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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Lewisburg Prison Project The Lewisburg Prison Project (LPP) is affiliated with the PA Institutional Law Project (PILP). Together, we provide informational materials, advice, and representation on civil rights matters related to the conditions of confinement (medical, mental health, excessive force, etc.) of those incarcerated in Pennsylvania. We cannot provide legal advice or representation to those with claims that occur outside of Pennsylvania, and we do not assist with criminal matters, habeas cases, sentencing, or parole issues. Also provides informational materials and legal bulletins about prisoners' rights to people incarcerated throughout the United States. Resources available online, or write in for order form and to submit requests. May not answer phone calls. Legal advice only provided in Pennsylvania; other resources nationwide.
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Nationwide Organizations and Resources |
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National Center on Institutions and Alternatives Provides sentencing advocacy, capital case mitigation services, parole release advocacy, institutional designation and transfer, and release planning. Will research questions and provide advice regarding the Bureau of Prisons, the administrative remedy process, intensive confinement, RDAP, pre-release programming, home confinement and related issues. Serves federal prisoners nationwide. |
Nationwide Organizations and Resources |
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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 Focused on reentry services for people released or 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 which is a condensed version of the Reentry Guide containing general legal information about people’s rights in reentry. Also runs a free reentry hotline on Friday's 9am-3pm that accepts calls from people who are currently incarcerated. Root & Rebound often can help you prepare to and transition home, plus navigate challenges due to having a record. Supports with getting an ID, securing parole transfers, verifying parole length, and understanding parole conditions. 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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Transgender, Gender Variant, and Intersex (TGI) Justice Project Miss Major Alexander L Lee TGIJP Black Trans Cultural Center (fka The TGI Justice Project) works primarily with Transgender, GNC, and Intersex (TGI) people who are in prison and formerly incarcerated in California. We will pause our individualized client advocacy support while we internally restructure and shift our legal department. This will include not providing any onsite legal lawyers, legal representation, or litigation; however, we will be sharing legal education which consists of sharing supporting cases and relevant laws for self-advocacy purposes. We will also continue to provide letters of support for parole, upcoming court hearings, legal name & gender change support, and providing our Melenie Eleneke Grassroots Re-entry/Socio-Economic Program. Miss Major Alexander L Lee Center supports TGI people in prison being released to the San Francisco Bay Area and is part of a broader movement fighting for racial and social justice. Some services nationwide but more services for Californians. Expect delays in response to letters.
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Nationwide Organizations and Resources, LGBTQI-focused Organizations and Resources |
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Vegetarian Resource Group The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and the interrelated issues of health, nutrition, environment, ethics, and world hunger. Publishes Vegan Journal magazine, as well as Veganism in a Nutshell, Vegetarianism in a Nutshell, Heart Healthy Eating, My Vegan Plate, and El Vegetarianismo en pocas palabras brochures. Serves people nationwide.
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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 neighborhood 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 |