Length
One or two pages. Long first letters can feel like pressure to write a long reply.
Write a letter
Your first letter can be one page long
Say who you are, what your week was like, and one thing you would like to know about them. That's it. The second letter is always easier.
Every letter goes through our P.O. box. Your surname, address and phone number never leave this office.
Before you write
What to put in, what to leave out
Our writers have learned most of this the hard way. You don't have to.
Your name
First name only, signed in ink. We add your writer number so replies find you.
Faith
Talk about it the way you would to a neighbor. Share what you are reading, not what they should.
Money
Never send money or put money on a phone account. If you're asked, tell us and we will handle it kindly.
Promises
Don't promise a visit, a job or a couch when they get out. Promise the next letter, and keep that one.
Photos
Up to three 4x6 prints of places, pets or your garden. No people, and nothing Polaroid.
Their case
Don't ask what they did. Many will tell you in time. Some never do, and that is fine.
Slow weeks
Missed a couple of weeks? Say so in the next letter. Inside, silence reads as being dropped.
From your desk to a reply
You mail it to our box
Or drop it in the red tray at a writing night.
The mail room forwards it
Logged, checked and re-enveloped on Monday or Thursday.
Delivered at mail call
Some prisons hand out a scanned copy and keep the original.
A reply reaches you
Usually. Lockdowns and transfers can add weeks, so don't worry if it takes a month.
Ask to be matched
Tell us a little about yourself
Marjorie or Lyle will call you within a week to talk it through, then send your first pen pal's name and number by mail.
- AddressP.O. Box 09127, Columbus, OH 43209
- Phone(555) 014-9090
- Emailletters@example.org
- OfficeMail room Mon & Thu, 10 AM – 2 PM
Thank you, .
A real person will reply within a day.
Guides to print
Everything we hand out at a writing night
Print them at home, or ask and we will mail you a paper copy.
- 1.9 MBDownload
The writer's guide
Fourteen pages on first letters, boundaries, faith and what to do when a pen pal goes quiet.
Guides2026 edition14 pages
- 410 KBDownload
Three sample first letters
Real first letters from our writers, shared with permission and names changed.
GuidesSep 20265 pages
- 220 KBDownload
Ohio mail-room rules at a glance
Paper, ink, photos and books, by prison. Updated whenever a rule changes.
RulesOct 20262 pages
- 180 KBDownload
Christmas card guidelines
No glitter, no musical cards, no padded envelopes. Cut-off dates for each prison.
RulesNov 20261 page
- 58 KBDownload
Email-forwarding consent form
Sign this if you would like replies scanned and emailed instead of mailed.
Forms20261 page
Nothing matches that. Call the mail room and we'll find it.
Questions
What new writers ask us
Will my pen pal know where I live?
No. Letters go out with our P.O. box as the return address, and we cut or black out anything on your letter that could identify your home or workplace.
Do I have to be a Christian to write?
No. We are a Christian ministry and many of our writers pray for their pen pals, but we match anyone who will keep our rules and write with kindness.
How long do I have to keep writing?
We ask for one letter a month for a year. If life gets in the way, tell us. We will write a short note to your pen pal so they are not left wondering.
Can I send a book?
Not directly. Ohio prisons only accept books shipped new from approved sellers. Tell us the title and our book fund will order it.
What if my pen pal is released?
Some writers stay in touch after release, and some meet for coffee. That decision is yours. Lonnie, our reentry lead, will help you think it through.