum that brings together the diverse Buddhist traditions to address the spiritual concerns of gay men. Our
newsletter is free to prisoners. Donations are accepted.
• The Journal of Prisoners on Prisons
Subscriptions: University of Toronto Press, 2250 Military Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150 / Tel: (800) 565-9523
Submissions: Liz Elliott, Editor, Journal of Prisoners on Prisons, School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University,
Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5A 1S6
The Journal of Prisoners on Prisons is a unique forum for the voices of prisoners everywhere. Drawing on writing
from prisoners across the world, the JPP allows those most knowledgeable about the realities of prison life and
most closely affected by those realities to speak out. The JPP brings us the passionate, articulate voices not
previously heard in the ongoing debates about penology, prison abolition, and prisoners' rights. Creative writing,
personal stories, artwork, academic, and legal arguments, contribute their perspective to a wide range of
contemporary issues related to crime, justice and punishment. Published annually. Submissions: Prisoners and
former prisoners are encouraged to submit papers, collaborative essays, discussions transcribed from tape, book
reviews, and photo or graphic essays (no fiction or poetry). We publish articles in either French or English.
• Pen Prison Writing Program
Pen American Center, 588 Broadway Suite 303, New York NY 10012 / Tel: (212) 334-1660 ext: 117 /
E-mail: prisonwriting@pen.org / Website: www.pen.org
Upon request, we will send inmates, free of charge, a writing handbook offering information on the craft of creative
writing, places to send your work and a list of organizations and resources for writers. We also sponsor an annual
writing contest for prisoners.
• The Pennsylvania Prison Society
245 North Broad St Suite 300, Philadelphia PA 19107 / Tel: (215) 564-6005 (800) 227-2307 /
E-mail: graterfriends@prisonsociety.org / Website: www.prisonsociety.org
Graterfriends is a monthly prisoner advocacy newsletter that provides a voice for inmates and their families. It
contains current correctional related information as well as legal information, letters from inmates and families,
death penalty and legislative updates. We accept story submissions including poetry, essays, and your thoughts on
the penal system. $3.00 per year suggested donation for prisoners (you may also pay with stamps).
• Purple Lotus Journal / Purple Lotus Temple
636 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno CA 94066 / Tel: (650) 952-9513 / Website: www.purplelotus.com
The objective of the Purple Lotus Temple is to promote, with compassion and dedication, the True Buddha Tantric
Dharma to benefit sentient beings. The Purple Lotus Journal is a yearly magazine offering reprinted teachings
and lectures. Prisoners may write to receive a free subscription and further information. We also donate Buddhist
books to prison libraries and prison dharma groups. Our magazine and books are available in either Chinese or
English. Please provide us with the prison regulations for sending books.
• The Red Heart Warrior / Red Heart Warriors Society (RHWS)
PO Box 4362, Allentown PA 18105 / Tel: (610) 437-2971 / Email: tomw@iwon.co
RHWS is sponsored by the Lenape National Restoration Movement (LNRM), but is open to red-hearted warriors
of every tribal or ethnic background. We publish The Red Heart Warrior, a quarterly newsletter, to encourage
people to walk the traditional path of a Native American warrior, which is to lead a life of service to the people.
Subscriptions are $15 per year, we accept donations of stamps. You may send us articles, poems, and artwork.
• Texas Freedom Sangha Quarterly
519 South Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth TX 76111-2241
The TSQ is for and about Buddhist prisoners in Texas prisons. The intent of TSQ is to build and strengthen
solidarity amongst Buddhist prisoners in Texas; to help establish ties between the prison sangha and free-world
groups/individuals; to encourage Texas Buddhist prisoners to actively strive for religious equality in their particular
prison unit; and to promote Buddhist practice and study. Prisoners within the Texas system can send submissions
of articles, sutra quotes, artwork, etc., as well as free subscription requests. Donations are appreciated.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reentry Assistance / Family and Personal Support
• Aid to Incarcerated Mothers
32 Rutland St 4th Floor, Boston MA, 02118 / Tel: (617) 536-0058 / E-mail: info@aim-ma.org
We are an international organization working with women on the inside and outside. We help incarcerated mothers
keep their families together, provide support and counseling for children, and also offer assistance with jobs and
housing when women leave prison. You may write for further information.
