Mail-room rules
What the prison will send back unopened
A rejected letter is worse than no letter, because the person inside is told it came and was refused. These rules keep that from happening.
Our ten rules
What every writer agrees to
We read these aloud at the start of every training night. They protect you, your pen pal and the ministry's good name with the prisons.
Write through the box
Every letter goes to our P.O. box and every reply comes back to it. Never give out your home address, phone number or social media.
First name only
Sign with your first name. Your writer number does the rest.
No money, ever
Not for commissary, phone time or a lawyer. If you are asked, tell us and we will reply on your behalf.
Matthew 10:16
No legal advice
Even if you are a lawyer. Pass legal questions to us and we will point them to people who can help properly.
Plain paper, dark ink
White or lined paper, blue or black ballpoint. No stickers, glitter, perfume, crayon or lipstick kisses from the grandchildren.
Photos with care
Three 4x6 prints at most. Places, pets, gardens. No people, no uniforms, no maps.
Keep it between two
Don't post your pen pal's letters online or read them aloud with names attached.
Pray, don't preach
Share your faith the way you live it. Nobody inside needs a tract they didn't ask for.
1 Peter 3:15
Tell us if you stop
Silence feels like rejection inside. If you need to stop, we will write and explain.
Call us when unsure
About anything. The mail room would rather answer ten questions than return one letter.
Proverbs 25:25
The mail room's checklist
Paper, cards, photos and books
Why can't I use a greeting card?
Many Ohio prisons reject cards with layers, glue, glitter or batteries. Plain folded cards on single-weight stock are usually fine. Our Christmas card guide lists which prisons accept them.
Can I print my letter instead of handwriting it?
Yes. Print on plain white paper in black ink and sign it by hand. Several prisons now scan mail, and dark type on white paper scans best.
Can I include a stamp so they can reply?
No. Loose stamps are treated as currency and the letter will be returned. People inside buy their own stamps, and our fund sends stamp books through approved channels.
What about photos from the internet?
Printed photos of places and animals are usually fine. Nothing printed on plain paper with more than half the page as image, because it may be treated as contraband art.
My letter came back. What now?
Bring it, or mail it back to us. We will tell you which rule it broke, and Lyle will write a short note to your pen pal so they know you tried.
Read the rules? You're ready to write.
Ask to be matched, or come to a writing night and do it with company.