Holidays Blessings and a Joyous New Year

Below is the Christmas Card that Matt Matteo sent to us this year.


Sketch reprinted by permission of Matt Matteo.
Matt Matteo is a writer, painter, cartoonist, and prisoner from Derry, Pennsylvania. He continues to improve his work and himself by contributing to many publications, including Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul; Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul; Touched by Angels of Mercy; Serving Productive Time; and Serving Time, Serving Others. He welcomes mail at #BS-7345, 801 Butler Pike, Mercer, PA 16137.

Fr. Jackson Spoke about Being a Prison Chaplain

Last evening, about 25 people attended Fr. Jackson’s presentation as part of “Theology on Tap.” Fr. Jackson is assigned as the Catholic Chaplain in Smyrna, Delaware at the “Vaughn Correctional Center,” formerly know as Delaware Correctional Center (DCC).

After lots of questions and answers, I had the opportunity to say a few words about our prison ministry and ask the attendees to donate some of our books for the men at the prison. Each donation of $5 allowed an attendee to personally hand Father a book.

Fr. Jackson left with at least 11 of our books, including:
• Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul
• Serving Time, Serving Others
• Serving Productive Time

In May, “Church of the Holy Child” in North Wilmington, donated a box of 33 “Serving Productive Time” books to Fr. Jackson.

We also gave Fr. Jackson dozens of Christmas cards that were donated by several church groups in our area, including “Church of the Holy Child” and “Trinity Presbyterian Church” in North Wilmington.

The event last evening was held at:

Catherine Rooney's Irish Pub and Restaurant
1616 Delaware Avenue (Trolley Square)
Wilmington, Delaware

Presentation at “Fiske Academy at Camelot”

Our thanks to everyone who participated last evening (December 13) in the event at “Fiske Academy at Camelot” in Wilmington, Delaware in cooperation with Prison Ministries of Delaware, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Gideons International, Church of the Holy Child, and Success Solutions. Eleven volunteers participated in the event with the 27 at-risk boys between the ages of 10 to 18 years of age. As special thanks to Fay Whittle for arranging the event.

Countless other volunteers, who were not present physically, helped us with their donations of books, Christmas cards, words of wisdom, prayers, etc. The smiles, laughs, and appreciation from the boys were priceless.

After the event, seven of the volunteers shared their experiences over a delicious meal at nearby Lamberti’s Restaurant on Philadelphia Pike.

May you and your loved ones continued to be blessed during this holiday season and the New Year.

Note: December 13 is also a special day for another reason: In 1969, (40 years ago) Laura and Tom became engaged to be married.

Books for Youth at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility

A chaplain at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility has requested donations of our books for the youth incarcerated there.

Thanks to the generosity of several sponsors, we were able to send a copy of each of the following books to this chaplain.
- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul
- Serving Time, Serving Others
- Serving Productive Time

For each additional donation of $25, we will be able to send another 3 of our books to this facility's library or any correctional facility of your choice.

For additional details, e-mail Tom@TomLagana.com
Thanks.

Holiday Blessings...

Free Seminar -- Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

On Saturday, December 5th from 10:30 to Noon, there will be a meeting on the second floor (Room 209B) in the Brandywine Library at 1300 Foulk Road in Wilmington, Delaware facilitated by Tom Lagana. Join us for inspiration, guided meditation, and spiritual exercises that will nurture your spirit, increase your self-esteem, and help you realize what you want to see show up in your life.

Please invite others who may be interested and RSVP by e-mailing Tom@TomLagana.com

Several of our books will be available for sale at these meetings to help support our prison ministry. They also make excellent Christmas gifts and can be personally autographed.

Special Project:
Our prison ministry corresponds with hundreds of inmates each year. When planning your Christmas and holiday cards this year, please write some words of wisdom and encouragement in a card for a prisoner. Our prison volunteers will address and mail the cards. You may sign your first name if you like, sign it “Someone who cares,” or leave it blank. Please leave the envelope blank, unsealed, and place a stamp on it, and bring to the meeting above. New or used inspirational, soft-cover books may also be donated, especially “Chicken Soup for the Soul” titles.

Please send positive energy and pray for those often forgotten souls behind bars that they will know that someone cares about them and that they will be inspired to become productive members of society.

Christmas Story to Reprint -- Dear You

The following story is available to re-print in your newsletter, magazine, or newspaper. Those interested may e-mail: tom@tomlagana.com for a Word file version. The pdf version is linked at:
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/Lagana-DearYou.pdf
~~

Dear You
By Tom Lagana
from “Serving Productive Time”

One cold November morning, I stopped by the emergency room of our local hospital to see if they could use my volunteer services. My official volunteer day was Thursday, but since I was already downtown that Saturday, I thought I’d offer to help out.

As I entered the triage area, one of the nurses waved and called out to me. “Tom, I need to see you after I check on my patient. I’ll be right back.”

“Sure, Nicole,” I answered. “I’ll be here.” I couldn’t help but wonder, What did I do now?

