American Bible Society - Free bibles including large print and study guides. They can arrange with a chaplain to have books sent if necessary. Will send books in Spanish upon request.
Compassion Works For All - Provides monthly Dharma Friends newsletters; a one-page Reentry Guide; a list of sources of free books for prisoners; and a list of Buddhist and other spiritual books and resources. Also encourages prisoners contribute to a book about what led them to prison that is shared with juvenile offenders, many of whom have no men in their lives to offer cautionary advice.
Dharma Companions - Dharma Companions is an ecumenical Buddhist group that offers ways for inmates to find peace with themselves and others. Volunteers help inmates explore meditation and contemplation and discuss aspects of Buddhist philosophy and ethics through correspondence. We also share books and articles with inmates, providing information about current practice as well as classic texts. We also help prisons connect to a broader set of secular education programs. We do not seek to recruit or convert inmates, but rather to answer questions and provide support for people already interested in Buddhist practice. Write for further info.
Dismas Ministry - Focuses primarily on a spiritual approach with inmates who want to understand and strengthen their relationship with God. Provides bible and faith study materials, a prayer book for inmates, and free Catholic bibles. Supports victims of crime by creating an awareness of their needs in the community by providing literature about victims' needs and resources for their care, special prayer services for victims in which they can find support from the faith community and mutual encouragement from their fellow victims.
International Association of Sufism Prison Project - A program of the IAS; also runs the Sufi Women Organization Prison Program. Correspondence opportunities and a quarterly newsletter.
International Bible Society - Prisoners may receive free of the Bible (English or Spanish) and a booklet for women or men. No large print copies.
Jewish Prisoners Assistance Foundation - Publishes The Scroll, free weekly newsletter for Jewish prisoners.
Paulist Evangelization Ministries - Prison Ministries serves the spiritual and religious needs of Catholic inmates in prison as well as other inmates seeking to know about the Catholic faith and way of life. Service through the chaplains and volunteers ministering in correctional facilities who receive the Bibles, newsletters, prayer cards, and other Catholic religious materials supplied for use in their work. Materials available at no cost in both English and Spanish.
Prison Ashram Project - The Human Kindness Foundation's (HKF) Prison-Ashram Project sends free books to inmates all over the world, with most of their materials written by the late Bo Lozoff. HKF stresses a way of life based upon three common principles taught by the great sages of all religions: Simple living, a dedication to service, and a commitment to personal spiritual practice. Write for their newsletter and list of available books.
Prison Fellowship - Prison Fellowship partners with local churches across the country to minister to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. Publishes a variety of prisoner support literature including their Guide to Prison Survival.
SYDA Foundation Yoga Prison Project - SYDA Foundation Siddha Yoga Meditation Prison Project The Prison Project is dedicated to disseminating the Siddha Yoga teachings and practices to incarcerated individuals. Sends free monthly newsletter and Home Study Course to prisoners. Siddha Yoga teaches that within each of us, behind the mind, body, and ego, is a divine power called the Self. We meditate to harmonize our actions, thoughts and words with this power. Over 5,000 students in 1500 prisons are currently enrolled. Also available in Spanish. Email: PrisonProject@siddhayoga.org Website: www.siddhayoga.org/SYDA-foundation/prison-project Write to: Prison Project P.O. Box 99140 Emeryville, CA. 94662 (510) 893-4648
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