Express your support for them, letters are impactful in helping the survivors feel seen, and to know that people care about them. To help form a connection, you can also write about your personal life, such as your schoolwork, your favorite meals, a book that you are reading etc. Keep in mind that incarcerated individuals may not be in touch with more recent technology or pop culture. Make sure you are following the letter writing guidelines and establishing expectation about the type of relationship you desire (pen pal, one-off etc.) and the frequency of your letters.

Due to the complex letter delivery process, it may take up to 4-6 weeks to receive a reply. It is very common to not receive a reply. Keep in mind that some survivors might not desire a pen pal relationship. It is also possible that the letter was never delivered due to not passing prison checks. If you don't receive a reply from someone you have been corresponding with, they may have been released or transferred.

If you request a pen pal relationship, SARP will ask for your email address and send you an email when you receive a reply. You can pick up your letter in the SARP office at 930 Commonwealth Avenue.

We are unable to send packages to the survivors. If you have developed a pen pal relationship and would like to send a gift, there are alternate services available. Check out the sites below for more information: https://donotpay.com/learn/gifts-for-prisoners/