Resilience and Well-being in Prison

A reflection from Anna Debenham, Program Director and Founder, August 6, 2020

Life still continues to be up-and-down with COVID-19 restrictions, but we’re doing our best to stay connected with folx in prison and supporting them as they re-enter the community. I’ve loved creating our interactive newsletter - Moments of Insight - every couple of weeks. Beforehand, I couldn’t tell you the last time I received a hand written letter from anyone I knew. Now, with visitation restrictions still in place, we get sprinkled with them each week. People are sharing their art, their musings, poetry and also letting us know how they are doing amidst the actual lockdown.

I wanted to share some of the updates we have received from our community  of participants in state and federal prisons and jail. The tenacity and resilience of the human spirit never ceases to amaze and inspire.

Living in Lockdown during COVID
This is an excerpt from one of our past participants (E.R) who is in the Federal prison in Sheridan and doing well despite his circumstances: 

“At this moment, my state of mind is sound. Here at Sheridan the prison is operating on a modified lock down: 22 hours in cell, 2 hours out. As of today, there hasn’t been any COVID-19 cases since the lockdown began on March 23rd. My spirits are high, my mind is calm, and my health is good. I really do miss the camaraderie that develops during and after the (Insight Alliance) groups begin. I also miss witnessing the shifts in thinking that occur when the light bulb comes on. I miss hearing the stories about moments a decision is made from a quiet state of mind and how this affects the outcome of a seemingly difficult situation. Also, seeing the behavior reflect the calmness from within is most rewarding…... 
 
…. I give the Insight Alliance all the credit for pointing me in the direction where to find such quietness, stillness and presence. Even as life happens, I can find that place…. The beautiful thing is everybody has access to that very place. Keep your head up my friend. Keep doing the work you do. It’s meaningful and needed. Take care and be safe….” 

I’m happy to hear there are no cases of COVID at Sheridan. The state prisons haven’t been so lucky. As of August 6, there have been 635 cases in state prisons and jails across Oregon. Confirmed recoveries: 370 (adults in custody) and 59 (employees). The people we are hearing from in the state prisons are in similar situations as above - extended lockdowns, no visits, no groups or education, but the human spirit prevails. You can read more about what's happening with COVID-19 in Oregon's prisons and jails on Oregon Justice Resource Center's website: https://ojrc.info/covid19

Experiencing Teargas from Jail Downtown
We have also heard from participants who have been in lockup in the jail downtown during the nightly protests. One participant wrote:

“It’s crazy here with all the protesters outside. Last night I listened and watched the Portland police announce “stand down” and then shoot tear gas that looked like fireworks into the streets and crowds of people. What was a peaceful protest turned into mayhem. And then we could all smell the teargas and we had nowhere to go. It went on until well after midnight. We’re being punished due to all the protesting. We’re in the isolation of our cells except one hour out per shift with 8 inmates at a time…..it’s messed up. Still I’m glad to report I’m mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically better than I’ve been in a really long time. I don’t think anyone anticipated this to happen a year ago and it goes to show we are resilient. Things shift. We adapt. I think it will teach people a lot about themselves….I miss our groups, but I love getting the newsletters. I share them with the other girls here and we all look forward to them. They are full of hope and possibility. Thank you so much.”

There are so many messages of resilience during these turbulent times that I would like to share, but then this would turn into a book! So, I’ll leave you with an except from a letter I received from a dear woman at Coffee Creek yesterday: 

 “Hello! Just checking in with you from CCCF. Definitely miss class. The fact you send us newsletters and we can watch your webinars on the TV puts smiles on so many faces. I can’t thank you enough for not forgetting us. These are strange and stressful times but I haven’t forgotten what you teach: my mind is my own. Others' actions can’t dictate how I feel and I’m OK no matter what. I realize I can always find a reason to smile. The Insight Alliance is brilliant. Everything you do is beautiful. So don’t ever stop. I’m strong and I got this.”

In solidarity,
Anna

COVID-19 Advocacy Resources from the Oregon Justice Resource Center: 

OJRC is asking Oregonians to contact key players within our state’s criminal justice system. They are asking you to encourage them to follow the recommendations their coalition has presented to protect people in prisons and jails, and everyone interacting with the legal system, from the coronavirus. Feel free to use these draft letters as a template for your own messages. 

Sample COVID-19 response letter to Governor Kate Brown. Contact Governor Brown here.
Sample COVID-19 response letter to your county sheriff. Find your county sheriff here.
Sample COVID-19 response letter to Director Colette Peters, Department of Corrections. Contact Director Colette Peters at DOC.Info@doc.state.or.us.