The Hidden Challenges Women Face in Prison

A woman in an orange prison jumpsuit sits solemnly in front of jail bars, with the headline “The Hidden Challenges Women Face In Prison” above her and the “Penpals” logo at the top.

As soon as we hear the word prison, our minds instantly form a vision of a man behind bars. But what about the women in prison? Their stories are just as real… and in many cases, even more heartbreaking. In the U.S. alone, there are over 190,000 women locked up and globally, more than 733,000 […]

Prison Pen Pal Questions You Need to Know

Person behind prison bars wearing a white tank top, holding a book; overlaid text reads "Prison Pen Pal Questions You Need To Know.

So, you’re thinking about becoming a prison pen pal. You’ve heard about it, maybe read a story or two, and now you’re curious, like, what do I even write? Is it safe? Will it be awkward? What do I say to someone behind bars? First of all, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in […]

Letter Writing Guide for Inmates: Do’s & Don’ts

hree people sit together in discussion, with one person holding a tablet. The text above them reads, "Letter Writing Guide For Inmates: Do's & Don'ts." At the top, a logo featuring a bird and the words "awayoutpenpals.com" is displayed.

You’re not alone. Writing to someone behind bars can feel overwhelming; there are rules, unknowns, and lots of questions. That’s why having a clear letter writing guide can make things a lot easier. Let’s break it down. Because when done right, a simple letter can bring hope, healing and human connection. Why Writing to an […]

Effects of Incarceration on Families and Children

Two hands reaching through prison bars with fingers touching, conveying the emotional strain of incarceration on families. Overlaid text reads: “Effect Of Incarceration On Families And Children.”

More than 10 million kids in the U.S. have had a parent involved in the criminal justice system Right now, 1 in 28 children has a parent in prison. And 1 in 14 has lived through it at some point. That’s not a small number. That’s over five million children, kids who go to school, play […]

Meditation for Prisoners: Finding Peace Behind Bars

A prisoner sits in a stark cell, writing on paper, with overlaid text reading “Meditation For Prisoners: Finding Peace Behind Bars.

What if just sitting quietly for a few minutes each day could help someone in prison feel less angry, sleep better, and feel more in control? That’s exactly what happened in a study with 1,350 inmates who took part in mindfulness training. They saw big changes, less hostility, better mood, and higher self-esteem.  Another study […]

Mental Health in Prison: The Hidden Trauma of Incarceration

Every year, around 1.2 million people with mental health problems end up in jail or prison. Sounds shocking, right? These aren’t just numbers; these are real people who needed help but ended up in prison. And let’s be honest, mental health in prison isn’t something the system is equipped to deal with—even if it makes […]

Writing to an Inmate: A Small Act That Creates Big Change

A hand holding a pen writes a letter on white paper. The letter begins with "Dear Thom" and discusses love and its different kinds. The image includes the text "Writing To An Inmate: A Small Act That Creates Big Change" at the bottom.

Ever wonder if a simple letter could change someone’s life? You’re not alone. A lot of people feel pulled to write to someone in prison… but then the doubts start to appear: These are valid questions. And you’re not being dramatic, you’re being thoughtful. Writing to an inmate isn’t just a kind act. It’s a […]

How to Raise a Child With an Incarcerated Parent

A person holds a handwritten letter with a red heart sticker sealing the envelope. The letter is addressed "Dear Thom" and discusses love and connection.

How do I tell my child their dad/mom is in prison? It’s the question no parent wants to ask, but for millions, it’s a painful reality. According to research, over 2.7 million children in the United States had an incarcerated parent. When someone you love goes to prison, especially a partner, life changes overnight. But […]

Reasons For Writing A Prison Pen Pal

A bird logo carrying a letter in its beak, featured among vintage-style envelopes and papers, with the text "Reasons For Writing A Prison Pen Pal" displayed prominently.

Writing to an incarcerated prison pen pal might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about making new connections. However, this simple act of reaching out can have profound effects, not just for the inmate, but for you as well.  Let’s explore the genuine reasons behind writing a prison pen pal […]

How to Handle Common Challenges With Your Prison Pen Pal

A hand holding a partially visible handwritten letter, with the text overlay "How To Handle Common Challenges With Your Prison Pen.

Building a friendship with someone behind bars can be easy, but it’s not just about exchanging letters; it’s about hope, connection, and navigating the Challenges With Your Prison Pen Pal while offering a glimpse of the outside world. But what happens when you write a letter to your pen pal and challenges arise? From lost […]