Pennsylvania Prison Society

09/30/2026

The Pennsylvania Prison Society joins many across the corrections community in remembering Captain Gerald 'Carl' Roundtree, who died in August.

For more than two decades, Captain Roundtree worked to improve conditions in county and state correctional facilities. Most recently, he led the juvenile unit at the Allegheny County Jail, where his leadership contributed to meaningful improvements in the unit. In recognition of that work, the Prison Society named him our 2025 Correctional Employee of the Year.

We extend our condolences to Carl’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. Read more in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ➡️

When Gerald “Carl” Roundtree walked into a room, it was nearly impossible to ignore his presence. At 6-foot-8, he towered over most. His face...

09/30/2026

As the 2026 Peace & Justice in PA program approaches, we’re honored to reflect on being a 2024 award recipient.

The Pennsylvania Prison Society was recognized for our advocacy on behalf of people in prisons and jails across the Commonwealth—and we continue that work every day, advancing the health, safety, and dignity of incarcerated people.

Learn more about the award and the work it recognizes in the full article here: ➡️

Nominations are open for the 2026 Peace & Justice in PA awards, recognizing Pennsylvanians who defend dignity and equality regardless of race, status or background.

09/28/2026

Pennsylvania prisons across the state are facing the growing cost of caring for an aging prison population.

When someone has served decades in prison, demonstrated rehabilitation, and no longer poses the same public safety risk, should there be a pathway to reconsider their sentence?

A proposed state bill would create an opportunity for some older incarcerated people to seek release — offering a potential second chance while also addressing the growing cost of long-term incarceration.

Want to learn about the bill? Read more here ➡️ https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/end-pa-death-by-incarceration-hb-1550/

PA state prisons have become costly nursing homes, hospitals and care facilities for elderly inmates. House Bill 1550 promises to change that

09/23/2026

Earlier this summer, volunteers from our Philadelphia chapter came together to connect with one another. These are a few of the hundreds of volunteers across the state who sit down one-on-one with incarcerated people who are experiencing problems and elevate concerns directly to staff or others who may be able to help when conditions impact health and safety.

We’re looking for volunteers in specific areas of the Commonwealth. Want to help? Learn how to get involved ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/services/volunteer

📸 Photography by George T. Manos

09/21/2026

Want to learn more about the work we do every day?

Delivered to your inbox each week, our supporter updates keep you informed about the issues affecting incarcerated people and their families. We highlight Prison Society advocacy, share our firsthand knowledge of Pennsylvania’s prisons and jails, and bring you original reporting on stories and perspectives that often go undercovered.

Join our community — subscribe to our supporter updates ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/subscribe

09/18/2026

Brian first heard about the Prison Society from another incarcerated man he trusted. Curious, he asked for a visit.

When our volunteer Laura met with him at SCI Phoenix, she came away with one of those small moments that stays with you — a reminder of the humanity, connection, and quiet acts of care that exist even inside prison walls.

This week’s Supporter Update shares Brian’s story, the role he has come to play as a mentor to others, and Laura’s reflections on their visit. ➡️ www.prisonsociety.org/updates/ive-learned-to-live-life-instead-of-do-life

09/17/2026

For families with an incarcerated loved one, a visit is more than a few hours together. It is a chance to reconnect, maintain relationships, and remind one another that those bonds still matter.

In this video, family members share why in-person visits are so important to them.

The Prison Society’s bus program helps make those visits possible by providing affordable transportation to prisons that can be difficult to reach — helping more families stay connected across the miles and the walls.

Learn more about our bus program and upcoming trips. ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/services/transportation

09/16/2026

Our team shows up week after week to help prepare people in prison with the skills, confidence, and support they need to return to their communities successfully. This is a reminder of why this work is so crucial: helping someone get ready to return to their community 💙

If you'd like to help us reach more people in facilities across Pennsylvania, support our work: https://www.prisonsociety.org/services/donate

09/15/2026

Today is National Voter Registration Day.

Make sure you’re registered — and help a loved one who is in jail or recently released do the same. We made a simple guide to help you and your loved one figure out a voting plan and register when possible.

Want more info? Visit our website to read and download the guide ➡️ www.prisonsociety.org/family-resource/my-personalized-voting-plan-guide

09/11/2026

Our Western Regional Manager, Angie, recently grabbed lunch with some of the local Prison Society volunteers who visit incarcerated people at state correctional institutions on the Western side of the Commonwealth.

And we’re looking for more people to join them.

If you’re in Erie, Crawford, Warren, Clearfield, Jefferson, Indiana, or Cambria counties, come to an upcoming information session to learn more about prison monitoring and how you can get involved as a volunteer.

Register for an upcoming session here ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/events/volunteer-prison-monitor-info-session