I try not to post personal stuff on the blog, but I'm so proud of my daughter so today's post is a shameless plug for her 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Paper Wings Project.
The organization has sent personalized letters to 1,500+ individuals who are incarcerated in all 50 states and more than 87 countries/territories. The response has been extraordinary - countless heartwarming and heartbreaking responses that remind us about the situations some of our clients find themselves in after we have moved on from their cases. (see below for excerpts from some of the letter responses received).
She's also putting together a literary magazine, Chrysalis, featuring writing and art submitted by the recipients of Paper Wings letters, and the first issue will be published in the beginning of 2026.
The organization is seeking to build a worldwide network of letter writers to make a difference (however small) in these peoples' lives, and to reach as many inmates as possible. If you have a minute, please go on the web site at https://paperwingsproject.org/write-letter and write a few paragraphs to an inmate. It is an easy online form. Paper Wings will convert it to a letter sent from Paper Wings that doesn't identify you by name, and will forward you any response received.
In the alternative (or also) please consider donating (https://www.paperwingsproject.org/donate). The charitable deduction rules are changing in a few days to make it much more difficult to deduct contributions, so now is a good time to support a meaningful criminal justice organization that is making a real difference in the lives of the people with whom we work. And if anyone knows of (or is!) a potential corporate/law firm/nonprofit partner, please reach out.
Here are just a few of the quotes from the countless heartwarming and heartbreaking letters she has received:
“This was the first . . . personal letter I have received in the last 27 years.” C. M., FCI Butner
“I am in receipt of your letter and it did shed some light on my day. For that, you are a wonderful person and I am truly grateful. It is hard in a dark place like this and it does make you feel forgotten. I haven’t gotten letters in almost three years.” R.G., USP Beaumont
“Your letter is like a small root in this dark hole.” William Hernandez, USP Big Sandy
“It’s crazy how something as simple as a letter from the outside world can uplift one’s spirit. You and I don’t even know each other yet my day was made by what I read! It happens to be one of those days for me. Then out of nowhere I get mail from you and it’s just what I need to turn my day around.” F. G. USP Fairton
“First and foremost I just want to let you know that your letter made my day. It brought a smile to my face and made me feel loved as a human being.” Jose M. Perez, MDC Los Angeles
“I’m glad you wrote me because you don’t even know the big smile you put on my face and how happy my heart got . . .” Luis Lopez, FCI Loretto
“Believe me there are very few things that surpass the emotion and the feeling of receiving a letter from someone. With your letter, you have provided reprieve in the most significant way, and that is by challenging me to think outside the box. I am alive and the energy you send my way is welcome with open arms.” D.M., FCI Allenwood Low
“Quiero darle las gracias por haber sacado un momento de su valioso tiempo y dedicarme esas hermosas palabras para mi, usted no se imagina lo reconfortable que me senti al leer su carta; fue como un valsamo de alivio hacia todo lo que estoy pasando en estos momentos alejado de mi familia y mis hijos.” [I want to thank you for taking a moment of your valuable time to write such kind words to me. You can’t imagine how comforting your letter was to me; it was like a balm of relief from everything I’m going through right now, being away from my family and my children.]” J. D., Brooklyn MDC
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