Minutes later she reappeared and explained, “I’m glad you’re here today. My nine-year-old daughter decided to do a project on her own. It has to do with the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy.”

Out of the blue, I had a flashback of my Catholic school days. “Sure, I remember them well. The nuns made us memorize them in grade school.” I rattled them off in my head: Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead.

“Then you know that one of the corporal works is to visit the imprisoned. A few months ago, I recall your mentioning that you also volunteer at the prison. I want to ask you for a favor. My daughter wants to make Christmas cards for prisoners, but she doesn’t know how to go about getting them to the inmates. Can you help us?”

“Of course. I plan to visit the prison before Christmas anyway, and I’m sending letters to inmates in other states. Her cards will be a welcome gift for everyone who has to spend Christmas behind bars.”

“Thanks, Tom. She’ll be thrilled. I can’t wait to tell her.” Then Nicole disappeared into another room to tend to her next patient.

The following Thursday, when I reported for my usual ER shift, thirty-one handmade Christmas cards were waiting for me, just as Nicole had promised.

Early the next morning, I sipped my coffee and read the cards with my wife, Laura. Each one-of-a-kind, handcrafted card was created on construction paper of various colors of the rainbow. They moved us to tears.

Dear You,
God watches over you all the time. If you turn your back on Him, He’ll still be there and still protect you.
J.M.

Dear You,
You know how when you meet somebody, but you can’t trust them? Well, you don’t have to know God to trust Him. He’ll never turn you down.
J.M.

Dear You,
You don’t have to impress God. I’m saying that because usually people think they have to. Life is about making mistakes and learning from them.
J.M.

Dear You,
God has a plan for everyone. Maybe this wasn’t His plan for you, but this is just the beginning. Everything will be okay.
J.M.

Dear You,
I have faith in everyone. Maybe you did some stuff wrong, but everyone deserves a second chance. Even though I don’t know you, I believe in you. For Christmas, will you do something for me? Pray to God. Merry Christmas.
J.M.

Dear You,
Never call yourself a failure. Yes, maybe you messed up in the past, but we all mess up. Hey, God is always there. Merry Christmas.
J.M.

Dear You,
You probably think badness is all around you. Well, look beyond the badness and see God standing there saying, “I love you.” If you try hard, maybe you can see the same thing. Don’t worry. God never takes a break.
J.M.

One week after sending out some of the cards, the responses began rolling in from inmates. Have a look at a few examples:

The first thing I want to do is tell you that I thought the Christmas card from the little girl was absolutely priceless! It warmed my heart when I got this, and I’d have to say that it was the best Christmas card I’ve ever received. Please be sure to tell her that I said, “Thank you.” I showed it to several of the guys around here, and then sent it home to my parents.
Dave LeFave (Colorado)

That card from the little girl made me feel good. What a wonderful heart she must have to be so kind. In these places you learn to put your emotions in a box, but her card got through that wall I’ve built. It felt great to get behind that wall for a bit and feel the warmth she put there. I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas gift.
Charles Carkhuff (California)

The card from the little girl was so touching. Enclosed is my handmade thank-you note for the little girl who took the time and effort to make it. Please convey my gratitude to her mom as well.
John Schmidt (Delaware)

A nine-year-old made thirty-one cards like the one you gave me and wanted them all sent to prisoners? Wow! Must be quite a little girl to be so altruistic so early in life. When I was nine years old, I was busy dreaming about Luke Skywalker, not asking prisoners to pray. Makes me wonder what she’ll become.
Matt Matteo (Pennsylvania)

Matt Matteo also enclosed an original drawing depicting an inmate on his knees, praying fervently in his cell. When I saw it, I was filled with emotion. Then, after turning the illustration over, I saw this notation:

Dear You:
Thank you for believing in me and for believing in giving second chances. I really value the card you made for me.
Thank you,
M.M.


Sketch reprinted by permission of Matt Matteo.

~~
Dear You. Reprinted by permission of Tom Lagana. © 2009 Tom Lagana from the book “Serving Productive Time: Stories, Poems, and Tips to Inspire Positive Change from Inmates, Prison Staff, and Volunteers” by Tom Lagana and Laura Lagana. See website: www.TomLagana.com
~~
Tom Lagana is a professional speaker, trainer, author, engineer, and volunteer. He is a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service in Delaware and coauthor of “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.” He and his wife, Laura, are coauthors of “Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul,” “Serving Time, Serving Others,” “Serving Productive Time” and “The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management.” They present and facilitate workshops, programs, and seminars for inmates and volunteers across the United States. He many be contacted at P.O. Box 7816, Wilmington, DE 19803, phone 302-475-4825, e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com, or website: www.TomLagana.com.

Comments from Inmates in Maryland and Virginia

“The stories in Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul made me feel better, grateful, and not so sad with self-pity. Thanks for remembering us in prison with this book.”
-- Kevin
Cumberland, Maryland

“Through Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul, I found hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.”
– Joseph
Suffolk, Virginia

Book Special for Christmas 2009

Books for Inmates, Staff, and Volunteers – Christmas 2009

Attn: Chaplains, Counselors, Librarians, and Volunteers

Our sixth re-printing of “Serving Time, Serving Others” will be ready to ship in November.

