10 Best Charities that Visit the Imprisoned | Full List with Details

Behind steel bars and high walls, in a world often forgotten by the majority, exists a realm of humanity seeking compassion and connection. This is a place where hope can be as important as food and water, where kindness can shine a light in the darkest corners. Welcome to our exploration of charities that visit the imprisoned, a subject at the intersection of mercy, redemption, and our shared humanity.

In a society that tends to view prisons as a place for punishment rather than rehabilitation, the relevance of this topic can not be understated. We’ll guide you through an underreported dimension of charitable work, highlighting organizations striving to restore dignity, spark hope, and catalyze change within prison walls. The transformation these charities create transcends prison cells, reflecting back on us all, challenging our assumptions, and redefining what it means to serve. So stay with us as we embark on this journey, lifting the veil on the unseen act of giving that can change not just an individual life, but the fabric of society as a whole.

Here are 10 Charities that visit the imprisoned:

1. Prison Fellowship

It is a prominent nonprofit organization focused on prison ministry and criminal justice reform. Established in 1976, it works to bring hope, healing, and restoration to prisoners, their families, and victims of crime. The organization offers various programs, including mentoring, counseling, and faith-based initiatives aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. 

Prison Fellowship advocates for fair and restorative justice practices while also raising awareness about the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and the need for societal reintegration. By providing support and resources, Prison Fellowship strives to positively impact the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system and foster a safer and more just society. As per Charity Navigator, they have a rating of 86%. 

2. The Osborne Foundation

Osborne is dedicated to criminal justice reform and supporting individuals and families affected by incarceration. Established in 1933, it operates various programs aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society. 

By focusing on rehabilitation, community integration, and family support, it aims to break the cycle of incarceration and foster safer and more inclusive communities. It is a 3 star charity with a rating of 87% on Charity Navigator. 

3. The Bail Project

Bail is a nonprofit organization with a mission to combat mass incarceration and pretrial injustice. Established in 2018, it operates a revolving bail fund that provides financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford bail in the United States. 

By paying bail for those in need, The Project aims to secure their release and ensure fair treatment while awaiting trial. As clients appear for court dates, the bail funds are returned to the organization and recycled for future cases, creating a sustainable cycle of support. Through its work, The Bail Project advocates for a more equitable and compassionate criminal justice system.

4. Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY)

RJOY is committed to promoting restorative justice practices in the Oakland, California community. RJOY focuses on transforming the lives of young people impacted by the juvenile justice system. It seeks to build a supportive and healing environment by facilitating dialogue, accountability, and reconciliation between victims, offenders, and the community.

RJOY offers training and implementation of restorative practices in schools and youth-serving organizations to address conflicts and disciplinary issues in a holistic and empowering manner. Through its work, RJOY strives to create safer communities and break the cycle of punitive justice in favor of healing and reconciliation.

5. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

ACLU is a prominent nonprofit organization founded in 1920 that defends and preserves individual rights and civil liberties in the United States. Committed to protecting constitutional rights, the ACLU takes on legal cases, advocates for policy changes, and engages in public education and awareness campaigns. 

It covers a wide range of issues, including freedom of speech, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and privacy. Through its efforts, the ACLU aims to ensure equal protection and justice for all, challenge discrimination, and uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights. As per Charity Navigator, they have a rating of 4 stars with 97% scores. 

6. The Fortune Society

Fortune Society aims to provide comprehensive support and services to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in New York City. Its mission is to support successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and promote alternatives to incarceration. The Fortune Society offers housing, education, employment, counseling, and substance abuse treatment programs, catering to the unique needs of formerly incarcerated individuals. 

By empowering its clients and fostering a supportive community, the organization aims to break the cycle of imprisonment, promote second chances, and facilitate the successful reintegration of individuals into society as productive and contributing members.

7. Books Through Bars

The foundation aims to promote literacy, education, and support for incarcerated individuals in the United States. The organization collects donated books and educational materials and sends them directly to prisoners. Through its volunteer-based efforts, Books Through Bars seeks to provide intellectual stimulation, personal growth, and a sense of connection to those living behind bars. 

By offering a diverse selection of reading materials, the organization aims to empower prisoners with knowledge, hope, and a pathway to transformation and rehabilitation while advocating for improved conditions and access to educational resources within the prison system.

8. The Sentencing Project

The Project is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 that advocates for criminal justice reform in the United States. Focused on reducing mass incarceration and addressing racial disparities within the criminal justice system, The Sentencing Project conducts research, analysis, and public education initiatives to influence policy changes.

It seeks to promote fair sentencing practices, advocate for alternatives to incarceration, and address the collateral consequences of criminal convictions. By providing evidence-based research and advocacy, The Sentencing Project aims to create a more just and equitable criminal justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation, reintegration, and community well-being over punitive measures. As per Charity Navigator, they have a score of 94% with 4 stars. 

9. The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)

ARC supports and advocates for formerly incarcerated individuals in California. Committed to breaking the cycle of recidivism, ARC provides a wide range of services, including mentorship, job training, education, and mental health support. Through its programs, ARC empowers individuals to successfully reintegrate into society, find meaningful employment, and become productive members of their communities. 

The organization also engages in policy advocacy to promote criminal justice reform, reduce barriers to reentry, and create a more equitable system. ARC’s work is driven by the belief in second chances and the transformative power of support and opportunities.

10. The Prison University Project

Finally, operating within San Quentin State Prison, it offers accredited college courses and degree programs, empowering prisoners with transformative education and skills. By fostering a supportive learning environment, the Prison University Project aims to break down barriers to education, promote personal growth, and increase the chances of successful reintegration into society after release. 

Through its dedication to expanding access to quality education, the organization seeks to contribute to reduced recidivism rates and promote the belief in the transformative power of education within the criminal justice system.

Final Thoughts

As we reach the end of this enlightening exploration into charities that visit the imprisoned, let’s pause for a moment to consider the profound implications these organizations carry. They represent an extraordinary act of humanity, an affirmation that even those who may have strayed are still a part of our shared social fabric, deserving of compassion, respect, and opportunities for growth.

Beyond the bars and walls, it’s these charities that are creating ripples of transformation, which echo back into our lives, challenging us to reassess our attitudes towards those behind bars. As we think about giving and philanthropy, let’s remember that our generosity can reach into the most forgotten corners, shedding light where it’s most needed. So, I leave you with this thought: charity, in its purest form, is not only about giving to the needy but also about reaching the unreached, connecting the disconnected, and humanizing the dehumanized. As we continue our own journeys of giving, let’s not forget those in the shadows, for even behind prison bars, there’s room for redemption, growth, and a powerful human connection.