A Steel and Concrete Christmas

In memory of our contributing author, Rod Carter:
~~
A Steel and Concrete Christmas
By ROD CARTER
from “Serving Productive Time” (for a pdf version, see: http://www.TomLagana.com/images/Carter-Steel-Christmas.pdf )

It was the beginning of a three-and-a-half-year bit. I’d be spending my first Christmas in prison at age seventeen. As the judge at my trial said, “Slow down, young man!”

Prison provided me with the opportunity for introspection. Looking inward I thought, If I’m going to get out of prison and stay out, I need to make some changes.

Spending Christmas with five hundred guys can be brutal. Initiating festivities through seasonal flourishes, like Christmas trees, wreaths, or songs with stirring lyrics, was next to impossible.

The cell block was two tiers high. Each of the thirty cells had a bed, toilet, sink, desk, and chair, all in moldy green or queasy yellow. Our gray shirts and sand-colored pants were an ideal contrast to the navy blue staff uniforms. Over time, this lackluster sea of mind-numbing colors produced sensory deprivation.

The prison was home to cons serving out their allotted sentences. The usual tension mellowed at Christmas as an unofficial truce was struck between cons and officers. Some inmates and officers even went so far as to break the code of “No Fraternization Between Staff and Prisoners” to shake hands and converse. On any other day of the year, this would have been considered dangerous.

God showed no intention of neglecting us in this hostile environment. It was Christmas in prison—not merry, but Christmas nonetheless. Allow me to introduce you to a few of the guys who lived on my block.

René, a muscular French Canadian, was tattooed and scarred from head to toe from prison scrapes, street fights, and involuntary arrests. Closing in on forty, he tended to leave most of the squabbles to younger cons. Once he told me, “I’m like the old baseball pitcher. I throw as hard as I ever did, but it doesn’t go as fast.” Like most old pitchers, warriors, and convicts, René recognized the fact that he was no longer at the top of his game. He found a pen with his name on it and began writing his memoirs; he wrote himself right out of prison. René discovered salvation through a ballpoint pen. He eventually published his autobiography and received the governor general’s award for best Canadian book of the year.

Chris, a fine-looking, athletic man in his twenties, was into sports and excelled at baseball. He combed his dark hair straight back. His case received national attention. At fourteen years old, he had been the youngest person in Canada to be sentenced to the death penalty. His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. The institution arranged to place him in a stable workshop and to be lodged in a cell on a range that housed younger, less volatile inmates.

A few of the older officers had taken Chris under their wing, probably because they saw something within him that resembled their own children. They unofficially adopted Chris. No doubt that humanitarian act saved him from various assaults or worse. Because these officers, like many other Canadians, were convinced of Chris’s innocence, they were willing to take risks on his behalf. Several years later, Chris was released, changed his name, and relocated to a new province. He was released in the middle of the night to thwart roving news reporters. He married and lives an exemplary life.

I never saw him again, but I admire him for the Christmases he survived inside. Chris used to man the prison radio booth in the evenings. I appreciated when he’d play Bob Dylan’s music; those songs kept us connected with the community to which we would one day return.

D.J. paced inside his cell. As I looked in on him that Christmas morning, he was walking in circles, stopping on occasion to gaze at his mother’s photo. She had died in prison. He spent his childhood traveling through foster homes. As a troubled teenager, D.J. often spent time in jail. When I first entered prison, he took care of me, seeing that I had tobacco and papers until my first canteen arrived.

An important resource in my inner journey was our padre, a silver-haired former paratrooper. He established a special rapport with all of us, speaking each Sunday about responsibility, reconciliation, remorse, repentance, restoration, redemption, restitution, rebirth, and resurrection; they were lofty concepts, but when the padre spoke, we understood. Some of us grabbed hold of these concepts and began integrating them into our lives. Prison was a tough testing ground for practicing these principles.

The padre organized a Christmas Eve service. He recounted the Nativity with deep emotion and solemnity, and then we went back to our lonely cells. I wrote a letter home telling my parents about “the goodie bag” the prison gave us, which included butterscotch mints and a Christmas cake.

