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Lamarr Robinson 221610 photo
Lamarr Robinson, age 54, is incarcerated in Michigan and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

I’m looking for a real female friend, maybe more.

I want to take it slow to really get to know each other. I would like to be able to talk about any and everything.

I like different cultures. I’m open to any.

I’m 54 and been around the block a few times, so please, no tricks. We can keep it 100 all the way.


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DAudrye Williams , age 29, is incarcerated in Nebraska and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

I’m a confident, laid-back man with a good sense of humor and a personality that’s hard to forget.

I value loyalty, honesty, good energy, and people who know how to keep a conversation interesting. I can talk about almost anything, whether it’s life, goals, music, crazy stories, or just joking around and making each other laugh.

My current circumstances are only one chapter of my…

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Joshua  Minshall  069170 photo
Joshua Minshall , age 48, is incarcerated in Nebraska and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

Hey, what’s up?

My name is Joshua.  I’m native and just turned 39 years old.


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Joshua McGinnis, age 42, is incarcerated in Ohio and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

"A biography is narrated by the person who lives the story, not by someone who automatically assumes or tries to tell it."

My name is Josh McGinnis. I'm 42 years old, 6'5", 290 lbs. I'm very passionate about fitness, while at the same time training others to achieve their personal goals.

I am currently pursuing dual majors in Communication and Organizational Leadership and…

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Nasir Overton 106808 photo
Nasir Overton, age 23, is incarcerated in Oregon and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

Nasir is a happy, funny, spiritual young man who is eager to get his life back on track and get this stage of his life behind him.

He loves music, art, movies, books and animals. He is interested in connecting with people that are kind, living substance free, spiritual and funny who may enjoy some of the things he enjoys.

(As written by a friend/family member.)


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Alphonzo Kelly 2025-010097 photo
Alphonzo Kelly, age 52, is incarcerated in Washington and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

Life has a way of teaching us what truly matters, and for me, it’s real human connection.

I'm looking to connect with a sincere, down-to-earth person who values good conversation and authentic warmth. Life is too short for game-playing, so I bring zero drama and a lot of heart.

If you're looking for a loyal pen pal with a strong spirit and a great listening ear, write me. Let's…

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Ellis Brown A792301 photo
Ellis Brown, age 30, is incarcerated in Ohio and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

I’m here hoping to connect with someone genuine who enjoys good conversation and believes that meaningful friendships can be built in unexpected places.

I consider myself laid-back, open-minded, and easy to talk to. I value honesty, loyalty, respect, and consistency. Life has taught me a lot about myself, the people around me, and the importance of appreciating genuine connections. I’m…

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Michael Figeroa 02548449 photo
Michael Figeroa, age 39, is incarcerated in Texas and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

What's happening, world? It's yours truly, Michael, but everybody knows me by Fig.

I'm searching far and wide for somewhere my heart and mind can reside. Looking to meet new people. I'm all for establishing a friendship, partnership, and/or relationship.

So if you wanna take a chance on me and be down with me, Imma be up with you. This here journey I'm going through is just a…

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Michael Keys 72201-510 photo
Michael Keys, age 42, is incarcerated in Mississippi and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

My name is Michael Keys. I’m a 42-year-old white male. I’m single and have one son who is 7 years old. I’m currently incarcerated in a prison in the state of Mississippi. I’m serving a 125-month sentence for 5 counts of distribution of 150-500 grams of meth.

I set up this profile to try and find a friend who wants to write, e-mail, and exchange pictures. I’m from St. Louis, MO, but I’ve…

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Michael Peeler J41513 photo
Michael Peeler, age 36, is incarcerated in Florida and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

Imma mature, smart, strong, funny, intellectual, part African American, part Native American, HETEROSEXUAL male looking for someone to match vibes, energy, and intellect with. I'm often told that I'm loyal, honest, a natural-born leader, plus I'm tall (6'0"). I'm also told that I'm thoughtful, spontaneous, and funny/witty.

I'm a father to a 16-year-old honor student (son), which keeps…

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Connect with Prison Pen Pals & Support Positive Reentry

What are prison pen-pals? Prison pen-pals are inmates who exchange letters with non-incarcerated pen-pals. Inmates have been turning to our WriteAPrisoner.com program since its inception in 2000 to seek correspondence and, within their profiles, to express interest in mentorship, educational opportunities, employment upon release, housing options, and other reentry-related topics. We post profiles, photos, and contact information of inmates. You, the viewer, can then select which prisoners you would like to correspond with, both men and women, after viewing personal (interests, goals, etc.) and public (crime, release date, etc.) information.

