Dear John,

Graduation season is upon us, and I’m so thrilled for all those who will be celebrating their great accomplishments, especially after such a hard season. At the same time, I’m reminded of all those in prison who are desperate for the chance to get a college education but are unable to do so because of financial constraints.

Research shows that higher education in prison is a proven tool for improving public safety. That’s why we at Prison Fellowship worked diligently for years to convince Congress to reinstate Pell Grants for those in prison. And our advocacy team is continuing to press the Department of Education for swift implementation of Pell Grant restoration.

"In our work ministering to incarcerated men and women, Prison Fellowship has witnessed the transformative power of prison programming," said Heather Rice-Minus, senior vice president of advocacy and church mobilization for Prison Fellowship. "Through Pell reinstatement, Congress expanded the toolkit for correctional leaders to promote constructive citizenship behind and beyond bars. We urge the Department of Education to make implementation of Pell restoration an immediate priority, and—if possible—allow for incarcerated students to access critical federal financial aid in the coming academic year."

Providing those in prison with access to needed education, we can help make our communities safer and ensure that returning citizens are positioned to succeed and leave their criminal histories behind.

The process of reentering society after being incarcerated is a challenge for even the most prepared individuals. There are more than 44,000 documented legal barriers for those seeking the second chances needed for success. Those restrictions can cause a cascade of challenges for those who have paid their debt to society and struggle to gain footing once they return to their family and community.

Our team here at Prison Fellowship created a moving new documentary short film on this topic. A New Day 1 showcases the highs and lows of three Prison Fellowship Academy graduates as they leave prison and navigate the process of rebuilding their lives. It’s a powerful testimony of transformation, as well as the obstacles faced by so many of our formerly incarcerated brothers and sisters. I urge you to watch. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

We know that one of most crucial factors in the transformation and restoration of those who are incarcerated is a solid foundation of faith in Jesus. And one of the best ways we can ensure that those in prison have that foundation is by getting the Word of God into their hands.

There is a huge demand for Bibles in prison, and your continued support has allowed us to provide more than 100,000 Bibles since last July! The stories we hear from those who are desperate for their own copy of God’s Word are so encouraging. I think you’ll really enjoy one we recently shared, which spoke of two hopeful cellmates who turned a prison upside down looking for a copy of the Bible. If only everyone was that dedicated to getting their hands on the Word of God!

Thank you for being a part of the Prison Fellowship family. Our team regularly gathers to thank the Lord for His continued blessings and pray for needs shared with us. If you or your family have any prayer requests, we would be honored to lift them up on your behalf the next time we gather.

Glorifying Him,