About 9:00 PM, D.J. lifted his harmonica and began playing “Silent Night.” His music guided us to a foreign town in another time. The cell block teetered on the edge of something supreme.

Although we were in prison, Christmas and its sacredness were not. We wept alone, because that’s done in private. That evening, no one screamed out in nightmare anguish. We slept soundly. That Christmas was simple and stunning, revolutionary and reverent.
~~

A Steel and Concrete Christmas. Reprinted by permission of Rod Carter. © 2007, 2008 Rod Carter 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
~~

Rod Carter was the director of the Restorative Justice Program at Queen’s Theological College. He was formerly regional chaplain for the Correctional Service of Canada for five years. An ex-offender, he received a criminal pardon in 1977. He is a contributing author in “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul,” “Serving Productive Time,” and “Serving Time, Serving Others.” He died in his sleep in May 2010.
~~

For special discounts on our books, please e-mail: TomLagana@yahoo.com

Christmas Book SpecialServing Time, Serving Others

While supplies last, correctional staff and volunteers may request a box of “Serving Time, Serving Others: Acts of Kindness by Inmates, Prison Staff, Victims, and Volunteers.”

For the box of 36 books, pay only $99, which includes shipping and handling within the contiguous USA.

For additional details and to arrange, please call 302-475-4825 or e-mail: TomLagana@yahoo.com

What People Are Say About Serving Productive Time

I’m 18 years old and just finished reading your book “Serving productive Time.” I'm writing to say your book has helped me. I was arrested at the age of 16, and I am serving a 23-year sentence. I’ve lived a crazy life style since I was about 12 years old. I guess you could call it a “thug life.” I’ve been involved with gangs, drugs, guns, and much more. I have really wanted to be able to help troubled kids, so they don’t end up like me. I know what it’s like firsthand to be involved in the street life and also to go through the stress, pain, and sadness of being locked up. I would love to help kids understand how important it is to stay focused on the positive. I know what it’s like to see your loved ones hurt. Me and my family have shed tens of thousands of tears due to my actions. I guess I’m asking for your help to help me get my word out to these kids. Nobody and no family should have to go through this, especially kids.
Thomas
Washington State Penitentiary
Walla Walla, Washington

Books for Prisoners

Attn: Chaplains, Counselors, Librarians, and Volunteers

While supplies last, correctional staff, volunteers, and sponsors may request a box of “Serving Time, Serving Others: Acts of Kindness by Inmates, Prison Staff, Victims, and Volunteers.” For the box of 36 books, pay only $99. This offer is available for shipments within the contiguous US and payable by check or money order. No purchase orders or credit cards for this offer. For additional details and to arrange, please call 302-475-4825 or e-mail: TomLagana@yahoo.com.

Books for Inmates, Staff, and Volunteers

Attn: Chaplains, Counselors, Librarians, and Volunteers

Please share the following with anyone willing to help us fund and distribute more of our books to inmates, prison staff, and volunteers. Also ask about our seminar “A Winning Recipe for Success Behind Bars.”

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

These offers expire January 18, 2011.

Option A -- Order 18 Serving Time, Serving Others at $13 each = $234
With the above order, you will also receive another 18 of same title for FREE:
36 books = $234 ($6.50 per book)

Option B -- Order 36 Serving Time, Serving Others at $13 each = $468
With the above order, you will also receive the following for FREE:
24 books -- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul
60 books = $468 ($7.80 per book)

Option C -- Order 36 Serving Time, Serving Others at $13 each = $468
With the above order, you will also receive the following for FREE:
33 books – Serving Productive Time (new in 2009)
69 books = $468 ($6.72 per book)

Option D -- Order 36 Serving Time, Serving Others at $15 each = $540
With the above order, you will also receive the following for FREE:
33 books - Serving Productive Time (new in 2009)
and 24 books -- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul
93 books = $540 ($5.80 per book)

The above offers include shipping and handling within the Continental USA by standard ground transportation. For books shipped to Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska, add $50 per box.

