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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Pennsylvania Prison Society PPS offers resources to Pennsylvania prisoners in the form of an official visiting program to help people in custody with issues they may be experiencing while in confinement, a free resource program where information requested is sent via mail, and re-entry services, including mentoring, peer support groups and referrals. It also publishes “Graterfriends,” a newsletter published 6 times a year by and for incarcerated people with issues relevant to them ($3.00 for an annual prisoner subscription). Does not provide legal assistance or representation. Serves PA only for visits; newsletter and resource program available to all. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Pennsylvania |
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Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project A visual arts and education project that connects teaching artists and scholars to incarcerated students at Stateville Max Security Prison through classes, workshops, a policy think tank, and guest lectures. Classes cover subjects ranging from poetry, visual arts, and creative writing to political theory, social studies, and history. Illinois only.
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Regional Advocacy Organizations, Illinois |
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Prisoner's Rights Information System of Maryland The Prisoner’s Rights Information System of Maryland (PRISM) assists current inmates of Maryland state prisons with their 8th Amendment rights, and offers representation or advice to state prisoners in civil rights matters and certain state habeas corpus or inmate grievance office cases. They also handle sentence calculation problems, lack of medical care or improper living conditions, violation of constitutional rights of religion, association, etc. PRISM will provide representation and legal assistance only in cases dealing with the status of conviction and actions under 42 U.S.C., Section 1983, to challenge conditions of confinement. This includes legal services for representation in select cases at Inmate Grievance Office hearings and appeals when the grievance involves a civil rights or constitutional issue, assistance with problems concerning prison conditions or administration (e.g., disciplinary actions, medical complaints, mistreatment, etc.), problems related to parole, and problems related to sentences such as sentence computation, diminution of confinement credits, etc. PRISM does not provide representation in criminal, domestic and civil court actions. To connect with PRISM, incarcerated peopele should mail the P.O. Box address. Serves Maryland only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Maryland |
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Prisoners' Legal Services of New York PLSNY provides free legal services to New York State prisoners - not serving those in jails or federal prison. Pre-release and re-entry program (PREP) assists clients with 6-18 months from their release date. Also publishes Pro Se newsletter six times per year, providing information and analysis on recent developments in NY prison law. To subscribe, send a subscription request with prisoner's name, DIN number, and facility to: Pro Se, 114 Prospect Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Past issues are downloadable from their website. Offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithica, and Newburgh - write or call for more info on your local office. Serves New York only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, New York |
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Prisoners' Rights Office This section of the Vermont Office of the Defender General handles prisoners' rights cases and pardons. Serves Vermont only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Vermont |
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Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts Prisoners’ Legal Services provides legal representation and administrative advocacy in civil (non-criminal) matters related to prisoners’ treatment in Massachusetts prisons and jails, and upon release on parole. Serves current or former Mass prisoners in issues including inadequate medical or mental health care, assaults or violence by staff, unsafe or inhumane conditions in Mass jails or prisons, arbitrary use of isolation, and/or unfair denial or revocation of parole. Accepts letters to address listed and calls during intake hours on Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Non-English speakers seeking assistance may also contact PLS - they will provide interpretation services. Serves people in Mass. only. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, Massachusetts |
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Project AVARY Project AVARY offers long-term support and enrichment for children and youth in the San Francisco Bay Area with a parent in prison or jail. The program services include a summer camp, monthly outings, leadership training, and family support. Also coordinates online group mentoring, available to anyone in the country. Write for further details. |
Regional Advocacy Organizations, California |
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Project Rebound, Cal Poly Pomona Project Rebound is a program to help formerly incarcerated students prepare, apply, enroll and graduate with a degree from Cal Poly Pomona. The program offers academic and financial counseling, peer mentoring and tutoring, and career placement. Serves released Californians only. |
College and Higher Education Courses, Regional Advocacy Organizations, California |
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Project Rebound, CAL State Fullerton Project Rebound is a program to help formerly incarcerated students prepare, apply, enroll and graduate with a degree from Cal State Fullerton. The program offers academic and financial counseling, peer mentoring and tutoring, and career placement. Serves released Californians only. |
College and Higher Education Courses, Regional Advocacy Organizations, California |
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Project Rebound, Cal State LA Project Rebound is a program to help formerly incarcerated students prepare, apply, enroll and graduate with a degree from CAL State LA. The program offers academic and financial counseling, peer mentoring and tutoring, and career placement. Serves released Californians only. |
College and Higher Education Courses, Regional Advocacy Organizations, California |