Please share the following with anyone willing to help us fund and distribute more of our books to inmates, staff, and volunteers. These offers expire January 18, 2010.

Option A -- Order 18 “Serving Time, Serving Others” at $13 each = $234
With the above order, you will also receive for FREE:
18 books -- “Serving Time, Serving Others”
36 books = $234
For orders shipped to Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska, please add $50

Option B -- Order 36 “Serving Time, Serving Others” at $13 each = $468
With the above order, you will also receive for FREE:
24 books -- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul
60 books = $468
For orders shipped to Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska, please add $100.

Option C -- Order 36 “Serving Time, Serving Others” at $13 each = $468
With the above order, you will also receive for FREE:
33 books – Serving Productive Time (new in 2009)
69 books = $468
For orders shipped to Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska, please add $100.

E-mail your request to: Tom@TomLagana.com

Note: If your needs or budgets do not fit within the parameters of the above offer, let us know what your working budget is, and we'll let you know what is possible. Thanks.

Continued Blessings,
Tom
Co-author "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul,"
"The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management,"
"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others"
and now "Serving Productive Time”
Tom Lagana ~~ (302) 475-4825 -- PO Box 7816, Wilmington, DE 19803
Tom@TomLagana.com ~~ http://www.TomLagana.com
"Tom is a professional speaker, trainer, engineer, consultant, and author
. . . helping people become their best."

Laganas Visit Nashville Jail -- Oct. 7, 2009

While in Nashville, Tennessee we presented two seminars (one in the morning on the 5th Floor for the General Population for about 40 men and one in the afternoon on the 3rd Floor for 10 men who are part of the Special Needs group) at the Davidson County Criminal Justice Center.

The entertainment and sites in Nashville are amazing. It's a must-see place.

Seminar at Carroll County Jail -- New Hampshire

It's seldom we meet the administration of a correctional facility, let alone have them attend our seminar, but that’s what happened recently at Carroll County Jail in Ossipee, New Hampshire.

Although only 8 male inmates showed up, that’s 13 percent of their population, since there are only about 60 men and women at the jail. (None of the female inmates signed up to attend.) Five staff and administrators also attended our presentation. Many times, the presence of the administration would stifle the inmates’ participation, but that didn’t happen there.

Our contributing author, Lynn Durham, from New Hampshire also shared the presentation with us. The rapport and connection with the inmates was intense and heartfelt. That seldom happens at such a deep level. Perhaps it was because it was such a small group, and we had more than two hours together. After the seminar, the superintendent bought 36 of our books, which was totally unexpected. These included "Serving Time, Serving Others" and our newest book "Serving Productive Time."

The next day, we received messages from both the superintendent and captain with the following feedback:

“Again, thank you for contacting us and requesting this. I along with the Captain called the inmates that you met with back into the visiting room after dinner and spoke to them to get their thoughts. All the inmates thanked us for allowing this to happen and all had positive feedback.

I asked the inmates to put some of their thoughts on paper, to which they did. The Captain will be typing those comments up later today and sending them to you via e-mail so you can see how the inmates responded. All the inmates enjoyed receiving a copy of the book. I also informed them that we will be receiving 24 more.

I will be bringing the inmates' comments to the County Commissioner's Meeting with me next week so they can see how this impacted the inmates. As I said yesterday, if you are back in New Hampshire and wish to do this event again, please feel free to contact us.”

“Thanks again Tom, Lynn, Laura for what you do on a daily basis and including our facility in it. Below you will find comments made by the inmates you spoke to today.

John O.
“The class today was very informative. I left feeling lifted and ready to finish my bid on a positive note. If I apply what I learned today I more than likely will not return to prison.”

Ronald B.
“I really believe that the group meeting with Lynn, Tom Lagana and his wife Laura Lagana was very informative, uplifting and positive. It got me to look at myself in a much more positive way. They were very entertaining and I never lost interest at all. Could be a great inspiration for the younger inmates who have had a tougher time in life than I have.”

Phil B.
“I really enjoyed the seminar 'The Winning Recipe for Success.' They were wonderful speakers with an awesome and powerful message . . . a message that is of great importance to youth and adults serving sentences in the justice system. They were very motivational and made the experience extremely enjoyable. Thank you for allowing us to participate in this experience.”

Michael M.
“I really enjoyed listening to them speak. They definitely had some positive things to say that really gave me a better outlook on what I need to do while I am incarcerated and that is to use this time to really reflect on what I am going to do with my life.”

Louis D.
“Got a lot out of class. Came in with a lot of hate and negative attitude and learned how to focus energy in a positive way. Life is short to keep on going on mad and angry. Learned that I could get more out of life by learning not to have a negative outlook.”