Purchase order and credit cards are possible. Make check or money order, payable to "Success Solutions" and mail to:
Success Solutions - Book Order
PO Box 7816
Wilmington DE 19803

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

What People Are Saying About Our Books

As an American incarcerated in Thailand, "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul" has given me renewed hope and strength over the feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and despair. A fellow inmate gave me this book, knowing I needed this precious gift.
Joe
Bangkok, Thailand

I just finished reading “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.” I must say it was a very uplifting experience for me. It was also very touching. I can relate to a lot of stories in that book. I am currently incarcerated, and I’ve read a lot of self help books. This is one of the best I’ve read. I am on my way to finish my sentence and I’m kind of scared because I don’t want to end in a negative state of mind. This book is very helpful and it will help me outside. I recommend this to all. Thank you.
Richard
Southport Correctional Facility
Pine City, New York

It has been months since I read "Serving Productive Time," yet it still energizes and inspires me.
E.G.
Vaughn Correctional Center
Smyrna, Delaware

In all my years growing up or during my school years, I have never read a book all the way through—not even a children’s book. In here, we’re on lock down 90% of the time. My cellie got this book, "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul," so I finally gave it a try. Believe it or not, I read this book two times. To my surprise I couldn’t put it down. It was soothing to the soul. I don’t feel so alone any more. Being a gang member for 39 years I can finally say today I am set free.
M.L.
Centinela State Prison
Imperial, California

"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul” has brought a lot of comfort to me in my surroundings of concrete, steel and the razor wire fences. From my reading, I have realized that I only read stories like my situation. I take each story very personally, not so much to understand what was written in the story, but to see more of myself, and my own path through life behind the walls, and its struggles of incarceration.
Steven
CSATF/State Prison at Corcoran
Corcoran, California

"Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul” has served me well over these last few years because it isn’t the kind of book you would read through it like a novel. I always trust my fingers to open its pages to the right spot to read something I need to see at that time. And it’s really kind of neat that somehow the “same story” can sometimes appear to be so different, depending on how I am feeling when I read it again.
Steven
CSATF/State Prison at Corcoran
Corcoran, California

Narrated from Serving Productive Time

When Laura and I present our seminars behind bars, in the section on Forgiveness, I always tell my story about George, which happened while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona.

On Saturday, my friend, Wilson, and I met and I narrated this story, “Forgiving the Person I Hated the Most” from our book, “Serving Productive Time.” Although it’s not a perfect narration, below is the link to the results as an mp3 file.

Listen to “Forgiving the Person I hated the Most” (mp3 file)

Some correctional facilities have rules that books for inmates must be purchased and shipped directly from the publisher. Below are links to order books from our publisher, Health Communications, Inc. Please click on a book cover or the general link for other HCI titles. Thanks.



Click Here for other recommended books published by HCI.

Prison-Related Cartoons by Joseph P. Guerrero

Cartoon reprinted by permission of Joseph P. Guerrero.

As authors of several prisoner-related books, we receive lots of mail from inmates across the county. Much of our mail is for requests of our books. Occasionally someone will write to simply thank us for our part in getting our books into the hands of those often forgotten.

In recent months, we received letters from an inmate, Joseph, in a Virginia jail. In his first letter, he shared: “Through Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul, I found hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.” – Joseph P. Guerrero, WTRJ, 2402 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434.

Joseph was so inspired by the cartoons in our books by Matt Matteo that he decided to try his hand at cartooning. Since then he has created and shared dozens of his cartoons with us. A few days ago he sent two cartoons that we love. See them at the top and bottom of this Blog. Note: Joseph would appreciate receiving some feedback from you, too.


Cartoon reprinted by permission of Joseph P. Guerrero.

New Mexico Visit

My recent trip to New Mexico was simply amazing. Jane Davis recommended me as a speaker for the prison volunteer's conference on April 17, 2010. Jane is a contributing author in "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul" and "Serving Time, Serving Others." Although Jane and I connected about 1999, this was only the second time I saw Jane in person.