• American Friends Service Committee Prison Watch Project
89 Market St, Newark NJ 07102 / Tel: (973) 643-3192 / Website: www. afsc.org
The American Friends Service Committee is a practical expression of the faith of the Religious Society of Friends
(Quakers). Committed to the principles of nonviolence and justice, it seeks in its work and witness to draw on the
transforming power of love, human and divine. We provide human rights advocacy and monitoring on behalf of US
prisoners. Prisoners may report human rights violations and write to us for further information. We also offer the
Survivor’s Manual, free of charge, written by and for people living in solitary confinement or control units.
• The American Legion
1608 K St NW, Washington DC 20006-2847 / Tel: (202) 861-2700 / Website: www.legion.org /
E-mail: var@legion.org
The American Legion assists veterans in obtaining benefits, including health care and compensation, from the
Department of Veterans Affairs. For additional assistance, information on employment or homeless veterans issues
contact the American Legion at the address above. To locate a service officer in your state call: (800) 433-3318
• Breakthrough Urban Ministries
5251 North Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60640-2001 / Tel: (773) 989-8353 / E-mail: info@breakthroughministries.com /
Website: Breakthroughministries.com / Contact for Women: Breakthrough Joshua Center / Tel: (773) 722-0179
Limited job placement and training, addiction recovery programs, food, clothes. Limited overnight
accommodations. Please call ahead before release.
• The Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents (CCIP)
PO Box 41-286, Eagle Rock CA 90041 / Tel: (626) 449-2470 / E-mail: ccip@earthlink.net /
Website: www.e-ccip.org
Our mission is the prevention of intergenerational crime and incarceration. Our goals are the production of high
quality documentation on and the development of model services for children of criminal offenders and their
families. CCIP offers our education projects in three formats. Correspondence courses are available to prisoners
nationwide. Courses taught by CCIP staff are offered regionally. We also train instructors to teach CCIP curricula;
this service is offered nationally. The Clearinghouse project offers a collection of over 3500 documentary and
audiovisual items that can be purchased online or by mail through two catalogs. By mail, through the Catalog for
Incarcerated Parents, we offer more than 200 items free of charge to prisoners and their families.
• Critical Resistance National Office
1904 Franklin St Suite 504, Oakland CA 94612 / Tel: (510) 444-0484 / Email: crnational@criticalresistance.org /
Website: www.criticalresistance.org
Critical Resistance works to end society’s reliance on prisons, policing and other forms of social control as solutions
to social problems. We distribute a quarterly newspaper to anyone in prison for free and welcome contributions. We
also organize to challenge the prison industrial complex by organizing and building relationship with people who are
locked up. We provide, upon request several different books about the prison industrial complex as well as an
organizing toolkit and work with folks inside as allies in the struggle for liberation. We do accept collect calls.
• EDPUBS
PO Box 1398, Jessup MD 20794-1398 / Tel: (877) 433-7827 / E-mail: ymears@aspensys.com /
Website: www.ed.gov/about/ordering.jsp
A National organization providing information and referral services. We specialize in human services and criminal
justice. We link people with resources in their community such as drug or alcohol programs, educational programs
(assistance with reading, writing, and math), volunteer programs, employment assistance, temporary shelter and
housing resources, counseling, and other services.
• Family and Corrections Network
32 Oak Grove Road, Palmyra VA 22963 / Tel: (434) 589-3036 / E-mail: fcn@fcnetwork.org /
Website: www.fcnetwork.org
FCN is for and about families of prisoners. We offer training, technical assistance, and information on children of
prisoners, parenting programs for prisoners, prison visiting, incarcerated fathers and mothers, hospitality programs,
keeping in touch, returning to the community, the impact of the justice system on families, and prison marriage.
FCN publishes FCN Report, the only national publication devoted to families of prisoners. FCN provides no legal
services. You are encouraged to get family, friends, relatives, or other professionals to go online and get the
information for you. FCN is your gateway to practice, policy, and research on families of offenders.