Michael A.
“I think that the class was very helpful it gave me a positive outlook on the time I must serve, to keep a positive mood and to treat others with kindness and a good attitude. It was also encouraging. I would recommend this class for future inmates to consider.”

Eric B.
“I felt the seminar was very informative and very beneficial with a lot of useful life skills put into practice in daily life. I can make a positive change.”

Inside Out Review of Serving Productive Time

Prison Fellowship's Inside Out has reviewed Serving Productive Time in their August 2009 on-line issue. Please see the link below:

http://www.prisonfellowship.org/inside-out/august-2009/12146-book-review-serving-productive-time?showall=1

Also see the pdf version at the link below:
http://www.angelfire.com/de/lagana/images/PFM-Review.pdf

Below is an excerpt from a recent letter we received:
“I was reading your book called Serving Productive Time, and let me tell you that I loved all the stories, especially about the little girl that made 31 handmade Christmas cards for inmates. I can’t believe that a nine-year-old could do something like that. I am so proud of that little girl.”
Sol, inmate
West County Detention Facility
Richmond, California

Recently, we presented seminars at three prisons near the Catskill Mountains of New York State on the same very long day. In all more than 200 men and staff attended our sessions at the following institutions:
- Green Correctional Facility (morning)
- Coxsackie Correctional Facility (afternoon)
- Hudson Correctional Facility (evening)

Seminars for Inmates at Greene, Coxsackie, and Hudson Correctional Facility

Please pray for the inmates that will attend our presentations on Wednesday, August 26, in New York State...that we will say the right words, and they will hear what they need to hear. In our experience, inmates have thanked us for saying something that we don't recall mentioning. I think it's a God thing.

If you know anyone willing to sponsor some of our books so that we can leave them for the prisoners' use, please ask them to e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com

Sue Ellen Allen Wins PEN Dawson Award

Congratulations to Sue Ellen Allen who recently won the Dawson prize for memoir by PEN American Center Prison Writing Contest. PEN is a very prestigious organization of writers. They have a program that supports writers in prison, and they send out free handbooks to encourage writing.

To read her work entitled, FEAR, which is part of her prison journey, please see:
http://www.pen.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/3610/prmID/1622.

Sue Ellen Allen is a contributing author in our new book, "Serving Productive Time." Her story in our book is entitled "It’s Never Too Late."

Sue Ellen Allen is an author, speaker, and activist. Being in prison with stage 3B breast cancer was a strange blessing—the defining moment of her life. Despite the odds, she survived. Now her motto is, “Been there, done that. How can I help?” Contact her at sueellenallen@gmail.com

Barnes & Noble Book Event

The recent book event at Barnes & Noble was amazing. Four ex-inmates who are in our various books were there an each had a time to share with the audience of about 30 people.

No correctional staff showed up. We had some prison volunteers and many people who had loved ones behind bars. It was a very touching and emotionally charged evening.

Our associate pastor and our new pastor even showed up. After it was over, our pastor told me that our church will sponsor another box of books for the inmates in our area.

One of the ex-inmates who has a story in "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" was there, and he sent a check a few days later to also sponsor a box of books for our local prisons. A woman in the audience, who I met by chance a few weeks before, sent a note after the event with a $50 bill and wrote, "Get as many of your books into the hands of those who need them." Funny that we didn't even ask for donations or sponsors at the event.

Brandywine Hundred couple offer hope for those behind the razor wire

Below is a link to a recent article in the Community News in Wilmington, Delaware about our new book, "Serving Productive Time."

http://www.communitypub.com/people/x488831073/Brandywine-Hundred-couple-offer-hope-for-those-behind-the-razor-wire

Click here for a pdf file of Article.

Barnes & Noble Discussion & Booksigning, Wed. July 15, 7 pm, Wilmington, DE

Discussion and Booksigning
Wednesday, July 15 at 7 pm
Barnes & Noble Bookstore
4801 Concord Pike
(Next to Concord Mall)
Wilmington DE 19803

Local authors and speakers, Laura and Tom Lagana, are here to discuss their newest book, "Serving Productive Time." Their book is for those who have been incarcerated, have loved ones in prison, who work or volunteer in a correctional facility, who have been a victim of crime, or for those who understand that we all share the responsibility of helping others. Their other books include, "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul," "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul," "and Serving Time, Serving Others."

Voices of Hope -- The News Journal -- "Serving Productive Time"

Below are links to a recent article in The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware about about our new book, "Serving Productive Time."

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090615/LIFE/906150315/1005&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL

Click here for Word file of article.

The Record Eagle -- Traverse City, Michigan -- "Serving Productive Time" in the News

http://www.record-eagle.com/features/local_story_185192800.html

Also see the pdf version at the link below:
http://www.angelfire.com/de/lagana/images/Record-Eagle.pdf

Collection is for inmates, prison staff

TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City native Laura Hayes Lagana and her husband, Tom Lagana, have put together a collection of stories, poems, cartoons and quotations for inmates, prison staff and volunteers.

