Pennsylvania Prison Society

08/07/2026

Coming out of incarceration, the land mines are everywhere and the trip wires are near invisible. It’s a lot.

In this week's supporter update, we take a closer look at our Building Connections reentry program—how it begins behind prison walls, supports people through the transition home, and continues to grow. Read it here ➡️ www.prisonsociety.org/updates/building-connections-building-lives-back-home

08/06/2026

Our volunteer prison monitors visit people in prison to listen to concerns and help address issues affecting health, safety, and dignity.

Interested in getting involved? Join one of our virtual info sessions this month to learn more. Attendance at an info session is required to apply.

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

08/05/2026

Every success story is a reminder of why our Building Connections program matters. 💙

Our team shows up week after week to help prepare people in prison with the skills, confidence, and support they need to successfully return to their communities.

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

08/04/2026

A bipartisan bill introduced in Harrisburg would require a statewide study of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania's county jails—an important step toward better understanding how people with mental health needs are identified, treated, and supported across facilities of all sizes.

As our Prison Monitoring Director, Noah Barth, shared with The Center Square "There's a high incidence of serious mental illness and mental health diagnoses in county jails. Some counties are wealthy and are able to resource their jails well, while other counties are not." A statewide assessment can help identify gaps in care and improve outcomes for people across the Commonwealth.

Read more ➡️

(The Center Square) - While still in its early stages, legislation to conduct a study of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania's county jails has been proposed in Harrisburg with bipartisan

08/03/2026

Here is a round-up of the events we are hosting in August:

Family Support Groups 🫂💙
Our facilitated Family Support Groups meet online every other Tuesday at 6:00 PM — it's a safe space to connect, share experiences, and navigate the challenges of having an incarcerated loved one.

Volunteer Prison Monitor Info Sessions 📆
Volunteer Prison Monitors with the Pennsylvania Prison Society visit people in prison to listen to concerns and help address issues affecting health, safety, and dignity. Interested in getting involved? Join one of our virtual info sessions this month to learn more. Attendance at an info session is required to apply.

Check out our events page to learn more & register ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/events

07/30/2026

We're excited to join the Philadelphia Film Society and the First Unitarian Church for a weekend of film and theater.

The weekend begins with a screening of *Sing Sing* and continues with performances and conversations that examine the human impact of mass incarceration and the possibilities for change.

We'll be there with an information table throughout the event and would love to connect with you. If you're attending, stop by to learn more about our work and say hello.

Book your free tickets with the Philadelphia Film Society here ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/events/from-sing-sing-to-sci-chester

07/29/2026

The requests we receive from people in prison cover a wide range of needs — from concerns about access to medical care and safety to questions about visiting and staying connected with loved ones.

But sometimes, a request is a simple reminder of the everyday interests and passions that people carry with them, no matter where they are.

Our Helpline recently received a letter from a woman requesting WNBA schedules. It may seem like a small request, but moments like this help preserve dignity and recognize the humanity of people who are incarcerated. Staying connected to the things people care about — whether it’s a favorite team, a hobby, or what’s happening in the world outside — matters.

Learn more about our work here ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/who-we-are

07/27/2026

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

07/24/2026

As summers grow hotter, incarceration becomes increasingly dangerous for people living and working behind bars. Air conditioning is no longer an amenity as it may have been years ago. Rising temperatures make air conditioning a necessity, like food and water. It’s a matter of health, safety, and survivability.

In this week's supporter update, we examine the growing impact of extreme heat in prisons across Pennsylvania and what it means for the people living behind bars. Read the supporter update ➡️ www.prisonsociety.org/updates/no-escape-from-the-heat-why-air-conditioning-is-a-human-rights-issue-in-prison

07/23/2026

📣 Join Our Team 📣

We are seeking a Journalism Fellow to help shine a light on the realities of Pennsylvania’s prison system and the people most impacted by it. Through original reporting, storytelling, and analysis, you will play a key role in elevating underreported issues and raising awareness for our work.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. If this opportunity interests you, learn more about the role and how to apply here ➡️ https://www.prisonsociety.org/careers/journalism-fellow