• The Fortune Society
29-76 Northern Blvd, Long Island City Queens NY 11101 / Tel: (212) 691-7554 / Website: www.fortunesociety.org
Staffed primarily by ex-offenders, The Fortune Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting exoffenders and at-risk youth break the cycle of crime and incarceration through a broad range of services which
include: counseling, career development, housing, education, substance abuse treatment services, alternatives to
incarceration services, health services, and volunteer/internship opportunities. We communicate with prisoners all
over the country via the mail, answering questions and providing information for those who are in need of services.
We are also dedicated to educating the public about prisons, criminal justice issues, and the root causes of crime.
Fortune News, our quarterly journal, is sent free of charge to inmates and contributing members.
• National Fatherhood Initiative
PO Box 126157, Harrisburg PA 17112-6157 / Website: www.fatherhood.org
NFI’s mission is to improve the well being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with
involved, responsible, and committed fathers. As part of NFI's mission to disseminate educational materials to the
public and to help men become better fathers, we have developed several informative resources that emphasize the
importance of fathers in their children's lives. Please write to us for further information.
• OPEN, Inc. (Offender Preparation and Education Network)
PO Box 472223, Garland TX 75047-2223 / Tel: (972) 271-1971 (800) 966-1966 / E-mail: info@openinc.org /
Website: www.openinc.org
We offer the book 99 Days and Get Up free of charge to prisoners. This book is one of the most widely used
reentry handbooks in America. A powerful guide to successful social and emotional transition from prison into the
community. Revised and expanded to cover the last six months pre-release and the first six months post-release, 99
Days and Get Up gives honest, direct advice for dealing with the major barriers ex-offenders must overcome to
achieve long-term success. We also offer other self-help handbooks and educational materials to improve your
ability to readjust to society and strengthen family ties.
• Opportunities for Newly Released Offenders / The Graduate Group
The Graduate Group, PO Box 370351, West Hartford CT 06137-0351 / Tel: (860) 233-2330 /
E-mail: graduategroup@hotmail.com / Website: www.graduategroup.com
Opportunities for Newly Released Offenders, a book published by the Graduate Group, is an in-depth reference
guide for those in prison, on parole, or probation. This book offers information on subjects such as: how to find
food, shelter, clothing, legal aid, employment, counseling, educational loans and grants, business loans, assistance to
women with children, free or inexpensive correspondence instruction, and much more. Cost is $22.00 (includes
postage). We will take checks, money orders, or postage stamps as payment. Write for a list of other excellent prison
related books.
• The Osborne Association
Attn: Beverly Grant, 36-31 38th St, Long Island NY 11101 / Tel: (718) 707-2654 / E-mail: info@osborneny.org /
Website: www.osborneny.org
The Osborne Association operates a broad range of treatment, educational, and vocational services for people
involved in the adult criminal and juvenile justice systems, including prisoners and former prisoners, their children,
and other family members. We serve more than 6,500 people annually in community sites and courts in the Bronx,
Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, as well as in city jails and state prisons. Our program models demonstrate that
employment and family services, chemical dependency treatment, access to HIV/health care, and constructive and
supervised alternatives to incarceration can reduce crime, decrease violence, and address the concerns of victims.
• Prisoner Visitation and Support
1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia PA 19102 / Tel: (215) 241-7117 no collect calls / E-mail: pvs@afsc.org /
Website: www.prisonervisitation.org
In 1972, PVS was granted permission by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to visit all federal prisons and prisoners in
the U.S. In 1975, the Department of Defense granted PVS access to all military prisons and prisoners in the U.S.
Today, PVS volunteers see any prisoner desiring a visit, including those in Special Housing Units (solitary
confinement), those on death row, and those transferred from prison to prison. We are dedicated to human contact
with those who seek visitors, we have no religious agendas, and offer no legal services. We do not visit state prisons.
• The Safer Society Foundation
PO Box 340 Brandon, VT 05733-0340 / Tel: (802) 247-3132 / Website: www.safersociety.org
The Safer Society Foundation, a nonprofit agency, is a national research, advocacy, and referral center on the
prevention and treatment of sexual abuse. Inmates may write to us to receive names of treatment providers from
our referral database. We also offer a free 64-page catalog of titles relating to the treatment and prevention of sexual
abuse.
