Adam Lovell Owner Bio
Adam Lovell was born in 1977 in Pennsylvania. He has lived in Florida since 1986 and was employed as an ocean lifeguard before founding WriteAPrisoner.com in October of 2000. Various prison ministries were the first to use the Internet to find pen pals for inmates. Lovell commercialized the concept and began advertising in prison papers such as
Prison Legal News. Lovell’s business is perpetuated primarily by the media and “water cooler” conversations. “Initially people would hear the name and log on to the site out of curiosity. It’s an intriguing idea. We’re reaching thousands of people daily. It’s an amazing concept, and we’re not letting up,” Lovell said. In addition to personal profiles, the site includes requests for legal assistance for inmates. Lovell believes the legal assistance requests offer some inmates the last chance that their voices will be heard. He is inspired by stories like those of the Innocence Project at Cardoza School of Law where DNA evidence has been used to free more than 100 innocent people.
Lovell’s role as an advocate for prisoner rights has increased over the years. He has learned to negotiate the prison system and endeavors to work closely with wardens and directors of Departments of Correction around the country. “We are working toward a common goal – reducing recidivism,” he said. One of his favorite books is
Going Up the River: Travels in a Prison Nation by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Joseph Hallinan. “Every American should read this book. It puts America’s prison dilemma in perspective. Compared to the rest of the world, America has a real problem with incarceration.”
The site is Lovell’s passion, and he dedicates all of his efforts to anticipating changes in technology and the needs of his target audience, which includes inmates, their friends and families, and the free world citizens that understand the site’s mission. Many of the resources listed on the site help families understand prison issues. “The site has evolved as I’ve tried to respond to needs voiced by friends and family members of inmates,” he said. “I added the forum in 2002, and in reading through the postings it’s obvious that there is a real community of support.” Members of the forum exchange stories, ask for and give advice, and in general provide moral support. In 2007 Lovell conceived the idea of providing a free résumé service for inmates being released within the year. “When the first job offer arrived via email, I knew it was a good idea,” he said. When paroled inmates are employed upon release they are far less likely to return to prison.
Another idea to evolve from the unique needs of inmates and institutions was the “Books Behind Bars” program. In July 2006,
O, The Oprah Magazine, featured the program and encouraged readers not to discard their old books but to donate them to the program. “The interest in this program has set us on yet another course,” Lovell said. “Eventually we would like to establish collection sites around the country for donated books.” Lovell is also working to establish a scholarship fund for children of inmates and for children of victims. “These kids have so many strikes against them. We’d like to be able to help in some way.”
Lovell has had many encounters with the media. He was interviewed by GoDaddy.com owner, Bob Parsons, on GoDaddy’s first anniversary because of the unique nature of his site. WriteAPrisoner.com has been featured on many television shows, documentaries, and news programs. Lovell frequently assists writers, journalists and producers with material for various articles and programs.
Lovell believes the service he provides restores dignity to people who are in desperate need of it. “Imagine a place so desolate that a single letter can turn your whole month around. Prisons are not about reform - they are about warehousing. We have to break the cycle. Many inmates are wanting and very capable of change. We help provide the light at the end of the tunnel.” Lovell has always enjoyed helping people. Upon meeting writer and journalist Carl Hiaasen in 2003, Lovell said he has taken Hiaasen’s words to heart. “Carl said that you can’t change the world if you can’t make a living doing it. So, I’m trying to do that – change the world and earn a living at the same time. And I’d like nothing better than to be so effective that I work myself right out of having a job.”