Friends Behind the Wall, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a unique service to connect individuals with their friends and family who are serving time in prison. This innovative approach to re-building relationships and fostering hope for the future provides participants with an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
About Friends Behind the Wall
Friends Beyond the Wall was founded in 1999 by a group of individuals who found themselves serving time in various correctional facilities. Having experienced firsthand the isolation and despair that often accompanies imprisonment, they were determined to create a better environment for those who are separated from the outside world.
Today, Friends Behind the Wall has grown into a widely recognized and respected charity that has connecting thousands of people who are serving time with new friends and support systems. Founded on the belief that communication and understanding can help to reform individuals and reduce recidivism, the organization has expanded its services to include a variety of programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior.
Programs and Services
Writing Letters
One of the most prominent programs offered by Friends Behind the Wall is their pen pal exchange program. This initiative matches inmates with non-incarcerated individuals who are interested in forming a meaningful correspondence. Through this program, participants are provided with the opportunity to write regular letters, which serve as a source of comfort and motivation for those spending time in prison.
Visiting Hours
In addition to writing letters, Friends Behind the Wall also organizes monthly visiting hours at various correctional facilities throughout the state. Visitors are given the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their loved ones, offering a much-needed boost of emotional support and reinforcement.
Phone Calls
Another service offered by the organization is the arrangement of weekly phone calls between inmates and their families. These calls provide an opportunity for family members to stay informed about their loved one's wellbeing and to offer words of encouragement.
Education and职业技能 training
Friends Behind the Wall also offers educational and vocational training programs to help inmates develop important skills that will increase their chances of success upon release. These programs are designed to provide participants with the tools they need to secure employment and re-enter society as law-abiding citizens.
Support Services
In addition to the programs mentioned above, Friends Behind the Wall also offers a range of support services to help inmates and their families cope with the challenges of监狱 life. This includes access to counseling, legal advice, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Success Stories
One of the success stories that Friends Behind the Wall is particularly proud of is that of one particular prisoner who became so disillusioned with crime that he decided to turn his life around. After serving several years in prison, this individual joined Friends Behind the Wall and soon established himself as a valuable asset to the institution. Through the power of friendship and the support of his pen pal, he was able to find the motivation to overcome his addiction and secure gainful employment upon release.
Another success story involves a young woman whose brother was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Thanks to the intervention of Friends Behind the Wall, she was able to reunite with her brother and ensure that he received the support he needed to prove his innocence. Today, she serves as a volunteer with the organization and actively works to raise awareness about the injustices faced by inmates throughout the state.
##Friends Behind the Wall is a remarkable organization that has demonstrated the power of friendship and understanding in the correctional system. By providing a platform for communication and support, the organization helps to bridge the gap between inmates and their loved ones and fosters a new sense of hope and optimism for the future. With its diverse range of programs and services, Friends Behind the Wall serves as a model for how institutions can work together with family and friends to promote positive change within their walls.