• Second Chance / STRIVE
505 16th St, San Diego CA 92101 / Tel: (619) 234-8888 / E-mail: gcortner@secondchanceprogram.org /
Website: www.secondchanceprogram.org
Employment help and employment training skills. Free three-week job readiness training and placement. We work
with everyone and anyone, including ex-felons. We can place you. No cost. We do not guarantee employment, but
we do have an 80% placement rate. Write to Glenda Cortner for brochure information regarding our programs. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jobs / Careers / Continuing Education
• America's Job Bank (website)
Toll-free help line: (877) US-2JOBS or (877) 889-5627 / Website: www.ajb.org
America’s Job Bank is a publicly-funded resource for job seekers and businesses. Find jobs—from entry level to
technical to professional. Locate public workforce services in your area. Explore alternative career paths, compare
salary data for different occupations, learn which careers are hot, get resume writing tips and job interview
strategies, and much more. Visit our site and see how we can help you find the job that's right for you. Thousands
of new jobs are posted daily by employers.
• Blackstone Career Institute
PO Box 899, Emmaus PA 18049-0899 / Tel: (800) 826-9228 (610) 967-3323 / Website: www.blackstonelaw.com
Blackstone Paralegal Studies offers a Legal Assistant/Paralegal program for those interested in distance education.
Blackstone has an impeccable reputation and has been in continuous operation providing legal training since 1890,
with the distinction of being the first and oldest distance education training school.
• CareerBuilder.com (website)
Website: www.careerbuilder.com
CareerBuilder.com puts jobs in front of poised job seekers, wherever they are, at home or at work, in print and on
the internet. We are the leading recruitment resource, with presence in more than 130 local newspapers and more
than 26 million visitors to our newspaper websites each month.
• Cool Works—Jobs In Great Places (website)
E-mail: greatjobs@coolworks.com / Website: www.coolworks.com
Year-round, full-time jobs in great places: national and state parks, camps, cruise ships, rafting, ranches, amusement
parks, ski resorts, lodges and resorts. Some of the coolest jobs in the best places.
• The Distance Education and Training Council
1601 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 / Tel: (202) 234-5100 / E-mail: detc@detc.org / Website: www.detc.org
You may write to receive a free directory of accredited institutions that offer distance learning education courses.
• EDPUBS—U.S. Department of Education
PO Box 1398, Jessup MD 20794-1398 / Tel: (877) 433-7827 / Website: www.edpubs.org
A resource for Department of Education Publications. United States Department of Education products can be
identified and ordered through the website, or you may write to request the following helpful booklets: Student
Aid, Student Guide, Funding Your Education, Need Money for College, College Preparation Checklist. All
publications are provided at no cost to the general public.
• The Job Application Center
2331 West Allview Terrace Los Angeles CA 90068 / E-mail: support@jobapplicatoincenter.com /
Website: www.jobapplicationcenter.com
Free online resource for finding job applications online for most of the major employers in the United States.
Receive free interview and resume advice as well as specific step by step instructions on where and how to apply for
jobs.
• Net-Temps Career Center (website)
Website: www.net-temps.com
A website that helps you find a new job and manage your career. Search from tens of thousands of contract and
direct jobs, post your resume, have jobs automatically e-mailed to you, reach over 7,500 top recruiters.
• Nonprofit Career Network (website)
PO Box 241, Haddam CT 06438-0241 / Tel: (860) 345-3255 (888) 844-4870 / E-mail: ncn@prodigy.net /
Website: www.nonprofitcareer.com
This website is dedicated to the nonprofit sector of today’s business and economic world. Our mission is to be a
complete, one-stop resource center for nonprofit organizations, individuals seeking job opportunities in a nonprofit
organization, and people who want to volunteer to make a difference in this world.
• Prisoner’s Guerilla Handbook to Correspondence Programs in the United States and Canada:
High School, Vocational, Paralegal, College, and Graduate Courses
Published by Prison Legal News, PO Box 2420, West Brattleboro VT 05303 / Tel: (802) 257-1342 /
E-mail: pwright@prisonlegalnews.org / Website: www.prisonlegalnews.org
Any prisoner seeking to begin or continue their education behind bars will find this handbook to be an invaluable
roadmap. The author, Jon Marc Taylor BS, MA, an inmate presently incarcerated in Missouri, is a Robert F.
