Our Mission…
Voices Behind the Wall is a community led storytelling project born from the belief that no one should be reduced to a number, a sentence or a stereotype. We are dedicated to humanizing the lives of those impacted by incarceration. Whether they are currently incarcerated, have been released or are loved ones left navigating life on the outside.
Through letters, reflections interviews and lived experiences, we collect and amplify the voices that are often to silenced. These are not just stories; they are truths that expose injustice, show resilience and remind the world of our shared humanity. Our mission is to create a space for healing, understanding, and connection. We believe storytelling can be a powerful act of resistance, a bridge between isolation and solidarity, and a spark for reform.
Whether you’re writing from a the department of corrections, visiting someone you love, or carrying the emotional toll of the system, your voice matters here. We operate with care, empathy and full respect for privacy. All stories remain confidential unless the author chooses to share publicly.
Your story is your power. We’re here to help it be heard.
We’re collecting stories from incarcerated individuals, released inmates, and their families.
You can send us:
A letter your wrote to a loved one.
A Journal entry or reflection.
A Voice Memo.
A Poem, Song Lyrics, Quotes, or Spoken words.
A description of a prison visit or phone call.
A personal memory or moment that stands out.
A message of love, grief, hope, or frustration.
Your experience with reentry or release.
What you want the world to know about prison.
A tribute to someone who is currently incarcerated.
Your child’s experience having a parent in the doc.
A video or written note on how incarceration has affected your family.
Email us: Contact@voicesbehindthewall.org
We accept written, audio, or visual submissions. You can stay anonymous if you’d like.
If you have someone incarcerated and you’d like us to reach out to them with encouragement, support, or an invitation to share their story, we’re here for that. You can request that we: Send them a letter introducing our mission, Let them know someone is thinking about them, invite them to write or share their story with us, Provide mailing information on how to submit a post.
Please Include: Their full name, Their prison or facility name, Their inmate number (if known), Any message you’d like us to include, Your name and relationship (optional).
Do you have a loved one in the Department of Corrections?
Why We Do This
Incarceration doesn’t just affect individuals. It ripples through families, communities and generations. Behind every prison number is a human being. Behind every court date is a Mother, a Child, a Best friend or a Partner navigating the weight of separation, stigma and survival. We collect stories to bring dignity to voices often ignored, challenge harmful stereotypes, show the emotional cost of incarceration, Build a record of truth from those living it, spark conversation, healing and change. Our goal is more than documenting stories it is to shift how the world sees those impacted by the system
In Memory of Those We’ve Lost…
To those who have lost a loved one while they were incarcerated; we see you and we are holding a space for your pain. Your greif is real. Your story matters, Whether your loved one passed away due to illness, violence, neglect or any other cause while in custody, you are not alone.
We invite you to share:
A tribute or memory, A letter you never got to send, A message you wish the world could hear, Their name, Their voice, and Their story.
You can share as much or as little as you’re ready for. We honor your loss with compassion, confidentiality and care. Your voice keeps their memory alive.