Resources: Regional Advocacy Organizations
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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Humanity for Prisoners Humanity for Prisoners, in collaboration with strategic partners, works one-on-one with people in prison to provide personalized services which empower them to receive support and assistance. Key areas of focus include: navigating the prison system, advocating for healthcare, gaining access to public documents, preparing for parole board hearings, and reconnecting with lost family and friends. Serves Michigan only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Michigan |
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Idaho Justice Project Idaho Justice Project elevates system-involved persons in partnership with citizens, nonprofits, justice stakeholders, and government officials to improve Idaho’s justice system using organizing, public education, collaboration, and advocacy. They are focused on reducing the amount of incarcerated people in Idaho and reinvesting the funds to social services that target mental health and drug addiction services. They also support rehabilitation services in prison using evidence-based programs and empower returning citizens to succeed with achievable probation and parole requirements. Serves Idaho only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Idaho |
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Illinois Prison Project Through advocacy, public education, and direct representation of thousands of needlessly incarcerated people, the Illinois Prison Project brings hope to and fights in community with incarcerated people and their loved ones for a brighter, more humane, more just system for us all. They provide direct representation to people in the Illinois Department of Corrections, train and support attorneys who provide direct representation, and empower incarcerated people and their families to advocate for themselves. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Illinois |
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Illinois Prisoner Rights Coalition Serves incarcerated people and their loved ones by offering a rapid response support system to address rights violations and injustices that occur in Illinois jails and prisons for people in immediate danger and ongoing case management. They provide support and intervention in instances of abuse, neglect, and violations of civil and human rights. Services are free to incarcerated community members and their loved ones. Serves Illinois only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Illinois |
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Incarcerated Individuals Legal Assistance Project The Incarcerated Individuals Legal Assistance Project (ILAP) is a student run, pro-bono organization that provides free legal research to incarcerated individuals. Under the guidance of an experienced appellate attorney, students aid incarcerated individuals on a variety of legal issues, from post-conviction relief and ineffective assistance of counsel claims to tort claims and family law. Primarily serves Indiana but may be able to assist incarcerated people in other states. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Indiana |
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Iowa Cure Iowa CURE is a multi-issue, membership-based organization which brings individuals concerned about the correctional system together to work for change both inside and outside prison walls in order to promote healing or restorative justice within the community. Serves Iowa only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Iowa |
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Jail and Prison Services at New York Public Library The NYPL's Correctional Library Services publishes "Connections", the most exhaustive guide and directory of resources in New York City available to help people when they are leaving correctional facilities. The guidebook is free to those incarcerated in New York State prisons and local jails, with mailed copies prioritized for soon-to-be-released individuals. Full PDF available online. Aquí encontrará una traducción al español disponible como un archivo PDF. Personas que están encarceladas pueden solicitar hasta 40 páginas impresas de "Conexiones" a la vez (que se enviarán por carta), escribiendo a: NYPL Correctional Services, 445 Fifth Ave, NY, NY 10016. Serves individuals in New York only.
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Regional Advocacy Organizations, New York |
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Kindful Restoration Offers group work, courses and programing in California prisons in English and Spanish. Provides assistance in preparing for upcoming parole suitability hearings. Also offers restorative re-entry services. Serves California only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, California |
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Legal Aid Society Prisoner's Rights Project The Prisoner’s Rights Project (PRP) protects and enforces the legal rights of New York City and New York State prisoners through litigation, advice, and assistance to individual prisoners. PRP does not deal with criminal cases or sentences or matters related to parole. Request help by phone at (212-577-3300), or their Helpline (888-663-6680) which is staffed Mon-Fri 10am-3pm. Serves New York only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, New York |
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Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) provides civil representation to indigent persons incarcerated in Minnesota. Students at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law represent clients from interviews through any trial. Cases include domestic relations, imprisonment-related matters (institutional grievances, parole, and detainers), and the full range of other civil problems including debtor-creditor, wills, contracts, torts, and civil rights issues. LAMP does not handle appeals for inmates to contest their convictions. Serves people in Minnesota only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Minnesota |