Kennedy Journalism Award winner. A partial list of what this handbook offers: 250 plus programs outline, free
programs for the blind, prisoners tuition rates and discounts, 200 plus diploma/associate/baccalaureate degrees, 60
plus graduate degree programs, 25 cross-referenced indexes, bar exam qualified law schools, bonus articles on
correctional education. Regular Price: $49.95, free shipping.
• Professional Career Development Institute
430 Technology Parkway, Norcross GA 30092 / Tel: (800) 223-4542 / Website: wwwpcdi.com
Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited distance learning school founded in 1987. We
offer home study training courses for continuing education. Whether you want to develop professional career skills,
earn your high school diploma, or get your college degree, PCDI can help. Discounts for prisoners. Write for
further information.
• SCORE—Counselors to America’s Small Business
SCORE Association, 409 3rd Street SW 6th Floor, Washington DC 20024 / Tel: (800) 634-0245 /
Website: www.score.org
The SCORE Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation,
growth, and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE provides free business counseling and advice as a
public service. SCORE offers ‘Ask SCORE’ e-mail advice online, face-to-face business counseling and low-cost
workshops at 389 chapters nationwide, and free and confidential small business counseling. Through free, small
business counseling and support services, SCORE volunteers are here to keep your business going and growing.
• USAJOBS (website)
Tel: (478) 757-3000 or (478) 744-2299 - 24 hours, 7 days a week / Website: www.usajobs.gov
This is a United States Office of Personnel Management web site. USAJOBS is the Federal Government's official
one-stop source for federal jobs and employment information. Learn how to apply for jobs, build your resume, find
an ideal job, or explore exciting federal career options that match your interest.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Personal Health and Nutrition
"Nothing will benefit human health or increase the chances for
survival of life on earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
- Albert Einstein
• American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project
733 15th St NW Suite 620, Washington DC 20005 / Tel: (202) 393-4930 / Website: www.aclu.org
The ACLU offers a free booklet entitled Play It Safer, describing sexually transmitted diseases, the signs of disease,
the importance of safer sex, and the need for treatment. Eleven of the most common STDs are explained, from
Chancroid to Trichomoniasis. This 27 page booklet also includes a national resource list for prisoners.
• Aids Project Los Angeles (APLA)
3550 Wilshire Blvd Suite 300, Los Angeles CA 90010 / Tel: (213) 201-1600 / Website: www.apla.org
AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the nation’s largest AIDS service organizations, provides direct services to men,
women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. APLA is a leader in the provision of bilingual HIV treatment
information, in print and on the Internet, and advocates for effective AIDS-related policies and legislation on the
local, state and federal level. Write to receive further information about our services.
• EarthSave
1509 Seabright Ave Suite B1, Santa Cruz CA 95062 / Tel: (800) 362-3648 (831) 423-0293 /
E-mail: information@EarthSave.org / Website: www.earthsave.org
EarthSave leads a global movement of people from all walks of life who are taking concrete steps to promote
healthy and life-sustaining food choices. We supply information, support, and practical programs to those who have
learned that their food choices impact environmental and human health. We support individuals in making food
choices that promote health, reduce health care costs, and provide greater independence from the medical system.
We raise awareness of the ecological destruction linked to the production of food animals and we also advocate and
promote a shift toward a healthy plant-based, planet-friendly diet. Please write for further information.
• North American Vegetarian Society
PO Box 72, Dolgeville NY 13329 / Tel: (518) 568-7970 / E-mail: navs@telenet.net / Website: www.navs-online.org
The North American Vegetarian Society is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting the
vegetarian way of life. NAVS works year-round to provide information to its members, the public, local groups,
interested organizations and the media. Our educational efforts include: publishing Vegetarian Voice, our
quarterly news-magazine; sponsoring both regional and national conferences; distributing books and other
educational materials by mail and at local and national events; and responding to inquiries from all sectors of
society. NAVS seeks to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism.