In between the conference and a prison visit, Jane brought me to her "One Heart Ranch" near Santa Fe. It's out in the middle of nowhere...truly God's land. Below are a few details about my trip, also documented at:
www.TomLagana.com/prisonvisits.html

Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
17 April 2010
Tom presented a seminar for about 20 men and 6 staff (including the warden) in the evening inside the gym. Jane Davis of HOPE-HOWSE (http://hope-howse.org), who volunteers at PNM, arranged the event and also facilitated a guided meditation and deeply shared her thoughts with the group as part of the seminar.

“Wow! Sometimes one wishes the day never ends. This was one of those days!! Thank you, Tom, for sharing so much of yourself with so many. I am bursting with joy from such a wonderful day and evening. I, personally, was rejuvenated today and thank you for this fact. It is a blessing knowing people like you are in my life!! Thank you and bless you!!!”
Jane Davis
Founder, HOPE-HOWSE

New Mexico Prison Volunteers’ Conference
Albuquerque, New Mexico
17 April 2010
Tom was the keynote speaker for this event for about 130 volunteers and staff at Grace Church. Our thanks to Jane Davis of HOPE-HOWSE for suggesting Tom to the organizing committee.

“You have touched my heart and soul with your presentation on how to get out of the ‘ruts’ and move on. This not only applies to those incarcerated but to all people of all walks of life.”
Shirley Compton, Blessings Unlimited
Retired Chaplain, New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility
Grants, New Mexico

"Thank you, Tom, for your inspiring day and vision. You touched so many hearts today from corrections’ volunteers, wardens, chaplains, and inmates. Come back soon."
Jane Davis
Founder, HOPE-HOWSE

Seminars for Federal Prisoners in Elkton, Ohio

On Tuesday, April 6, my wife, Laura Lagana, and I presented two seminars in Lisbon, Ohio. About 400 men attended our morning seminar at FCI-Elkton (a.k.a. Top of the Hill) and 150 men came to our afternoon session at FSL-Elkton (a.k.a. Bottom of the Hill). The morning seminar of 400 men was the largest group of participants we’ve ever had in a prison setting.

This opportunity came about by an inmate at FCI-Elkton who told the warden about our books and seminars. The warden asked to meet us on the morning before the seminars. Seldom do we get to meet a warden or superintendent when we visit a facility. The inmate who helped make this happen attended our presentation, so we had the opportunity to meet him and ask him to say a few words to the 400 men that morning. This was indeed a special visit.

Feedback from seminars via letters from inmates there:
"Outreach like yours is so vital as to almost defy description. You and relatively few others ministering in this area have done so much to raise people's awareness of who prisoners are, as apposed to what they are."
- Noel, FCI-Elkton

“You inspired me to continue my goal of being active in prison ministry and to continue in my effort to co-author a ‘help’ book for other addicts and inmates.”
- Jack G., FSL-Elkton

"Prisontation" at SCI-Mercer

On Thursday, April 1, my wife, Laura Lagana, and I presented our seminar “A Winning Recipe for Success Behind Bars” at SCI-Mercer in Mercer, (western) Pennsylvania for about 40 inmates and staff. It was nearly nine years since I visited there, and it was Laura’s first visit. She was pleased to finally meet Matt Matteo who has his cartoons included in all six of our books:
• Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul
• Touched by Angels of Mercy
• Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul
• Serving Time, Serving Others
• The Quick and Easy Guide to Project Management
• Serving Productive Time

Below is some feedback we received by mail after our presentation:
“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for your ability to introduce logic and common sense, as tools, to be used for the betterment of one’s self.”
- Mearl C., inmate, Mercer, Pennsylvania

The one-page handout we use as the basis of our seminar is linked below (pdf). Feel free to print, copy, and distribute to anyone interested. Thanks.

A Winning Recipe for Success Behind Bars (pdf)


Action shot at SCI-Mercer

A "Prisoner's Soul" Easter Story ~ God Works in Mysterious Ways

On Easter Sunday 2002, “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul” was finally available on Amazon.com and released to the public after only being accessible for nearly two years to prisoners through correctional volunteers, chaplains, teachers, librarians, counselors, and other willing staff.

