To the Journal editor:

Last month, The Mining Journal published a Letter regarding Upper Peninsula outreach jail/prison ministry’s In Your Cell’s Adoption Program seeking men, couples, families of any age to ‘adopt’ a Michigan prisoner for once-a-month US mail correspondence.

No money or phone calls involved. The prisoner does similarly, a 30-60-minute task monthly. Currently, we are seeking to match up about six male prisoners, all vetted and eager.

We ask both parties to agree to a one-year initial commitment. This is a great way to teach children compassion and empathy.

Our goal is to offer support, encouragement, respect, dignity, a listening ear and confidentiality to men in need of connection.

We seek volunteers who adhere to Judeo-Christian values. Over 75% of Michigan inmates have zero to little outside contact. Continuous, positive interactions work wonders.

Last month’s letter asked those interested to contact me via phone or email. My email had been compromised, so I resubmit it here: wyolaramie@yahoo.com. PH: (906) 241-7731.

I can share detailed information with you using the phone or email. There is no need for immediate “yeses.” I can put you in touch with current adopters to share their experiences. Some of our matches have been going on successfully over 5 years.

C’mon men, take the challenge and be one of the good men!

MIKE OLSON

Director

P.S. The title, “IN YOUR CELL”comes from a greeting card from years past that read: “A friend would write you in prison. A good friend would visit you. A best friend would be in your cell. It is that kind of empathy that we pursue with success.