Prison Contemplative Fellowship

Community outreach - outside the walls for individuals returning to society after incarceration, this program works alongside copost (contemplative outreach prison outreach service team) to provide books, technical resources, tablets, and access to a growing community of centering prayer practitioners. It helps participants stay connected to spiritual practices and a supportive community, easing the transition into life outside prison. Participants benefit from mentorship, shared practice, and tangible tools that support continued engagement. The program nurtures belonging, reduces isolation, and reinforces the message that spiritual growth and community support do not end at the prison gate. As of year-end, 30 individuals were on the distribution list; 19 formerly incarcerated individuals participated in the weekly otw virtual centering prayer group at least once during 2024.

Inside the walls this program provides incarcerated individuals with materials and support to cultivate contemplative practices, both directly-through the centering inside newsletter, locked up and free pamphlets, and ray leonardini's books-and indirectly, through supporting volunteers who facilitate practice inside facilities. Each resource brings a message of hope into the often isolating and dehumanizing experience of incarceration, carrying encouragement, guidance, and the message that readers are part of a community that transcends walls. Participants are reminded that they are seen, loved, and valued without conditions; this fosters an experience of freedom no walls can contain. We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with human kindness foundation, which facilitates mailing our books to residents of locked facilities. In 2024, the program reached more than 3,000 individuals held in 456 facilities across 47 states, one u.s. Territory and canada. A total of 3019 newsletters (inaugural edition of centering inside), 77 books for direct mailing, and 260 books for volunteer distribution were provided and/or sent. .

Copost volunteer support - in partnership with copost, this program manages correspondence between volunteers and incarcerated individuals. Staff anonymize and forward mail to volunteers, maintaining confidentiality. This program ensures that participants receive thoughtful guidance in contemplative prayer, fostering spiritual practice and personal growth. By facilitating safe, consistent engagement, copost volunteer support strengthens the community inside facilities and demonstrates to participants that their lives are valued and their spiritual journeys supported. In 2024, 75 volunteer-written responses were sent to 40 contemplative practitioners seeking support while in custody. Retreats - together with copost, we host an annual centering prayer intensive retreat for formerly incarcerated individuals. Lodging, food, transportation, and all retreat fees are covered, making participation possible for those who otherwise could not consider it. Pcf funds the retreat and manages logistics, working with copost to ensure that the location, staff and schedule support the practices of those who have experienced incarceration. Retreats allow participants to deepen contemplative practice, reflect on personal growth, and strengthen bonds with peers and mentors. This immersive spiritual experience provides a rare opportunity for healing, renewal, and reconnection with self and community-empowering individuals to continue their journey with hope, purpose, and support. Seven participants attended the 2nd annual retreat (six with lived experience and one active prison outreach volunteer).