How Our Program Works

Once you have selected a prison pen-pal to correspond with on our app, you have the option of sending your first message free of charge. Contact with prison pen-pals is then maintained via postal mail or programs like CorrLinks, GettingOut, JPay, and Securus Technologies. Inmates cannot access their WriteAPrisoner.com profiles online in any capacity. We are a pen-pal website only. Inmates pay for pen-pal profiles. That income is used for operating costs as well as our Scholarships, Welcome Home Kits, Reintegration Profiles, and other community programs intended to support successful reentry. Payment for a profile does not guarantee correspondence or responses from members.

Why Writing to an Inmate Matters

Research shared on our Why WriteAPrisoner page and the Federal Bureau of Prisons suggests that maintaining positive outside contacts and pro-social connections may be associated with improved post-release outcomes. Inmates from county jails, state prisons, federal prisons, on death row, and in rehabilitation centers across the country have posted profiles, often describing each letter they receive as a wire of hope. We also have prisoners listed from outside of the United States. Individual outcomes vary. WriteAPrisoner does not guarantee any specific result or outcome from participation.

Join Our Community

You can conduct an inmate search of inmates not listed on our website by using our Inmate Locator. We also encourage you to visit our Prison Forum to engage with other members about related topics, such as what to expect when you meet an inmate, death row, correspondence, visitation, different departments of corrections, and more.

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Inmate Testimonials

Correspondence with others has helped me to learn more about myself and others, and that’s made me grow stronger and wiser. Prison is a very dark, lonely experience if you have no one on the outside to speak with.

Tiffany Rogers, Fox Valley ATC, Illinois

The benefits of correspondence are many for me. It’s the benefit of establishing good friendships by helping them in the ways I can to show them someone cares as they do for me. Life is hard for all human beings. Having someone that cares means everything.

Saul Anaya, CSP, Colorado

Correspondence has given me friendships that I cherish.

Joseph Gonzales, Calipatria, California

Correspondence provides the benefits of meeting people from around the world who make you feel unforgotten and still part of the real world. It allows your mind to escape this place of a closed box. If you don’t hear from the outside world, you get lost in the darkness of your cell…

Jose Moran, Centinela State Prison, California

It’s been helpful getting to know people outside of prison. It has given me a different view on life.

Derrick Handy, MCF – Moose Lake, Minnesota

Not hearing from anyone from outside can be very unhealthy to your mental state. You never want to get caught up in the things prison life has to offer – the negativity aspect. Family and friends who support the incarcerated give them a chance at succeeding once they are able to return to society. Being able to correspond with different perspectives has helped me expand my mentality in different ways.

Chico Hill, Wynne Unit, Texas

Without contact from the outside world, no support, no friends, nobody who cares, prison is a really dark and lonely place. I’ve made a lot of friends through this website – friends I’ll continue with after I’m released.

Brittany Golightly, Dayton Correctional Institution, Ohio

You’re not human when you don’t communicate or interact with the outside world. You’re miserable, angry, lonely, jealous. There really are rainbows at the end of every storm, and the sun will rise.

Anthony Montoya, Calipatria, California

Exchanging letters has allowed me to breathe and have a sense of purpose. I don’t feel so alone when I hear my name at mail call. It gives me a chance to remind myself that there are two kinds of air: real air and prison air. And that feeling itself is recharging. I don’t know how else to describe it.

Alexander Perez, FCI La Tuna, New Mexico

Correspondence has brought me a sense of peace. Being able to converse with someone is the greatest joy in the world, especially under the circumstances…

Berly Valladares, Pontiac Correctional Center, Illinois

WriteAPrisoner.com has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I feel like I owe them my life.

Bruce Anderson, CSP, Colorado

Correspondence fills the void of loneliness. It’s changed my life completely. I’ve made unbreakable bonds in the most difficult times. I’m very grateful.

Elisa Garza, Hilltop-Trusty Camp, Texas

I’m getting good friends and now have something to look forward to at mail call, which is very important for someone serving a life sentence. I’ve found people who care and want to help. It relieves my stress and frustrations. Time becomes easier to do. You smile more and feel good. Mail helps a lot.

Jermaine Ford, Clements Unit, Texas

Corresponding with pen pals has given my life some much-needed variety. Meeting people from all walks of life helps to break up the monotony of prison reality. It has introduced me to friends who have been essential in my maturation and rehabilitation process. I also think outside pen-pals benefit from being introduced to a new perspective.

Nick Browning, Western CI, Maryland

To an inmate facing a lot of time, this website changes life on a large scale. Mail call is never the same. The correspondence raises self-esteem and gives hope to the hopeless. Even when family gives up on you, the website shows that there’s a stranger out there who cares.

Terry Briley, PVSP, California
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