"Serving Productive Time: Stories, Poems, and Tips to Inspire Positive Change from Inmates, Prison Staff, and Volunteers" is published by Health Communications of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and includes two stories from a correctional officer in Washtenaw County as well as stories from inmates in Adrian, Kincheloe, Lapeer and Muskegon Heights.

The Laganas have also co-authored "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul," "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others." The couple hopes to send at least one book to every prison, jail and youth detention center in the U.S.

For more information, go to www.tomlagana.com.

The Dialog -- Serving Productive Time

Below is a link to a recent article in the Catholic newspaper The Dialog in the Dioceses of Wilmington about our new book, "Serving Productive Time."

Click here for a pdf file of Article.

Corporal Carla Wilson in Serving Productive Time

Congratulations to our contributing author, Carla Wilson, for her coverage in the Ann Arbor Chronicle. To see the article, see the link below:
http://annarborchronicle.com/2009/06/08/j-block-at-the-washenaw-county-jail/

Also see the following article:
http://www.ewashtenaw.org/news/2009/applause_5-26-09.html

In additional to the articles, see the following:

Corporal Carla Wilson, LMSW, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, a correctional officer at Washtenaw County Jail, is a contributing author in a newly released book entitled Serving Productive Time: Stories, Poems, and Tips to Inspire Positive Change from Inmates, Prison Staff, and Volunteers, published by Health Communications, Inc. in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Serving Productive Time is a follow-up book to Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul and Serving Time, Serving Others by co-authors Tom Lagana and Laura Lagana who reside in Wilmington, Delaware. Laura is a Traverse City native and spent her early childhood in Ann Arbor.

About two years ago, Wilson submitted a story to the Laganas. During a telephone conversation with Tom Lagana soon after she had submitted her story, Wilson happened to mention that she worked as a correctional officer. She peaked Lagana’s curiosity when she said, “I also facilitate a guided meditation every morning for the inmates under my supervision.” Because the Lagana’s also incorporate guided meditations into their inmate seminars across the country, Tom Lagana wanted to witness Wilson in action at Washtenaw County Jail.

On Memorial Day weekend in 2007, Tom Lagana flew to Detroit to conduct a seminar for Wilson’s inmates. Following his presentation, Wilson facilitated her guided meditation for the men in her unit. Lagana was so incredibly moved by the meditation that he asked Wilson to document each step. Two years later, “Beyond Your Outdate,” Wilson’s meditation, appears in the newly published book, Serving Productive Time. Although the story that Wilson originally submitted is not included in this collection, another story entitled “The Artist” is, as well as other words of wisdom by Wilson.

Wilson’s career as a correctional deputy spans more than sixteen years. She applies her talents as an inspirational speaker and guided meditation facilitator in jails, prisons, churches, and educational institutions. In addition, she offers phone counseling for professionals and anyone coping with a loved one’s addiction or incarceration. Wilson is at work on her first book, What If I’m Right? She may be contacted via e-mail at cwilson@connectionprinciple.com or by visiting her website: www.connectionprinciple.com.

Inspiration for Prisoners in Minnesota (Books & Seminars)

Hope all is well with you.

We are preparing our schedule to present seminars for inmates, and we now have an associate in Minnesota. Correctional Staff and others may submit a request for a seminar at a specific correctional facility, church, ministry, or other location. Please e-mail the following information to Tom@TomLagana.com or robnnc@yahoo.com

Name of Facility:
Address of Facility:
Contact Name and Position:
Contact Phone Number
Contact E-mail Address:
Is there funding available for travel expenses?
Is there funding available for books?
Is there funding available for an honorarium?

Seminar Overview: "A Winning Recipe for Success Behind Bars" is a 60- to 90-minute interactive and dynamic presentation, which focuses on tools and life skills that will boost self-confidence, provide direction through positive goals, and demonstrate the benefits of effective communication, responsibility, and competent leadership. It is based on the values and principles in our books: "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul", "Serving Time, Serving Others”, "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul," and our newest book, “Serving Productive Time.”

To reserve either or both of the following book specials, e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com

SPT – Special – 33 books for $238
33 Books -- “Serving Productive Time: Stories, Poems, and Tips to Inspire Positive Change from Inmates, Prison Staff, and Volunteers."

STSO / PS - Special
Receive a FREE BOX of 24 "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" books
when you purchase 12 copies of "Serving Time, Serving Others."
For $259, you will receive 36 books.

The above specials include shipping and handling within the Continental USA.

If your needs or budgets do not fit within the parameters of the above offers, let us know what your working budget is, and we'll propose what is possible. Thanks.

Reserve your books by e-mailing Tom@TomLagana.com or by calling 302-475-4825.

Please make check, money order, or purchase order payable to "Success Solutions" and mail to:
Book Purchase
PO Box 7816
Wilmington, DE 19803

Feel free to copy and distribute the following files as you see fit.
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-1-page.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Ad.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/PS-STSO.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/PS-Recipe.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/OrderForms-2009.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Sponsor-Letter.doc
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/Crossroad.pdf

We look forward to your reply.

