I wish you could hear the stories!

There’s no simple answer for some questions. 

“Just tell me what you guys do over there at HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS.” 

When we give our stock reply, helping prisoners one-on-one with their everyday needs and problems, more questions persist. 

“When I give money to an agency that feeds hungry people, they can give me exact statistics…how many people they feed, in what countries, their ages, etc. If we’re going to award grants to HFP, we need stats!” Gulp. 

Last week I was one of four persons in a panel discussion. I was on the panel because I started this program 22 years ago. The others were there because all had been helped by HFP. I’ll briefly share a story about each of them. 

Heather was in another state when she contacted HFP. She was engaged to a prisoner in Michigan, and the two of them hoped to get married. Because of complications involving her residence in another state and his residency in a prison, a contrary county clerk decided she would have no part in issuing a marriage license. Heather discovered HFP’s web site and called to share her frustration. From that day on she had a partner, and eventually she and James successfully tied the knot in a prison ceremony. If you ask Heather about HFP’s role in this, she’ll tell you that the major factor here was that someone cared and someone listened! OK, under what statistic category do you place caring? Listening? (Bright ending to Heather’s story: 4 days later she tearfully welcomed her husband as he walked free after serving 17 years!) 

Gilbert was wrongly convicted and served 32 years for a crime he did not commit. Did HFP help him get out? Nope. So, how did we help? Well, while in prison, Gilbert was experiencing unusual foot problems. The standard shoes issued to all prisoners couldn’t work for him. He was unable to walk. Gil learned about HFP from another guy, so he contacted our office. Within a day he had “special-issue” shoes, and he could walk! What’s the category for this resolution? Will the results impress some generous foundation? 

Mark claimed wrongful conviction…he spent 12 years behind bars. While in prison a crooked lawyer assured him that he could help him achieve freedom, and Mark spent a ton of money with the guy. After getting paid, the lawyer disappeared. Who was the real criminal here? HFP found good legal assistance for Mark. He not only got money back, but the shyster was put out of business! Great story, but where’s the impressive statistic? 

A major goal of the HFP team is to see that these stories are shared. We may not be able to give you accurate stats, but our clients will testify that HFP’s response, compassion, and efforts---no matter how feeble---touch lives! 

I’m not a typical braggart in my everyday life, but I couldn’t be prouder of this organization, its team, and its incredible daily impact! 

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia



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