Below is a link to one of the most powerful stories in our book, which is about what happened behind bars one Thursday before Easter.

Feel free to forward, print, copy, and distribute this one-page pfd file (in its entirety) to anyone appropriate.

“God Works in Mysterious Ways” by Mary Rachelski

Appreciating Volunteers

National Volunteer's Week is April 18 – 24, 2010. Recognize and appreciate volunteers with copies of Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul or Serving Time, Serving Others. Quantity discounts and matching grants are available.

Also see the prison volunteer-related pdf file linked below with the story “Positive Influences” and cartoon from our books. Feel free to print and distribute as you see fit. Thanks.

http://www.TomLagana.com/images/PositiveInfluences.pdf

For more information and to arrange Laura Lagana and/or Tom Lagana as the speaker for your event, e-mail: Laura@LauraLagana.com or Tom@TomLagana.com

Books Directly from Publisher for Inmates

Some correctional facilities have rules that books for inmates must be purchased and shipped directly from the publisher. Below are links to order books from our publisher, Health Communications, Inc. Please click on a book cover or the general link for other HCI titles. Thanks.



Click Here for other recommended books published by HCI.

Fundraising Opportunity

Is your group having an event or fundraising opportunity? Consider selling our books on consignment.

We would send a full box of any of the following titles to you. Your group would keep about half the retail cost of the books, send us $7.50 per book sold, and return the remaining books in re-saleable condition. These titles retail at $14.95.

- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul (24 per box)
- Serving Time, Serving Others (36 per box)
- Serving Productive Time (33 per box)
- Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul (24 per box)

For additional details and to arrange, please e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com

What People Are Saying About Our Books...

"After reading your book, Serving Productive Time, I have been inspired and motivated to live a better and positive life. I even made a TO DO LIST of goals and things that I need to improve, including getting a Bible and finding my relationship with God. I’m an 'Underground Rapper,' and I used to write and rap about 'negative' things that wouldn’t motivate anybody except for people that do not appreciate life. But your book gave me motivation to send a 'positive' message that will hopefully inspire my listeners to have hope, appreciate life, and for them to know that they are not alone. I think that you two are angels! You’ve touched my heart and changed my life. God Bless You."
- Jeremy, Emporia, Virginia

“I hate the life I’ve led and all the people I hurt. In this bad point in my life, Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul encouraged me to look forward to a better future.”
– Joshua, Florence, Arizona

"I want to take this time to thank you both for being wonderful ambassadors for Christ, and using your time and God-given talents to truly be a conductor of change for many men and women throughout this country."
- John Schmidt, Smyrna, Delaware

“I’m not the same person since I read Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul. It continues to inspire me and other inmates here.”
– Benjamin, Taber City, North Carolina

"Your books are my only way of feeling the Lord's presence in my cell. Thanks for helping me know that I'm not all alone."
- Kelly, Richmond, California

“It’s hard to maintain hope when all around me, all I see is darkness. But when I begin to feel this way, I simply pick up the book Serving Time, Serving Others, and I’m reminded that even in prison miracles do happen . . . that kindness overshadows the dark, and that I cannot ever give up hope.”
- Glenn Wright, FCC-Petersburg, Virginia

"We ordered lots of Serving Productive Time, and we're 'eating it up.' These short, inspirational stories from people 'who have been there' are very helpful to our men and women in King County Jail. With the level of stress, fear about their futures, and the lack of distracting programs, our inmates find the Serving Productive Time, Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul, and Serving Time, Serving Others books to be 'Life Savers' or 'God-Sends.' We are so grateful for them!"
- Patrice Eilers, OP – Seattle, Washington

“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

Graffiti Magazine

Our thanks to the folks at Graffiti Magazine for synergizing with us. They have posted some work from our books and will continue to update their website with new material.

