As we near the end of the dollar-for-dollar match (ending Jan. 4), I want to thank you again for believing in this work.

One of my favorite short stories from the program is Life is Life, written by a man who spent five decades behind bars before passing away of natural causes in prison. His writing reminds us of the quiet resilience that exists even in the most restricted space.

Excerpt: "As I look over the vast forest from my cell window, I admire the changing leaves. In the rebirth and dying of trees in the forest, I see the mimicking of human life. In the evenings, the deer come out of the forest to eat the sweet, tender shoots of grass that grow alongside the road that lie in front of the forest. If I’m lucky, Mama will bring her baby fawns out with her for me to see. There are some differences in our lives – mine and yours, but restrictions in life are constant. One can adapt to circumstances. Life moves on no matter where you sit." READ HIS COMPLETE SHORT STORY: https://inprisonwritersworkshop.org/2020/09/life-is-life/

Dear Supporters, With just ten more days remaining, I wanted to share a heartfelt thank you. Through Jan. 4, donations to the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop are being matched dollar for dollar by the Elevate Prize Foundation and your generosity has already made a meaningful impact. Because of YOU, incarcerated writers are finding space to heal, reflect, and imagine new futures. As one of our students shared: “This class gave me a voice again. For the first time in years, I felt seen, not as my crime, but as a human being with a story worth telling.”

If you know someone in your life who might be moved by this work or who values second chances, storytelling, and human dignity, I’d be deeply grateful if you’d consider sharing our Pledge page with them. There’s no pressure at all, just an invitation to help us widen the circle during this special matching period. Thank you again for believing in this little-engine-that-could program and in the power of writing to transform lives.

With gratitude, Debra Des Vignes, Indiana Prison Writers Workshop

Hi supporters and champions, I want to extend a deep THANK YOU for the incredible outpouring of support through your generous donations. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m just coming up for air after returning from NYC for the CNN show.

Please know that your gift is being matched dollar for dollar, which will go a long way toward providing creative writing instruction for those who are incarcerated. I've included a photo of a group who has benefited from the workshop.

Thank you again; this truly means the world.