Please forward this message to anyone you think may be willing to help schedule inspirational seminars for the incarcerated. Thanks.

All the Best,
Tom

Co-author "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul,"
"The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management,"
"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others"
In mid-2009 look for our new book “Serving Productive Time”
Tom Lagana ~~ (302) 475-4825 -- PO Box 7816, Wilmington, DE 19803
Tom@TomLagana.com ~~ http://www.TomLagana.com
"Tom is a professional speaker, trainer, engineer, consultant, and author
. . . helping people become their best."

"Serving Productive Time" Books -- Ready to Ship

Our publisher has informed us that although the official release date for “Serving Productive Time” was July 1, 2009, full boxes (of 33 books each) are ready to ship now. The cost is $238. Please see the Order Form linked below and order a box or more of this worthwhile book.

For orders less than 33 books or substantially larger orders, e-mail Tom@TomLagana.com for a quote on the number of books you prefer.

Please note: Checks and money orders sent to us will not be deposited until the books are shipped. When necessary, we will accept purchase orders.

Please make check, money order, or purchase order payable to "Success Solutions" and mail to:
Serving Productive Time
PO Box 7816
Wilmington, DE 19803

Credit cards are usually not acceptable, but for large orders, arrangements can be made through a third-party. Credit card purchases will only be accepted in cases where that is the only viable alternative for payment.

Single copies may be ordered directly from our publisher using the link at www.TomLagana.com by clicking on the cover of our book.

Please consider asking churches, service groups, and individuals to help sponsor books for you to use in your ministry and/or to send some books to a chaplain, counselor, teacher, or librarian at a correctional facility in your area. If you would like a sample letter to use to ask for a sponsor, the Word file is linked below. Feel free to edit to suit your needs.
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Sponsor-Letter.doc

Below are links to three 1-page PDF files. One gives details about our book, another is a 1-page sample of the contents, and the third is an order form. We have begun mailing hard copies of these flyers when we reply to our constant stream of correspondence from prisoners. Feel free to print and distribute these pages as you see fit.
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-1-page.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Ad.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/OrderForms-2009.pdf

To view a sampling of stories, see the pdf file below:
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Sampler.pdf

We look forward to sending books to the inmates you minister to. We hope to facilitate a seminar for the inmates in your area.

Please share this message with anyone you think would benefit by its content. Thank you.

New: Also see Tom's Blog at http://prisonersoul.blogspot.com

To keep up-to-date with our projects and receive prison-related stories, please subscribe to our free "Prisoner's Soul" e-mail newsletter by sending a blank message to:
p-soup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Continued Blessings,
Tom
Co-author "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul,"
"The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management,"
"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul,"
"Serving Time, Serving Others"
and now, “Serving Productive Time”
Tom Lagana ~~ (302) 475-4825 -- PO Box 7816, Wilmington, DE 19803
Tom@TomLagana.com ~~ http://www.TomLagana.com
"Tom is a professional speaker, trainer, engineer, consultant, and author
. . . helping people become their best."

How to Request Sponsors for “Books for Inmates”

Hope this finds you doing well. Thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered books already. To help get more of our books into jails, prisons, and youth detention centers, we are asking everyone to send e-mails and/or letters to churches, service groups, ministries, and individuals to sponsor a box of books for the inmates in their local correctional facilities.

Below are links to two 1-page files. One is a PDF file of our order form. The other is a Word file with a typical letter requesting funding that you may edit and tailor, to ask churches, service groups, and any group or individual to sponsor a box of books for the inmates in your area. If you prefer to have the files sent to you as attachments, send me an e-mail requesting that.
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/OrderForms-2009.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Sponsor-Letter.doc

We can send the books wherever the sponsor desires. If someone wants to sponsor a box of books, but isn’t able to facilitate the distribution, we will contact appropriate staff at that facility who are able and willing to accept the shipment and get the books into the hands of inmates. We don’t tell staff how to distribute the books. Some will place them in various libraries, others will use them in a program, and some even give the books to inmates to keep. We simply trust that the books will get to where they’re supposed to be. God will take care of it from there.

We welcome your questions, comments, and especially creative ideas to help inspire those incarcerated. Thanks for making a difference.

Continued Blessings,
Tom
Co-author "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul,"
"The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management,"
"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul," "Serving Time, Serving Others"
and "Serving Productive Time" available July 1, 2009
Tom Lagana ~~ (302) 475-4825 -- PO Box 7816, Wilmington, DE 19803
Tom@TomLagana.com ~~ http://www.TomLagana.com
"Tom is a professional speaker, trainer, engineer, consultant, and author
. . . helping people become their best."

