Resources: Nationwide Organizations and Resources
PARC corresponds with and mails a directory of these resources to prisoners, their friends and family members. We are often the first point of contact for people to connect with prisoners' rights organizations, community organizations, prison literature and arts projects, family and visiting resources, health care and legal resources, parole and pre-release resources, and the prison abolition movement.
Download a PDF copy of the November 2024 Edition here.
Please note recent updates since our last publication:
Compassion Works For All has closed (see listing in Religious Programs)
Missouri Prison Books: Now sending to Kansas, Illinois, and Indiana. Is banned in Missouri, since Sept 23, 2024
The Pathfinder Network: correct phone is 503-892-5396
Providence Books Through Bars c/o Paper Nautilus 19 S Angell Street Providence RI 02906
Women’s Book Project 3501 Aldrich Ave. S, Minneapolis MN 55408
PDX Books Through Bars: ships up to 3 books for free to anyone incarcerated in all states except Wisconsin. General topics/genres only. PO Box 11222; Portland OR, 97211
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Prisoner Visitation and Support Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS) is a volunteer visitation program for people incarcerated in federal and military prisons throughout the United States. PVS visits everyone without judgement with special priority given to those on death row, in solitary confinement, serving long sentences, or not receiving regular visits from family and friends. Has materials available in Spanish and limited Spanish speaking volunteers. Can visit anyone in federal or military facilities, including immigration detainees. |
Nationwide Organizations and Resources |
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Root & Rebound Reentry services for those preparing for release in California and South Carolina only. Offers a 1,211 page Reentry Guide for a $20 fee, and a FREE Reentry Toolkit (condensed version of the Guide) containing legal information about your rights in reentry. Accepts calls on Friday's 9am-3pm only for reentry questions at 510-279-4662. Will help you prepare to and transition home, plus navigate challenges due to having a record. California and South Carolina only. |
Nationwide Organizations and Resources |
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Solitary Watch Solitary Watch works to expose and oppose the use of solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and jails. They welcome submissions of non-fiction writing (up to 1500 words) and artwork by those currently or formerly serving time in solitary for their Voices from Solitary series, and pays $300 for published pieces. Runs the Lifelines to Solitary pen pal program for people currently in solitary confinement. May not respond timely to letters. Limited resources available in Spanish. Serves people nationally. |
Nationwide Organizations and Resources |
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The Sentencing Project The Sentencing Project is a national policy research and advocacy organization that works for a fair and effective criminal justice system by promoting sentencing reform and alternatives to incarceration. They produce reports on prison-related topics, including prison populations nationally, state-by-state data, life sentences, voting rights, and more. May not respond to letters. Unable to provide individual legal assistance. |
Nationwide Organizations and Resources |
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Women's Prison Association The Women's Prison Association (WPA) offers a range of services aimed at helping women in the New York City area. Their direct service network is organized in three broad areas; Residential and Family Services; Reentry Services; and community-based services. Provides transitional planning and education in NY women's prisons, as well as HIV counseling and testing. Serves women in New York state only. |
Nationwide Organizations and Resources, Women's Organizations and Resources, HIV Resources |