Originally Posted by sunray's wench

Not in TDCJ. The COs often have fundraisers, and the money from the photos goes to various local charities, but the inmates don't get to do anything for anyone else, because that would be, like, rehabilitation....

Yeah. Was it last September or October they did pictures every week during the month to raise money for whatever.

One of my guys had several actually. Once they got pizza from Dominos. Then they got Subway (I could be mistaken on what food chain the second one was, but it was something with food!). Of course the prices they charged the inmates for the food was not the same as on the outside! Then they had this vintage car show thing where they had all these beautiful restored cars out on the yard. And the guys could take pictures with it. I got a bunch of pictures from that day. This is one of my guys in Oregon btw. I think it was pretty cool. They recently had a BBQ thing. Like little over a week ago. But I'm not sure if that was also a fundraising event or not. I just know he had the time of his life! Had like 10 visitors at the same time, all the officers in plain clothes. Again, same guy.

Yea, Texas would never do something that kool. Too much like rehabilitation, and we wouldn't want that now would we?

Originally Posted by sunray's wench

Not in TDCJ. The COs often have fundraisers, and the money from the photos goes to various local charities, but the inmates don't get to do anything for anyone else, because that would be, like, rehabilitation....

Oh, and get to feel like they can give something back, too. But sheesh... who needs that?

Believe me, you would love to have a pizza after a year of TDC food.

This isn't exactly a fundraiser, but it is inmates contributing something to society: How Knitting Behind Bars Transformed Maryland Convicts - News - GOOD

"They started by knitting comfort dolls, which they gave to children removed from their homes because of domestic issues. Then they moved on to hats for kids at the inner-city elementary school many of the prisoners attended, Zwerling says. “If you look at them, they’re covered with tattoos, they’re rough looking, and many of the young guys don't have all their teeth," she says. “But it doesn't feel rough. They’re very respectful and grateful and very happy to knit.” "

It's good to know at least in some states community programs are still an important part of incarceration. I always feel good when i hear how a bunch of people get together making life a little nicer for those around them, whether incarcerated or not. This is some of what another prison in /Washington state is doing.

"Stafford Creek offenders participate in various activities that support the community. The Inside⁄Out organization puts together fundraisers for community charity groups such as the Children’s Advocacy Center of Grays Harbor, Coastal Community Action Program, Habitat for Humanity, and the Grays Harbor Food Bank Distribution Center.

“Bicycles from Heaven" works with the Grays Harbor Lions Club to donate like–new bikes to the community. Offenders receive old bikes and bike parts, refurbish them and donate them to the Lions Club for distribution to individuals in need, with over 1,000 bikes being distributed throughout Grays Harbor County to date.

Offenders also participate in Outreach, crocheting hats and blankets and donating them to community agencies such as the United Gospel Mission, the Nursery at the local hospital, and the United Way Coat⁄Blanket Drive. Through Toy Time, offenders make toys to donate to the community for children during the holidays. These donations go to the Children’s Advocacy Center and the Christmas for Kids in Grays Harbor program."

My PP is in Washington state and they do all sorts of things to involve the community. They have children's fun days and fundraising events. Money from the sale of photos goes to a community centre to help children who are from deprived backgrounds (and who would be statistically more likely to end up involved in crime).

Obviously my PP and my man are two completely different characters from completely different backgrounds but I do notice how differently they feel about prison and how differently they approach their sentence. I can't help thinking if it has something to do with how involved they are in Washington. Texas is just warehousing people that nobody wants on the streets. Washington is making steps to reform them and give them something to aim for.

Originally Posted by februarymoon

My PP is in Washington state and they do all sorts of things to involve the community. They have children's fun days and fundraising events. Money from the sale of photos goes to a community centre to help children who are from deprived backgrounds (and who would be statistically more likely to end up involved in crime).

Obviously my PP and my man are two completely different characters from completely different backgrounds but I do notice how differently they feel about prison and how differently they approach their sentence. I can't help thinking if it has something to do with how involved they are in Washington. Texas is just warehousing people that nobody wants on the streets. Washington is making steps to reform them and give them something to aim for.

The irony is though, that Washington are in no more hurry to release their inmates than Texas is. Washington doesn't have parole, if I remember right (correct me if I'm wrong!).

Originally Posted by sunray's wench

The irony is though, that Washington are in no more hurry to release their inmates than Texas is. Washington doesn't have parole, if I remember right (correct me if I'm wrong!).

They do. One of the very first guys I ever wrote to got paroled like a year after we started writing. I even wrote a letter to this lady from the parole board. I was even more shocked when I got a letter back. lol.