A Chaplain's Request in Texas -- Books for Prisoners -- TDCJ Lane Murray Unit

A Chaplain at the TDCJ Lane Murray Unit has asked for help in getting more of the following books there. Can you ask the local churches to sponsor some of these books so that she can use these with her inmates? The books are:
- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul
- Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul
- Serving Time, Serving Others
- Serving Productive Time (new)
New and used copies are available at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Even just one copy sent to the chaplain is appreciated. Please send the books to:

Chaplain Garcia -- Chaplain's Office
TDCJ Lane Murray Unit
1916 North Hwy 36 Bypass
Gatesville TX 76596

Quantity discounts are also available:
Receive a FREE BOX of 24 "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" books when you purchase 12 copies of "Serving Time, Serving Others."
For $259, you will receive 36 books. This price includes shipping and handling of both boxes. Send check or money order payable to "Success Solutions" and mail to:

Books for TDCJ Lane Murray Unit
PO Box 7816
Wilmington DE 19803

Reserve books by replying to this posting or by phoning 302-475-4825.

Feel free to copy and distribute the following pdf files as you see fit.
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/SPT-Ad.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/SPT-1-page.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/PS-STSO.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/PS-Recipe.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/Crossroad.pdf

One Book Can Make a Difference

Even though more than 150,000 copies of our books are in circulation in jails, prisons, and youth detention centers, we continually receive mail from inmates, as well as chaplains, teachers, counselors, and librarians requesting our books for the inmates they serve. They simply do not have the money to purchase our books.

If you are willing to send just one book to one of the persons requesting one from us, please reply and I will e-mail you an address to send one of our books. Please specify if you prefer to send a book to an inmate or to a staff person. You may order a book through Amazon or to order a copy of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul directly from our publisher, click on the cover below:



Below is an excerpt from a story in our upcoming book, Serving Productive Time that quotes Adam who wrote to me after reading one of our books:

“I sold Ecstasy for only four months . . . but I got busted. After being drug-free for twenty-nine years, I screwed up my life, and now I’m facing a sentence of up to twenty years,” he explained. “When I went to prison, suicide was a very real option. Soon after I was locked up, my mom sent me a book—Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul. I read it in one day. It was then that I realized that I could make it.”

Thank you for helping to make a difference.

Book Request from the Chaplain at Pendleton Correctional Facility

A chaplain at Pendleton Correctional Facility would like donations of “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul” and "Serving Time, Serving Others" books for the inmates incarcerated there.

New books may be ordered through Amazon and other sources and sent to:
The Chaplain's Office
Pendleton Correctional Facility
4490 West Reformatory Road
Pendleton, IN 46064-3395

For details on quantity discounts and free books with a purchase, contact the co-author, Tom Lagana through website: www.TomLagana.com or call 302-475-4825.

Pre-Order -- Serving Productive Time

Our publisher has informed us that although the official release date for “Serving Productive Time” is July 1, 2009, we will have full boxes (of 30 books each) ready to ship in early June (possibly sooner). The cost is $216. Please see the Order Form linked below and order a box or more of this worthwhile book.

Please note: Checks and money orders sent to us will not be deposited until the books are shipped. We will hold the checks or money orders until then. When necessary, we will accept purchase orders.

Credit cards are usually not acceptable, but for large orders, arrangements can be made through a third-party. Credit card purchases will only be accepted in cases where that is the only viable alternative for payment.

Please consider asking churches, service groups, and individuals to help sponsor books for you to use in your ministry and/or to send some books to a correctional facility in your area.

Below are links to three 1-page PDF files. One gives details about our book, another is a sample of the contents, and the third is an order form. We have begun mailing hard copies of these flyers when we reply to our constant stream of correspondence from prisoners. Feel free to print and distribute these pages as you see fit.
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-1-page.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/SPT-Ad.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/OrderForms-2009.pdf

We hope you share this message with anyone you think would benefit by its content. Thank you.

National Inmate Resource Directory

Click here for coupon for the "National Inmate Resource Directory"



Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul

Need Your Help Marketing New Book for Prisoners

Your help is needed to create an awareness and buzz on the Internet about a new book to help inspire inmates to prepare for a successful release and become productive members of our society.

It's the follow-up book to "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others." The title of this new book is "Serving Productive Time: Stories, Poems, and Tips to Inspire Positive Change from Inmates, Prison Staff, and Volunteers." It will be officially released on July 1, 2009. The Foreword is by MARY V. LEFTRIDGE BYRD, deputy secretary, Washington State Department of Corrections. The book is being published by Health Communications, Inc. and is already listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

Your creative ideas to get the word out will be greatly appreciated, as well as your help to implement them.

Although there is no pay for your help on this project, the co-authors will gladly give you a reference based on your help. If you are in a position to sell books, there is an opportunity to make some money this way, as the authors will give you a substantial quantity discount for you to resell them. That of course is optional.

Your response is appreciated. Thanks for helping to make a difference.

Help Prisoners Prepare for Release

Not everyone is cutout or willing to volunteer in a correctional facility, but anyone can help the incarcerated prepare to become productive members of our society even without ever stepping behind the razor wire.