Graffiti Magazine gives opportunities for anyone touched by incarceration to submit their work for publication. See their submission guidelines and consent forms on their website:
http://www.graffitimagazine.com/

Laura Lagana - Keynotes at Women's Retreat

My wife, Laura Lagana, will be the Keynote Speaker at the New Covenant Women's Spring Retreat on Saturday, April 10 from 9:00am to 4:30pm at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Wilmington, Delaware 19809. For more info:
Click here for Flyer (pdf file)

Encouragement for Prisoners

Each week, Laura and I receive dozens of letters from prisoners, and we answer them all. Many ask us to send them books, some submit their work for a possible future book, and others simply write for advice or to get things off their chest.

Recently we received letters from two men who are reaching out simply for encouragement. One is incarcerated in Wisconsin and the other in West Virginia.

Anyone interested in sending an occasional note or card will be greatly appreciated. It can be a one-time correspondence, simply signed “Someone Who Cares” or you may sign it however you like.

We recommend that you NEVER share your home address when responding. If you do not have a post office box or an office address to use, you may use our PO Box address below, however we will not be forwarding mail to you that we receive.

This project is simply to encourage inmates who are reaching out. To participate, please e-mail Tom@TomLagana.com asking for the name and address of an inmate who needs encouragement.

Thanks for making a difference.

Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul
PO Box 7816
Wilmington, DE 19803

Guided Self-Love Meditation – Saturday, March 6 at 10:30 am -- North Wilmington

Note: 13 people attended this meeting. Our thanks to Wilson Cheung for facilitating.
~~

Our next meeting will be mainly a guided, healing self-love meditation, which I experienced several weeks ago and want to share with others. Although I’m hosting this event, it will be facilitiated by Wison Cheung.

Meeting details: Saturday, March 6, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Brandywine Library (1300 Foulk Road) on the second floor in Room 209 A & B. Arrive at 10:30 to start prompy at 10:45 am.

The meditation will last about 45 minutes with some discussion before and after. There will be plenty of chairs to sit on, but also feel free to bring a pillow, mat, or towel if you would like to sit on the floor. For more details about Wilson's meditations, see www.wakundama.com/meditations.html

Also invite others who may be interested, and please RSVP by e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com

Note: Our following meeting will be on April 24 – same time and place -- topic to be announced in April.

“Prisontations” in Florida and Virginia – February 2010

We returned yesterday after 19 days on the road. Laura and I presented seminars for about 350 men and women in several jails and prisons in Florida and Virginia. We also dropped some of our books off at correctional facilities we happened to pass in our travels so that staff there can make them available to the inmates they serve.

We had many interesting and varied experiences on this trip both inside and outside the razor wire. In addition to our “prisontations” listed below, we witnessed two launches from the Kennedy Space Center—one was the last night-time launch in the Space Program.

Our trip started one day earlier than expected to avoid the snow and ice storms in Virginia and The Carolinas. Packing so quickly to get out of town fast meant forgetting a few things, but we managed. We also missed both blizzards at home in Delaware. Fortunately we are blessed with wonderful neighbors who plowed our driveway and sidewalk so we could get inside our home.

Below are some details (in reverse order) about our experiences behind bars this month:

Mecklenburg County Jail
Boydton, Virginia (population 469)
15 February 2010
Presented 8 mini-seminars for a total of about 112 men and women. This was a unique experience, as we spoke to the inmates in a narrow hallway outside their cells through the bars. Ironically, it was well received. Much appreciation to Penny Patton and Morgan Moss, founders of the “Community Model Association of America (CMAA),” who oversee the programs at the jail and who sponsored our presentations and books for the inmates. For more details
click here to see a pdf file with an article about this jail visit.
Note: The article on Feb. 24, 2010, entitled "Library, Sheriff bring 'Chicken Soup' to prisoners" is from the South Hill Enterprise (www.southhillenterprise.com).

Baskerville Correctional Center
Baskerville, Virginia
15 February 2010
Book drop for the chaplain who will make our books available to the inmates there.

Brevard County Jail
Cocoa, Florida
10 February 2010
Book drop and met with one of their counselors who agreed to make our books available to the inmates.

