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To start: there is no one way to write a letter of support. The best letters are highly personalized, passionate, with clean language and clear logic. Make sure to emphasize who your writing partner is now, what they can/want to offer to their community, the steps they have taken to improve, why you believe they won’t reoffend, and the role you’ll play to make their reentry successful. This letter allows you to describe who your writing partner is and positive experiences you’ve had with them. In writing this letter you are definitively telling the parole board that you have complete confidence in that person, and confidence that they will continue improving themselves and move forward positively in life on the outside.

Here is where you make the parole board see a human and not a crime –– do they love mint chocolate chip ice cream? Have a favorite comic book? Always mention wanting to feed ducks at the park? A passion for cooking? etc.

Your writing partner is not required to use your letter of support in their parole packet; we just want to give them the opportunity. Please make sure you send this to your partner at least 3 months before their interview date. If they are receiving help with the parole packet (from the Parole Preparation Project, family member, etc), those people will likely reach out to you anyway.

Transforming Lives NY will also send a letter of support from the co-directors of the organization itself. We want to give everyone the best shot at receiving parole possible.

One thing to keep in mind: the parole commissioners do not like the word “mistake.” Consider using “choice” or something to that effect instead.

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Transforming Lives NY Letterhead

[Date]

Dear Commissioners of the Board of Parole,

I am writing to express my strong support for the release of Name (DIN #). I am a writing mentor with Transforming Lives NY who has been working with Name since Month, Year. I believe that Name is an excellent candidate for parole.

Describe your relationship to the incarcerated individual and why you think they are unlikely to reoffend or violate parole conditions:

-Outline how long you’ve known your writing partner

-Their traits that make you certain they won’t offend again

-Tell a story, something personal with details to personalize.

-You’ll perhaps mention their shortcomings and choices, and how they have grown

-Note any highlights from inside: programming completed, lack of misbehavior reports, educational opportunities etc.

-This is not a forum to discuss the incarcerated individual’s claim of innocence, if this applies

Explain how you will support your writing partner’s reentry:

-Transforming Lives NY does offer financial support upon release

-If you have any plans to help secure housing or employment, please write about that here.

-Basically, explain how you will help your writing partner integrate into the community, be that moral support, financial, housing, finding counseling, employment, education, transportation, etc.

Ending your letter:

Repeat that your writing partner has your full support and summarize why they should be approved for parole.

[Your Full Name] [Signature] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

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Dear Commissioners of the Board of Parole,

We are writing to express our strong support for the release of Name (DIN #). We are volunteers with the Parole Preparation Project who have been working with Name since Month, Year. We believe that Name is an excellent candidate for parole. Over the past 8 months, through phone calls and in-person visits, we’ve gotten to know Mr. Name very well. He is a kind, funny, and empathetic man. Name has an incredible sense of humor, and he delights in sharing jokes with us each time we talk with him. He is always sure to check in on us, to ask how we’re doing, and if we’re safe and happy. He shares recipes with us and speaks of his love of cooking. His care for young people in his life is palpable. Each time we speak with him, he takes pride in sharing stories about his niece and nephews, whom he loves immensely. To us, Name has said, “If I had daughters, I’d want them to be like you. So you’re daughters to me now.” We are all grateful to know him.

In 2022, Name, who is 56 years old,* was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord and affects the entire body. Name’s case is in the advanced stage, and has caused his health to deteriorate rapidly. He is now unable to see well enough to read, and he has become hard of hearing over the past year. He is unable to walk, and has spent the last several months in bed and unable to move around the RMU without being pushed in his wheelchair bed. Moreover, he experiences severe and near-constant pain in both legs. He often has pain in his arms, and has limited use of his left arm and hand. Name’s cognitive abilities have also declined, and he has trouble with his memory and communication. As a result of this, during the parole interview, he may struggle to recall past events or communicate clearly.

Despite his poor health and constant pain, Name maintains a positive outlook on life and a deep concern for the wellbeing of others. His disabilities and age make his risk of recidivism extremely low.

Name has obtained a letter of assurance from The Osborne Association. Name also has the full support and backing of the Parole Preparation Project. Should he be granted parole, our Community Engagement Specialist, Kenny Jean-Baptiste, is available to schedule an intake appointment and talk with Name about his needs and available resources in the community. Mr. Jean-Baptiste can make all the appropriate referrals and remain in good touch throughout Name’s transition. The three of us as individuals are also committed to supporting Name upon his release.

Name simply hopes to spend the rest of his days peacefully. He said, “I’m old. I just want to relax, go to the park, and feed the birds.” With the severity and degenerative nature of multiple sclerosis, along with his demeanor while we speak, we are confident that the quiet life filled with birds and humor will be a reality. It is our genuine wish to see him come home, live quietly, and to visit with us often. Name is frank about the negative impact of his actions and has done an enormous amount of work to hold himself accountable, and grow in honesty; that is work that all people aspire to be so capable of, and the three of us are constantly impressed by him.

We know that anyone who speaks with Name will see the humorous and truly kind man that we have had the honor of getting to know. He always finds a way to crack a joke just to make us feel better when the conversation is heavy and emotional. A grown man who is able to cry in front of others, and still recognizes that those around him need comfort in that moment as well, is a gift.

Sincerely,

Your Full Name

Phone Number

Email Address