Words of Hope

Words of Hope is JDI’s annual card writing campaign that invites people in the outside community to show their compassion for incarcerated people during the winter holidays. What began in 2009 as a modest effort to bring a bit of hope to a small group of incarcerated survivors who wrote to us, has now grown into a large campaign reaching thousands of incarcerated people every year. Through this campaign, hundreds of JDI friends and supporters volunteer to write warm holiday greetings to people behind bars.

The holidays are especially difficult for incarcerated people, many of whom feel isolated from friends and loved ones. Our Words of Hope campaign gets encouraging messages to incarcerated people, including survivors, when they need them most, reminding them that people care and that they have not been forgotten.

You can get involved!

Keep me informed!

Participating in JDI’s Words of Hope campaign is easy. In the fall, JDI will reach out to confirm the number of cards you wish to write (minimum of 100). We will mail you cards, instructions, some sample messages for inspiration, and prepaid return shipping. All you have to do is write your compassionate messages to incarcerated people and send them back to us.

Our 2024 campaign saw 30,000 cards get into the hands of people behind bars. We are hopeful that every year we can reach more and more incarcerated people with words of kindness and hope.

Here are some messages we’ve received from survivors over the years expressing their gratitude for the kind words

“Thank you so much for the holiday season cards. If I could personally hug and thank each person behind each message, I would.”
— Adrian

“Thanks for the holiday seasons greetings. Y’all are very wonderful blessings to my life. The unforgettable care and support is amazing, and it put a smile on my face.”
— Joshua

“Thank you very much for the greeting cards this year! This sure does help me and lets me know that someone cares to show love to a victim of prison rape.”
— Calvin

“I’m returning well wishes and words of encouragement to you all. The cards have been added with ones I’ve saved over the years and added to a Christmas tree I made of cards from Words of Hope. They are all beautiful and encouraging.”
— Ernest

“I loved the cards. They picked me up. They were the only ones I got this year.”
— Michael

“Thank you so very much for the lovely Christmas Cards. I love them so very much. I cannot thank you enough for the light you bring to my dark world.”
— Christopher

“When I received [WOH cards] it cheered my heart up that people on the outside cared.”
— Cornelius

“I cannot help but be overwhelmed each time I read through the cards. They have led me to tears every time I read them and I reread them. Thank you for the love and encouragement that I so desperately needed.”
— Lilly Anne

“Just thinking about your letters and the words of love in these cards has me in tears. I wish I could give you all a hug.”
— Chad

“I was surprised to say the least to see what was sent, and every one of them touched me. Your heartfelt care actually does matter to me.”
— Steve

“I want to thank each of you for your thoughtfulness for sending a greeting card with a message which really brightened my holidays, and I’m sending this card to let each of you know you’re important and you’re making a big difference and it is truly appreciated.”
— Anonymous

“Thank you so very much for your services and the thoughtful cards! I’ve been locked up for 18 years and it’s not every day that I’ve seen people who write us cards in their own hand writing. You took the time and from my heart to yours, thank you for making a difference.”— Vernard

“The cards from all the caring people lift our spirits in this depressing place. They inspire and give hope to those who feel abandoned by the world.”
— Ricky

“This letter is in regards to JDI and its supporters sending me Christmas cards. It brought tears to my eyes and put a great big warm smile on my face. Words cannot express the gratitude.”— Anonymous

“Thank you, thank you! Thank you for the wonderful holiday cards. Are you kidding? The kind words, art, and beautiful decorations just boosted my feet right off of the floor. Thank you for sending this holiday survival cheer and encouragement. You make such a huge difference – such a positive path to healing. I am so grateful for what you do. Not only have you helped me, but you have given me the tools to advocate for others as well. That equals hope.”
— Carla