Brevard Correctional Institution
Cocoa, Florida
10 February 2010
Presented a 90-minute seminar for about 100 males. This prison is designated as a Youthful Offender facility housing more than 1,000 males between the ages of 19 and 24 years old. Our group included new entries and those headed for re-entry in the next few months. They were a challenging group.

Martin Correctional Institution
Indiantown, Florida
3 February 2010
Presented an hour seminar for about 40 men and volunteers in the chapel after their Catholic Eucharistic service and blessings of throats. Our thanks to the Catholic Chaplain who funded dozens of our books for the men at this facility, as well as Okeechobee Correctional Institution.

The Palm Beach County Central Detention Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
2 February 2010
Presented a 2-hour seminar for about 100 male and female inmates in the Substance Treatment and Recovery Program (STAR), aka The Drug Farm. This is a structured, intensive, therapeutic treatment program for substance abuser. Managed by strict military discipline, the STAR Program offers a supportive clinical setting conducive to promoting a personal process of recovery for each inmate. Several times the inmates responded, "Sir, Yes, Sir." This group was one of the best we’ve experienced in more than 100 presentations behind bars. Programs like STAR should be in more facilities. Quite impressive.

WANTED: Sponsors for Books for Prisoners

Although each month we are able to send hundreds of books to prisons, jails, and youth detention centers, we continued to receive book requests from chaplains, librarians, counselors, teachers, staff, and volunteers so they can make our books available to the prisoners they serve.

When someone has a budget or funding available, we work with them to send as many books as we can. Others simply don't have the resources.

Below are several recent book requests that we have not be able to supply, YET.

- A teacher at Franklin Correctional Facility in Malone, New York requested books for an inmate veterans' organization at the prison.

- A chaplain at Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth, Texas.

- A caring Sergeant at the Leavenworth County Jail in Leavenworth, Kansas has requested at least one copy of each of our books for their book cart to make available to the inmates she helps there. Thanks to a generous person who responded to our Craigslist posting for this, we were able to send 3 of each of our prisoner-related books to this jail.

- A chaplain at Clarinda Correctional Facility in Clarinda, Iowa has requested our books for the inmates he ministers to.

- A chaplain at the Max Security Unit in Tucker, Arkansas has requested 100 of our books for the men he ministers to.

- A chaplain at Douglas County Detention Facility in Castle Rock, Colorado has requested 20 to 30 of our books for the men and women there for their reading club.

- A teacher at the Greenhaven Correctional Facility in Stormville, New York would like to have some of our books for her students.

- A chaplain at Warren Correctional Institution in Lebanon, Ohio

- Assistant chaplains at Snohomish County Corrections, Washington State

- A drug counselor at the Department of Corrections Community Supervision Office in Chehalis, Washington

- A chaplain at Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility in Delaware, Ohio

- A prison ministry serving women at Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

- A chaplain at Pendleton Correctional Facility in Pendleton, Indiana

- A Case Manager from Wyandotte County Re-entry in Kansas City, Kansas

To be added to this list or to help us find sponsors, please e-mail: Tom@TomLagana.com

Continued Blessings,
Tom Lagana, co-author "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul," “Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul,” “Serving Productive Time,” and "Serving Time, Serving Others."

http://twitter.com/prisonersoul

Ask Local Libraries to Make Our Books Available

Please help us serve those who have a loved one behind bars by checking to see if our books are available at your local libraries. If they are not, please request them. Below are the titles and ISBN numbers.

Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul -- ISBN-13: 978-1558748361
Serving Time, Serving Others -- ISBN-13: 978-1886068063
Serving Productive Time -- ISBN-13: 978-0757307829
Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul -- ISBN-13: 978-0757300141

Thanks for making a difference.

Inspiration for Prisoners in Palm Beach County

The week of February 1, my wife, Laura, and I will present a self-improvement seminar based on our books for the men and women at The Drug Farm and the inmates at Martin Correctional Institution in Palm Beach County.

If you know of any church, group, or individual who would help sponsor some of our books, we will match the donation with additional books to leave at these facilities.