• Protecting Your Health and Safety: A Litigation Guide for Inmates
Protecting Your Health & Safety, Southern Poverty Law Center, P O Box 548, Montgomery AL 36101-0548 /
Website: www.splcenter.org/legalaction/la-index.html
A 328-page manual designed to help inmates who are not represented by an attorney, Protecting Your Health and
Safety explains the legal rights that inmates have regarding health and safety, including the right to receive medical
care and the right to be free from inhumane treatment such as excessive force by prison guards. It also explains to
inmates how they can enforce those rights when they are violated. It provides an overview of the legal system, a
glossary of legal terms and explains how to file and litigate pro se complaints in federal courts. It also includes a list
of federal courts and resources groups for prison inmates. It does not cover criminal matters. Cost of manual is
$10.00, which includes shipping and handling. Payments may be made by check or money order. When ordering the
manual please note any special institutional regulations, such as no padded envelopes, receipt required, etc. Upon
request, prison law libraries will be sent a copy at no cost. The complete manual is also available free of charge on
our website.
• The Vegetarian Resource Group
PO Box 1463, Baltimore MD 21203 / Tel: (410) 366-8343 / E-mail: vrg@vrg.org / Website: www.vrg.org
The Vegetarian Resource Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and
the interrelated issues of health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. In addition to publishing the
Vegetarian Journal, VRG produces and sells cookbooks, other books, pamphlets, and article reprints.
• WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases)
414 13th St 2nd Floor, Oakland CA 94612 / Tel: (510) 986-0340 / Website: www.womenhiv.org
An information and support network by, for and about women with HIV/AIDS. We offer our monthly, 8-page
WORLD Newsletter to female prisoners free of charge. Our newsletter has 12,000 readers in over 85 countries
and offers personal stories of women living with HIV, treatment updates, resources, and other information about
living with HIV. Please write for further information.
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A Few Things To Think About If You Are Incarcerated
Despite difficult obstacles, there is much you can do, while incarcerated. The following is a list
of ways to minimize the negative impact of your experience and maximize the positive.
The recidivism (backsliding/relapse) rate for prisoners across the nation is approximately 80%. This rate drops to about 20% when
prisoners attend any type of educational program. Our experience has been that the recidivism rate is even lower when prisoners attend
spiritual programs such as ours.
- The Gangaji Foundation Prison Program
Since more than 90% of the nation's prisoners are eventually released, it is important that you work toward
the following goals:
Choose your battles wisely (your primary focus):
1) Your personal growth should be the focus of your efforts. Don't dwell on issues of your status in prison, the staff
at the institution, or your fellow prisoners. You can't control your environment, but you can control what you do
with your own life.
2) Grievances and litigation are expensive, time-consuming, generally unsuccessful, and frustrating. Concentrate on
bettering yourself. There are self-help and religious materials available which can assist you.
3) There is no significant merit to being the center of attention or a staunch defender of what's right. It is counterproductive to cultivating serenity.
4) Prepare mentally and emotionally for your eventual freedom. If you are a lifer, or even if you are in for a specific
term, your “freedom” increases as your own inner attitudes and perceptions change for the better. If you are
looking at getting out at some point, then practice visualizing and feeling those positive activities and interactions
you will have with people when you get out. This type of visualization is helpful for creating your future.
Nurture relationships:
1) Understand that others on the streets do have a life and many responsibilities (especially in view of your absence),
and may not be home whenever you call.
2) Correspond with those who are positive, supportive, and helpful in terms of a positive future.
3) Do not abuse telephone privileges. It is expensive.
4) Letters, calls, and visits should focus on positive issues and free world events, and not be a gripe session
regarding prison policies. Ask your loved ones to focus on the positive as well.
5) Be supportive of others on the street. The inmate is not the only one who has problems. Be sensitive to your
family's difficulties. They may experience changes in income, responsibilities, residence, etc., possibly because of
your absence.
6) Because life in the free world may be hectic, you may have to do more than 50% of the work to maintain the
relationship. Remember, your close friends and family are “doing time” with you. Be grateful for those who remain
loyal and supportive. Don't waste time and energy being angry with those who cannot be supportive.
7) It takes time to build on relationships, to get to an intimate level. Be sensitive to opportunities to discuss your
background, offense patterns, etc. Learn to listen.
