Write Night

Sending letters of hope and encouragement to those in prison

building stronger families impacted by the prison system

The What

Write Night is a night where friends, families, groups, or strangers come together and write letters of hope and encouragement to those in prison. We take for granted a card we may receive in the mail. It just becomes something we quickly read and soon will be thrown in the trash along with all that junk mail. However, for those in prison, something as simple as a letter or card can make a lasting impact. It’s not just mail, but rather a reminder that they still exist and that people, even strangers, can speak life into them and give them hope for a brighter future. Your Words Have Power!

The What

Write Night is a night where friends, families, groups, or strangers come together and write letters of hope and encouragement to those in prison. We take for granted a card we may receive in the mail. It just becomes something we quickly read and soon will be thrown in the trash along with all that junk mail. However, for those in prison, something as simple as a letter or card can make a lasting impact. It’s not just mail, but rather a reminder that they still exist and that people, even strangers, can speak life into them and give them hope for a brighter future. Your Words Have Power!

The Why

More than 2.3 million men and women are locked away in America’s prisons and jails. Most of them are desperate for a connection to the outside world. They are “out of sight, out of mind” to their families, friends, and loved ones. Like you and I, those in prison feel pain, they feel the ache of loneliness, and they feel the guilt of their past. A single letter has the ability to give someone in prison hope for their future. That hope can reduce the likelihood of re-offending and it can help give the determination to make something of their lives. Join us in our mission to spread hope and encouragement throughout the prison system.

The Why

More than 2.3 million men and women are locked away in America’s prisons and jails. Most of them are desperate for a connection to the outside world. They are “out of sight, out of mind” to their families, friends, and loved ones. Like you and I, those in prison feel pain, they feel the ache of loneliness, and they feel the guilt of their past. A single letter has the ability to give someone in prison hope for their future. That hope can reduce the likelihood of re-offending and it can help give the determination to make something of their lives. Join us in our mission to spread hope and encouragement throughout the prison system.

Host A Write Night

Whether you are a church group, community group, friends, family, strangers, soccer moms, sports teams, small groups, or even neighbors you can host a Write Night. No matter your location we make it easy for you to have a Write Night and as a group have a lasting impact on those in prison.

We provide all the resources you would need and help guide you through the process. You will find all the resources need below to get started.

“To write means more than putting pretty words on a page; the act of writing is to share a part of your soul with the World.”

Have Questions? Contact Us.

Write Night Resources

Below you will find everything you need to host a Write Night. We have an Introduction to Write Night, some example letters, Ohio Prison Mailing Addresses with How to Address the Envelope, List of Jokes to include some of your favorites (people in prison love some good ole’ jokes), Devotionals if you would like to include, and some Lined Paper with editable return mailing address.

THE ONLY RESOURCE MISSING WOULD BE THE LIST OF NAMES OF WHO TO WRITE TO. YOU CAN CONTACT US FOR A LIST OR YOU CAN FOLLOW THE RESOURCE BELOW TO DO IT YOURSELF.

RESOURCES COMING SOON

Introduction

Example Letter 1

ohio prison addresses

List of jokes

Devotionals

lined paper

The Impact



“I truly don’t know how or if I am supposed to respond to the Christmas Card I received at such a needed time in my life, so since there was a return address I am going to try.

Thank you so much for the kind words and blessings that were in your card. It said that someone was thinking of me and reminded me that God loved me and cherished me as I am and that I have an incredible purpose. This little card sent from someone I know only as Kayla came at a very, very powerful and emotional time of my life in which I am experiencing a transformation of sorts and really trying to find God instead of running from Him, so that I can get to know Him the way that you do.

God Bless you for your kind words and Godly reminder, I cried and still do not know how it happened or why, but that is our God. Thank you and please pray for me. I hope this gets to someone and maybe I can get some understanding of “Continue the Story” or even Kayla.”

– Joseph, an Ohio Inmate



“I would first like to thank you for taking time to write me. 🙂 I would like you to know it was not by coincidence. I recently gave my life to God. 🙂 I read my bible daily, some I understand and some I do not. I ask God to put people in my life that can help me [in] my walk with God. I believe God sent you. I will be out of here Oct 2nd. I live in Columbus. I was going to a church called Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. I wrote them a couple of weeks ago asking that my prayer partner to be there for me because I’m coming home after 2 years and I am going to need support. I have never felt so free than now. 🙂 I am ready to do God’s work. I am 50 years old and I believe God wants me to somehow open some safe houses for young girls on heroin because it’s an epidemic. I want one for young girls that have outgrown the foster care system, pregnant women on drugs, and one for homeless veterans. I have my work cut out that’s for sure. I know God is just getting started and I am eager to get started. 🙂 Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I hope to hear from you soon.”

– Lisa, an Ohio Inmate

FAQs

HIDDEN TOP ONE

The only cost associated with Write Night is the cost of the envelopes + stamps.

what is write night?

Write Night is an opportunity to come together with friends + family and send letters of hope and encouragement for those in prison.

is there any cost?

The only cost associated with Write Night is the cost of the envelopes + stamps.

WHAT DO I SAY?

There is no perfect script on what to say. You can share inspirational quotes or funny stories from something that happened earlier in your week. The most important part is being authentic and speaking hope and encouragement. Never share information like your phone number, address, or intimate details.

Can I use any stamp?

Adhesive stamps are not approved and will be returned. If you have the ability to print stamps on an envelope with a postage meter you can use that or you can go to your local post office and purchase stamped envelopes which have the stamp printed on the envelope.

HIDDEN TOP ONE

The only cost associated with Write Night is the cost of the envelopes + stamps.

who do I write to?

We provide lists of inmates with the needed information upon request. You can also follow the steps in the above Resource section for “Creating Lists of Inmates.”

what if I am nervous?

We completely understand that you may be nervous at first. We encourage you to only share/write things that you are comfortable with. Some people like to share more than others and either approach still can make a huge impact. We also believe as you continue to write more letters the nervousness you feel will begin to fade.

can my child draw pictures?

Absolutely! We encourage families to do this together. Certain prisons will not allow anything other than pens. However, many will accept colored pencils, so we recommend only using pens or colored pencils. The use of crayons or stickers will result in your letter being sent back.

HIDDEN TOP ONE

The only cost associated with Write Night is the cost of the envelopes + stamps.

what is write night?

Write Night is an opportunity to come together with friends + family and send letters of hope and encouragement for those in prison.

is there any cost?

The only cost associated with Write Night is the cost of the envelopes + stamps.

WHAT DO I SAY?

There is no perfect script on what to say. You can share inspirational quotes or funny stories from something that happened earlier in your week. The most important part is being authentic and speaking hope and encouragement. Never share information like your phone number, address, or intimate details.

Can I use any stamp?

Adhesive stamps are not approved and will be returned. If you have the ability to print stamps on an envelope with a postage meter you can use that or you can go to your local post office and purchase stamped envelopes which have the stamp printed on the envelope.

who do I write to?

We provide lists of inmates with the needed information upon request. You can also follow the steps in the above Resource section for “Creating Lists of Inmates.”

What if I am nervous?

We completely understand that you may be nervous at first. We encourage you to only share/write things that you are comfortable with. Some people like to share more than others and either approach still can make a huge impact. We also believe as you continue to write more letters the nervousness you feel will begin to fade.

Can my child draw pictures?

Absolutely! We encourage families to do this together. Certain prisons will not allow anything other than pens. However, many will accept colored pencils, so we recommend only using pens or colored pencils. The use of crayons or stickers will result in your letter being sent back.