We are also open to speaking for other groups while we're are in the area.

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 latest book, “Serving Productive Time.”

Interested individuals and groups may e-mail Tom@TomLagana.com or phone 302-475-4825 for additional details.

Please forward this info to anyone willing to help sponsor and distribute more of our books for inmates. Thanks.

Book Request for Drug Program in Washington State

A drug counselor at the Department of Corrections Community Supervision Office in Chehalis, Washington has requested donations of “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul” and similar inspirational books for the clients in her program.

For each donation of $25, we will be able to send three of our prisoner-related books to this counselor or any correctional facility of your choice.
- Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul
- Serving Time, Serving Others
- Serving Productive Time

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

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/prisonersoul

Women's Prison Book Project

Today, our prison volunteers packaged two boxes of books for the Women's Prison Book Project. It was the combined energy of three area churches in Wilmington, Delaware, which don't officially have a prison ministry. The books will ship this week by Media Mail. Great synergy.

Click here for the Book Request Form (pdf file)

Spanish Books for Prisoners

Although we have received some requests, asking for our books to be available in Spanish, we have received as many letters from inmates telling us that they have used our books to help them learn English. Below is one of those we received:

"I was incarcerated in the USA, Los Angeles county jail and Chukawalla State Prison. My name is Jorge, I’m from Mexico. I was incarcerated in the USA in 2001 and released in 2003. Sir, I would like to say thanks to you, for that great book that you do something in it, I have no words to tell you because my English is very bad, to tell you the true I learned English reading this great book, “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.” Sir, the stories in this book, helped me to change my life’s direction. When I read it, I found so many things I needed to hear that nobody told me before. When I got out from jail I was a different person because of your book. As soon as I was released in February, I started going to school. In 3 years, I graduated from high school, and now I’m doing my best to get a degree in the university. I just wanted to say ‘Thank you’ for the things you do to help others make a difference in their lives. Thanks so much."
-- Jorge

When we receive requests for books in Spanish, we offer them discounts on about a dozen of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" titles that we can obtain for them at a quantity discount.

FREE Book Swap is this weekend -- North Wilmington

Drop off is from 9 am - 7 pm on Friday, January 15th

Swapping is Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm and Sunday from 9 am - noon.

PLEASE spread the word and bring a friend or two or three.

Concord Presbyterian Church
1800 Fairfax Blvd
Wilmington, DE 19803

Corner of Foulk and Murphy Roads

Seminar: Being Your Best in the New Year

Participate in a seminar that will inspire us to be our best in this new year. Activities include introductions to get to know each other better, setting SMART personal goals, and a guided meditation and/or silent meditation to encourage us to focus on visualizing our goals.

Seminar Details: Saturday, Jan 16, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Brandywine Library (1300 Foulk Road) on the ground floor in Café (on left side of entrance). Arrive at 10:30 to start at 10:45 am.

Tom Lagana is a professional speaker, trainer, engineer, consultant, and author. He is co-author of "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.”

Feel free to invite others who may be interested, and please RSVP by e-mail your intention to attend. Thanks.

Matt Matteo Inspires Other Inmates

As authors of several prisoner-related books, we receive lots of mail from inmates across the county. Much of our mail is for requests of our books. Occasionally someone will write to simply thank us for our part in getting our books into the hands of those often forgotten.

In recent months, we received letters from an inmate, Joseph, in a Virginia jail. In his first letter, he shared: “Through Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul, I found hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.” – Joseph P. Guerrero

Joseph was so inspired by the cartoons in our books by Matt Matteo that he decided to try his hand at cartooning. Last week when Joseph wrote again, he asked that we share an example of his work with those who follow us. Joseph would love to hear from you, too. See his address below.


Sketch reprinted by permission of Joseph P. Guerrero.

Community News features "Dear You" Story

Below is a link to a recent article in the Community News in Wilmington, Delaware with the story, "Dear You" from our newest book, "Serving Productive Time."

http://www.communitypub.com/brandywine/x1820917923/-Dear-You-Christmas-notes-from-prison