Utah organization Envelopes of Hope connects prison inmates to pen pals

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A Utah group is connecting Utah inmates with pen pals throughout the state. The goal is to create meaningful connection and support for someone who really needs it.

Writing a letter might not seem like much, but it is a connection making a real difference.

Brynn Carnesecca started Envelopes of Hope over a year ago with a very simple and important goal. She told ABC4, “This is giving people a place to be seen, and it is a cathartic way for them to positively express their emotions and find somebody that is supporting them in their journey.”

Carnesecca was looking for a way to give back during her time with the Miss America opportunity. She was looking for her service project and remembered an opportunity for her years ago when she wrote a pen pal in a prison in Philadelphia.

Carnesecca explained, “Franklin and I wrote for a few months and connected in a few ways. We were very different in age, gender, beliefs, and gender but somehow, we found connection in our letter writing.”

She took that experience and created Envelopes of Hope. She worked with different prison advocacy groups and the prison itself to get to work. She put flyers in the prison to give inmates the opportunity to apply for a pen pal. Many jumped at the opportunity.

Carnesecca continued to explain what Envelopes of Hope is doing, “We are creating a space where people can connect on a unique level over things that might not be in our normal society every day – a way to bridge connection.”

When a volunteer signs up, they go through training and then start writing to build the connection. Carnesecca and her team go through each letter and makes sure everything stays within the guidelines Envelopes of Hope has established.

Carnesecca explained, “Envelopes of hope is not advocating for releasing all inmates and not taking away consequences, but a place for healing, so we make sure Envelopes of Hope is a place that is safe and is a positive for both sides.”

The letters are positive for both sides and creating an opportunity for someone to build a real connection and inspire change.

Carnesseca said, “This is giving people a place to be seen, and it is a cathartic way for them to positively express their emotions and find somebody that is supporting them in their journey.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Pen Pal, visit Envelopes of Hope here.