Contribute to your environment in a positive way:
1) Contribute your gifts and talents to help individuals and organizations in and out of the prison environment.
2) Your offending behavior was a part of your life, not the whole thing. Certainly there is a need to take
responsibility for your past actions and address psychological issues with honesty and without denial. However you
must also learn to build on the positive aspects of who you are. Build on positive personality traits and qualities and
stop playing the old negative self-talk tapes.
3) Be aware of all possibilities for participation at your facility in positive, self-enhancing activities. Learn what is
available. Like any new living experience, you must seek ways to participate. Check with staff or fellow inmates to
learn what activities are available and how to go about getting involved. You will have to take the initiative to find
these. Read bulletin boards, talk to counselors and chaplains for suggestions.
4) Find a suitable job and work hard at it. It may differ from your free world profession, but make the best of it.
Find ways to grow: Nurture your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health:
1) Learn a creative hobby.
2) Read the classics of spiritual and world literature. Read something besides novels. Consider reading the Bible,
Talmud, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Upanishads, and so forth. Study self-help, metaphysical, or ageless wisdom
literature. In this way, you can learn to understand yourself better, understand the larger view of human evolution,
understand the deeper psychological and spiritual aspects of personal transformation, and learn to train yourself to
be of service to others.
3) Educate yourself. Consider psychological, self-help, spiritual, or vocational correspondence courses. Earn a GED
or other educational diploma or certificate. If you have a degree, take courses, if available.
4) Attend church services and Bible studies. You will find that the Christian path is deep, profound, and capable of
bringing total renewal and transformation to your heart and mind. However, this requires that you really understand
the teachings, understand who Christ truly is, and that you let both the Christ and his teachings deeply into your
heart.
5) Attend groups who are studying Buddhist teachings such as Tibetan Buddhism or Zen. The Buddhist teachings
of all lineages offer the most profound path to transformation and awakening. If you are diligent in studying and
practice you will gain deep insight into the exact causes of unhappiness and suffering, you will learn how to
transform your perception of reality so you can end your confusion and suffering, and ultimately you will awaken
your heart and mind with wisdom and compassion, bringing benefit to all beings.
6) Attend meditation groups. The practice of meditation is by far one of the single most powerful practices you can
do for personal transformation and awakening. Meditation helps you to know yourself at the deepest levels of your
being. It has also been proven to be an excellent practice for emotional and mental stability and stress reduction.
7) Join civic clubs (e.g. Jaycees, NAACP, etc.), if available.
8) Learn to play a musical instrument.
9) Learn to exercise regularly. Your institutional meals may not be satisfying, so you may want to balance that factor
in positive and healthy ways. Discipline yourself to not overeat; not eating too much is a major factor in creating
and maintaining good health. If it is available, eat as much raw, uncooked foods as you can (salads, vegetables,
fruits, fruit juices, etc.). Cut down on your intake of meat and eat more vegetables or grains. Take care of your
health, medical facilities will not be extensive. Get your sleep and rest.
Take charge of your recovery:
1) Request therapy, if available. Most programs have waiting lists based on parole eligibility. Show significant
interest in participation. Sometimes it can help in getting enrolled.
2) Study self-help literature. It is available by mail.
3) Join some type of self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or start one if none are available. This type of
mutual support will be extremely beneficial for your personal development.
4) Perform an honest evaluation of your psychological (emotional and mental) maturity. Your psychological identity
may have been very difficult to discuss in your regular life setting. But you must look at this seriously as you study
your offending behavior. Be honest with yourself; you will be happier.
Plan for your release:
1) Begin planning as soon as possible, but no later than six months before your release date.
2) Line up treatment, therapy, a support group, and/or a place where you gather with others for your spiritual
practice.
3) Locate potential housing.
4) Make plans for transportation which may include obtaining a driver's license.
5) Locate employment or employment services.
6) Be realistic about employment possibilities. Consider your energy levels as you make these plans. You have not
been accustomed to a real world work place. Know your emotional limitations; know your physical limitations. You
may have many parts of your life you are putting back together besides work. Don't overwhelm yourself with a
heavy work load at first.
7) Plan to take care of yourself first. Once that is done, you will be in better position to help others.
