Your support makes Prisoner Express possible

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read our fundraising page and consider chipping in. You are joining hundreds of people who are contributing to help make this program possible. 

There is no funding behind the scenes, and no agenda besides helping prisoners express themselves and their truth with each other and with the outside world. The programs created by volunteers are answering the requests that come in.

Right now hundreds of letters (not an exaggeration) arrive every week in Prisoner Express mailroom, and dozens of volunteers show up each week to participate in the programs. In the past 5 years prisoner express has been able to expand its capacity as more and more prisoners hear about the program and write in to subscribe. 

Since we are based at the Durland Alternatives Library we are fortunate enough to avoid paying rent, and we are able to partner with students and Cornell University groups to have staff 7 days a week working on the program. We don't take this for granted. The typical expenses of running an organization are covered (generously) by the Alternatives Library in its mission to serve people often cast to the edges. 

Your donation today will go directly to the postage needed to mail newsletters, book packages, and programs. You are helping to make connections and healing possible.

Postage is an ongoing need, so please consider becoming a monthly sustainer. 

Finally, here is an excerpt from one of the letters which arrived in our mailroom from Miguel Velasquez.

Dear Prisoner Express...

"My name is Miguel Velasquez. I’m 22 years old (23 next month) and I’ve been incarcerated since I was sixteen years of age. I’m serving a 25 to life sentence. I haven’t been able to give back to my community much since I’ve been in, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to.

I’ve never been able to be a part of something positive as a youth. With the environment you guys have created with this program I feel like I’m part of something positive and it gives me hope.

A lot of individuals have given up hope on prisoners, but as for me, I believe in the good I am capable of and I see you guys believe the same."

—Miguel Velasquez