PELIPOST | THE OFFICIAL BLOG

In a world full of texting and endless notifications, getting a handwritten letter feels pretty magical. It's even more powerful for people behind bars. As more prisons go digital, that simple act of holding a letter becomes rare—and incredibly meaningful. A real, human connection that can break through the walls, both literally and emotionally.

If you've been thinking about becoming a prison pen pal but feel a little unsure about how it all works, you're not alone. A lot of people are curious but don't know where to start. Good news: we've got you covered.

We sat down with Sigrid and Elodie, the founders of Wire of Hope, a group dedicated to helping people build real, life-changing connections through letters. They shared some amazing insights, helpful tips, and the truth about what it's like to be a prison pen pal.

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Getting Started: Your First Step

"We totally understand the excitement of finding a profile that speaks to you and wanting to jump right in, but prison correspondence is also an important commitment. It can turn into a long-term connection, so it is best to understand what you are stepping into, both emotionally and logistically," shares Elodie.

Sigrid emphasizes the importance of intention: "The first step is deciding you're open to building a connection with someone who's incarcerated and check in with your intentions."

Wire of Hope offers a ton of beginner resources, including:

·       Guides on prison mail rules

·       Tips for first-time writers

·       Precautionary measures to stay safe

·       Tutorials for using prison email systems

Their platform lets you browse profiles and find someone whose story speaks to you. You can even filter by interests, location, and more.

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It's Not Just for Them — It's for You Too

"A big misconception is that only the person in prison benefits from a prison correspondence. But honestly, it is often just as meaningful for the person writing," says Elodie.

Letters can be a lifeline for someone behind bars, but they can also open your eyes to a whole new world. You'll get a deeper understanding of life inside, and you might even find yourself growing more empathetic and aware.

"It breaks the isolation of prison life, restores a sense of dignity and humanity, and often brings hope where there wasn't much," Sigrid shares.

And for you? It might just change the way you see the world.

Safety First (and Always)

Worried about safety? Totally normal.

"People sometimes worry that everyone in prison is dangerous or trying to take advantage," says Elodie. "But the reality is, most people just want a connection. They want to be seen, heard, and treated like a person again," Sigrid explains.

Wire of Hope takes safety seriously:

·       You choose who you write to

·       They offer detailed guides on setting boundaries

·       You can use a P.O. Box for privacy

·       They teach you how to spot red flags

You're always in control. And if you want extra privacy, services like Jmail act like an online P.O. Box.

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Writing Your First Letter: Keep It Simple

So, what should your first letter look like? Here's the deal: less is more.

Stick to the basics:

·       White lined paper

·       Blue or black ink

·       Plain white envelope

·       No stickers, drawings, or colorful paper

Always double-check your pen pal's facility rules—they can vary a lot.

What to write about?

·       A little about you (hobbies, favorite shows, music)

·       Your daily life

·       Why you're writing

"For a first letter, keep it super simple: white lined paper, blue or black ink, and a white envelope. Avoid stickers, drawings, colorful paper, etc.," advises Elodie. "Anything too elaborate could get your letter rejected."

"Don't overthink it. People in prison are usually so happy to receive a letter that you truly do not have to impress them with anything fancy. They will likely be thrilled just to hear from someone!" Elodie adds.

Set boundaries early, be honest about what kind of connection you're open to, and how often you can write.

Navigating the Prison Mail System

Each facility has its own set of rules. (Fun? No. Necessary? Yes.)

Quick reminders:

·       No glitter, stickers, or perfume

·       No cash or stamps unless allowed

·       Only blue or black ink

·       Photos are usually okay but often limited

"It can take up to 6 weeks to hear back, especially now that many facilities are outsourcing mail handling to third-party companies," Elodie explains. This delay can be even longer when writing from abroad.

Finding the Right Connection

"We do not match people; it is up to our visitors to browse our profiles and find someone they feel drawn to," Elodie explains. "Everyone connects for different reasons, and we want that choice to feel personal."

You can filter by age, gender, interests, and more—making it personal from the start.

Keeping the Connection Going

Life gets busy, we get it. But consistency matters more than perfect letters.

Tips for staying connected:

·       Share your everyday life (even the boring stuff!)

·       Send short notes when you're busy

·       Be thoughtful around holidays and birthdays

·       Communicate if you need a break

"Staying consistent is probably the biggest challenge," admits Elodie. "Life gets busy, and it is not always easy to find the time to write. But even short notes can go a long way, especially around birthdays or holidays, which are extra tough for people inside."

Sigrid suggests: "Don't feel pressure to be profound all the time. Consistency matters more than depth in many cases. Sometimes, just sending a 'I know life's been hectic, but I've been thinking of you' is enough."

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Success Stories and Impact

The impact of these pen pal connections can be truly life-changing for everyone involved. "One story that really stuck with us came from a veteran who started writing to someone in our program. They were both dealing with PTSD, and their letters became a space for healing for both of them," shares Elodie.

Wire of Hope has seen tons of meaningful connections grow through their program:

·       An equestrian whose pen pal created a "horse term dictionary" to better understand her passion

·       A beekeeper whose incarcerated pen pal became fascinated with beekeeping

·       Incarcerated individuals reporting that letters "reminded me I'm still human"

·       Pen pals who helped each other through dark times

Sigrid recounts feedback from incarcerated members who have said, "You reminded me I'm still human." She explains, "I've personally had friends on the inside tell me that our letters gave them hope on their darkest days, that just knowing someone cared helped them make different choices, hold onto faith, or keep fighting for their future."

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Impact on Reentry and Reducing Recidivism

Research consistently shows that maintaining positive outside connections significantly improves reentry outcomes and reduces recidivism.

How Prison Correspondence Helps:

·       Provides a sense of belonging and accountability

·       Reminds individuals they're still part of the world

·       Reduces feelings of hopelessness

·       Builds self-worth and motivation

·       Offers practical encouragement for education and skill-building

·       Can become a support system upon release

"Maintaining outside connections is one of the most powerful predictors of a successful reentry," Sigrid emphasizes. "Even just one consistent, caring connection can shift someone's mindset. It gives them a sense of belonging and accountability, and reminds them that they're still part of the world, and not forgotten or disposable."

Elodie adds: "Having someone who believes in you, who is there to listen and encourage you, can completely change the direction of a person's life."

"While it may seem like 'just a letter,' the ripple effects are huge. Consistent correspondence helps people feel human again and that can change everything." — Sigrid

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Taking the First Step

If you're thinking about becoming a prison pen pal, Wire of Hope has everything you need to get started. Visit their website to browse profiles, check out their writing guides, and learn more about the amazing impact these letters can have.

Remember, a simple letter might seem small, but it can spark a connection that changes lives on both sides in ways you never expected.

Pelipost makes it easy to send photos to your incarcerated loved ones. Download our app today and help strengthen those important connections.

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