As co-author of the prisoner-related books "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others" and the upcoming "Serving Productive Time" available July 1, 2009, we receive thousands of requests for books by inmates and staff who contact us. Still there are many who have never heard of our books or read them. Our goal is to have our books available to everyone locked up in a jail, prison, or youth detention center. Just one book in a housing unit is usually shared by dozens of inmates.

Below are some ways you can help, but also consider other creative ideas you may have.

1. First of all, I suggest that you read "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others” to become familiar with what the inmates will read to help them. This will also allow you to see the potential benefits of your efforts. Our books are available on Amazon and other websites or see my website: http://www.TomLagana.com for links to our publisher. Notice the reviews that our readers have said about our books.

2. If you know of someone who is incarcerated, send them a copy of our books, or suggest to their loved ones that they send our books to them.

3. Help us to get funding for books to the correctional chaplains, counselors, teachers, and librarians who have requested our books but do not the resources to purchase them. When books are purchased from Success Solutions, we can match whatever someone sends with an equal amount. The books retail for $14.95, so for every $15 that is sent, we can send two books to them instead of one. Whatever amount sent, we'll match that and pay the postage to send books to correctional staff for the inmates’ use.

4. Contact churches and service groups in your area to ask them to sponsor some of our books to help those incarcerated prepare to become productive members of our society. They may send a check or money order directly to Success Solutions with the shipping details. Purchase Orders are also possible. Our books may also be sent directly to volunteers who can get our books to the inmates they serve.

5. Help us spread the word about our books and work with prisoners. Research where the jails, prisons, and youth detention centers are in your area or elsewhere. Then call, write, or e-mail the warden, chaplains, counselors, teachers, and librarians and suggest that they obtain our books for their inmates. Or send me the e-mail addresses of people to contact.

6. If you are posting a Blog, please mention our books. See my Blog at http://prisonersoul.blogspot.com for suggestions to share on other blogs and in any e-mails you send about our books. Below are a few suggested phrases to include. Other may be found in our newsletters: To subscribe to our newsletters, send a blank message to: p-soup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

7. Receive a FREE BOX of 24 "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" books
when you purchase 12 copies of "Serving Time, Serving Others."
For $259, you will receive 36 books. This price includes shipping and handling of both boxes. Send your shipping details, e-mail, and phone number with your check or money order payable to "Success Solutions" and mail to:
Success Solutions -- Book Purchase
PO Box 7816
Wilmington DE 19803
Reserve your books by contacting Tom@TomLagana.com or by phone 302-475-4825.

8. Feel free to copy and distribute the following PDF files as you see fit.
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/SPT-Ad.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/SPT-1-page.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/PS-STSO.pdf
http://www.tomlagana.com/images/PS-Recipe.pdf
http://www.TomLagana.com/images/Crossroad.pdf

We appreciate your help.

Continued Blessings,
Tom

Co-author "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul,"
"The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management,"
"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others"
"Serving Productive Time" available July 1, 2009
Tom Lagana ~~ (302) 475-4825 -- PO Box 7816, Wilmington, DE 19803
Tom@TomLagana.com ~~ http://www.TomLagana.com
"Tom is a professional speaker, trainer, engineer, consultant, and author
. . . helping people become their best."

Self-Study Guidebook for Inmates

A Guide to Serving Productive Time is a 30-page self-study program designed for inmates who have a sincere desire to commit to making positive changes in their lives. They can put their “time” to productive use by learning skills that will help them on the inside while serving their sentences, as well as on the outside when they re-enter our society.

Correctional staff may receive permission to copy and distribute 12 copies of the Guidebook (sent to them as a pdf file), 3 copies of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul, and 3 copies of Serving Time, Serving Others for a total cost of $144.

Loved ones may receive the pdf file and permission to print one copy of the Guidebook to send to someone incarcerated. The cost is $15. Quantity discounts are available.

Make check payable to "Success Solutions" and mail to:

A Guide to Serving Productive Time
PO Box 7816
Wilmington DE 19803

To reserve your order and for additional details e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com
or call 302-475-4825

Click here for a pdf flyer with more details about the Guidebook.

About Jerry Gillies

Welcome to my new blog. Although I have an Amazon blog on the pages of my books, Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul, and Serving Time, Serving Others, this blog will be more interactive and frequent about our work with prisoners.

One of our contributing authors, Jerry Gillies, recently e-mailed me about his blog and so I thought it might be a good idea to have one, too. My wife, Laura, and I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry in person when we presented a seminar for the inmates at Folsom Prison on October 21, 2004.

Below is Jerry's bio that we are planning to print in our new book, Serving Productive Time, which will be available July 1, 2009.

Jerry Gillies is a former journalist (NBC-New York) and author of six books on personal development, including the bestselling Moneylove and the upcoming The Great Escape. For more than twenty years, he conducted seminars and lectures across the United States, Canada, England, and South Africa. He stories are also in Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul and Serving Time, Serving Others. Recently paroled from Folsom State Prison, he can be contacted via e-mail at JerryGillies@gmail.com or website www.JerryGillies.net.