Prison Contemplative Fellowship

“The organization has no committees that act on behalf of the board.”

“Form 990 will be shared with the board of directors prior to filing.”

“The executive director's salary is determined by the three independent board members. Comparable salaries from similarly sized organizations are used in establishing compensation.”

“Governing documents will be made available upon request.”

“Prison contemplative fellowship builds contemplative community that transcends walls. Journeying together as people affected by incarceration, we share centering prayer meditation and foster connections to support healing and transformation, both personal and communal. Through providing books, newsletters and correspondence, developing a database, supporting volunteer engagement, and hosting virtual centering prayer groups and in- person retreats, we offer companionship, spiritual resources, and the steady reminder that each person is seen, valued, and integral to a caring community.”

“Prison contemplative fellowship expanded and created a number of new programs during the year. See programs 1-3 for additional details on each. All programs remain covered by the original mission of the organization.”

“The prison outreach national database (pond) is a software platform that stores and consolidates information on correctional facilities, incarcerated individuals, and volunteers, enabling staff and volunteers to manage communications and maintain continuity of contact despite transfers and complex jurisdictional rules. Staff research, verify, and update facility and resident records to ensure that each individual remains as reachable and supported as possible. Central to our mission of building community across many and varied inherent barriers, pond dramatically improves the efficiency with which we can mail materials inside locked facilities. It also ensures recipients are not lost - both while in the system and during the transition back into free society. Pond embodies the principle that every person matters by strengthening the bonds of care and belonging that transcend incarceration. As of year-end, pond maintained active records for 699 facilities and 1096 residents.”

“Community outreach - outside the walls for individuals returning to society after incarceration, this program works alongside copost (contemplative outreach prison outreach service team) to provide books, technical resources, tablets, and access to a growing community of centering prayer practitioners. It helps participants stay connected to spiritual practices and a supportive community, easing the transition into life outside prison. Participants benefit from mentorship, shared practice, and tangible tools that support continued engagement. The program nurtures belonging, reduces isolation, and reinforces the message that spiritual growth and community support do not end at the prison gate. As of year-end, 30 individuals were on the distribution list; 19 formerly incarcerated individuals participated in the weekly otw virtual centering prayer group at least once during 2024.”

“Inside the walls this program provides incarcerated individuals with materials and support to cultivate contemplative practices, both directly-through the centering inside newsletter, locked up and free pamphlets, and ray leonardini's books-and indirectly, through supporting volunteers who facilitate practice inside facilities. Each resource brings a message of hope into the often isolating and dehumanizing experience of incarceration, carrying encouragement, guidance, and the message that readers are part of a community that transcends walls. Participants are reminded that they are seen, loved, and valued without conditions; this fosters an experience of freedom no walls can contain. We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with human kindness foundation, which facilitates mailing our books to residents of locked facilities. In 2024, the program reached more than 3,000 individuals held in 456 facilities across 47 states, one u.s. Territory and canada. A total of 3019 newsletters (inaugural edition of centering inside), 77 books for direct mailing, and 260 books for volunteer distribution were provided and/or sent. .”

“Copost volunteer support - in partnership with copost, this program manages correspondence between volunteers and incarcerated individuals. Staff anonymize and forward mail to volunteers, maintaining confidentiality. This program ensures that participants receive thoughtful guidance in contemplative prayer, fostering spiritual practice and personal growth. By facilitating safe, consistent engagement, copost volunteer support strengthens the community inside facilities and demonstrates to participants that their lives are valued and their spiritual journeys supported. In 2024, 75 volunteer-written responses were sent to 40 contemplative practitioners seeking support while in custody. Retreats - together with copost, we host an annual centering prayer intensive retreat for formerly incarcerated individuals. Lodging, food, transportation, and all retreat fees are covered, making participation possible for those who otherwise could not consider it. Pcf funds the retreat and manages logistics, working with copost to ensure that the location, staff and schedule support the practices of those who have experienced incarceration. Retreats allow participants to deepen contemplative practice, reflect on personal growth, and strengthen bonds with peers and mentors. This immersive spiritual experience provides a rare opportunity for healing, renewal, and reconnection with self and community-empowering individuals to continue their journey with hope, purpose, and support. Seven participants attended the 2nd annual retreat (six with lived experience and one active prison outreach volunteer).”

“Recruiter 0 13,006 0 payroll service fees 0 1,545 0 contract labor 73,098 10,183 3,063 professional fees 36,000 5,522 1,381 total 109,098 30,256 4,444”

“Book / tax depreciation difference -290”