Dear John,

As our nation continues to face uncertain times due to the ongoing pandemic, U.S. employers are grappling with hiring shortfalls—and the corrections community has been impacted as well. Though some prisons have reopened, others are closing again as a result. Still, we continue to move forward, undaunted in our commitment to serve those living and working in prison.

Our founder, Chuck Colson, once said, “Idleness is one of the most debilitating aspects of prison life, as I so well remember from my own experience. People drift across the prison compound, stare vacantly at the walls of their cells, or watch TV incessantly. They become empty shells with nowhere to go, no work to perform. For days on end they feel they have no purpose.” That’s why I’m grateful for the many ways that Prison Fellowship, inspired by Chuck’s vision, engages those living and working in prison in the essential work of restoration.

Take Inside Journal, our quarterly newspaper, as one example. This important resource is packed with a variety of inspiring and engaging content on topics like parenting, conflict resolution, trauma and addiction recovery, and much more. Each edition offers the hope of the Gospel, relatable stories of prisoners with transformed lives, and practical advice about making the most of a prison sentence.

What’s more, Inside Journal can reach places where staff and volunteers can’t—including reception and orientation centers, prisons in the most remote locations, and individual cells when prisons are closed to visitors. That’s why we recently decided to expand Inside Journal from four to eight pages. The fall edition, which will reach 250,000 readers, hits prison with inspiring and relevant content specialized for men, women, and Spanish speakers.

And now I’ll share with you a brand new initiative: Our Prison Fellowship Angel Tree team recently rolled out pilots of our new Angel Tree Parent days across the country. Designed to inspire and support incarcerated parents in the process of family restoration, these events utilize special entertainment as well as informative and inspirational speakers who share their own testimonies regarding the importance of parenting and the need for others to help with parenting—including the church community. In addition to providing encouragement to parents, these events also create awareness of Angel Tree and the opportunity for moms and dads of eligible children to sign up for Angel Tree Christmas, so their children can receive a Christmas gift from their incarcerated mom or dad as well as a full-text, age-appropriate copy of the Bible in English Spanish.

In just the past few weeks these events have resulted in hundreds of moms and dads attending, and we are seeing an increase in the number of applications for Angel Tree Christmas being received by Prison Fellowship in advance of the deadline. You can help parents connect with their children by engaging your own church or business in Prison Fellowship Angel Tree. Your participation could be the catalyst that changes the trajectory for an entire family.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention our innovative Warden Exchange program, which equips corrections officials to create safer communities inside and outside of prison. This transformational leadership program is one of a kind and has been ably led by Sam Dye since its inception. After nearly 22 years, Sam is retiring and will pass the baton to Chris Hendry, who previously served as bureau chief of professional development and training with the Florida Department of Corrections. A graduate of the Warden Exchange program, Chris has spent more than 30 years in corrections and possesses a wealth of knowledge and insights that will keep the program advancing as we seek to change the culture of prison and corrections.

Your continued prayers and support for the work the Lord has given us to do is having an eternal impact. Thank you for joining us in our commitment to remember those in prison.

In His Grace,

JAMES J. ACKERMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer

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