BUILDING COMMUNITY IN A TIME OF ISOLATION: Writing letters to young men incarcerated in Ohio
During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is feeling isolated in different ways. Imagine the unique challenges faced by those who are incarcerated -- the already isolated become even more isolated.

The Center for Faith and Justice invites Xavier University students, alumni, faculty/staff -- and friends of Xavier -- to write letters of encouragement to young men (ages 15-21) incarcerated in the State of Ohio. Rachel Snodgrass (XU 2014, 2015) works as an occupational therapist with incarcerated young men, and we’re collaborating with her to support them at this time.

We need at least 120 letters. When other means of building relationships are closed off right now, the simple act of writing a letter can make a big difference; it can be a source of hope and community in a time of isolation.

To commit to sending a letter (or letters), complete this Google form by June 26.

Please mail your letter(s) at your nearest convenience -- but no later than July 3 -- to Aaron King, 1320 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. It’s important to include your name and return address on the envelope so we can identify who has submitted letters. The young men will not receive your envelope, only the letter. We hope the letters will arrive at a facility by mid-July.

See below for tips on writing letters.

Some of the young men may choose to respond. Their letters will be sent in one batch to Xavier University and then forwarded to the mailing address you provide in the Google form.

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To how many residents will you write unique letters?
Tips for writing letters

Handwritten letters are preferred.

If you write multiple letters, please ensure that each letter has unique characteristics.

Tell them about your experience during the pandemic: What’s been challenging for you? What gives you hope?

Ask the young man about his experience. What’s hard? What’s good? How are you feeling with everything going on?

Don’t assume anything about his experience. It’s better to ask questions and listen rather than trying to assure him that “everything will be OK.”

Feel free to share “fun facts” about yourself, like what activities you’ve been involved in, but without revealing anything personal.

You can sign your first name, but nothing more. Do not include your family name or any other identifying information like your city, high school or names of family members. (Facility authorities read every letter and will dispose of any letter that includes such information.)

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