Incarceration

Overcoming the effects of incarceration

Incarceration can be traumatic and stigmatizing, both for those who serve time and for their families. Here you’ll find stories from people who are going through it.

Incarceration

“A lot of inmates are working hard to change themselves...I know this, because I was one of them.”

By Kenyatta Leal

Incarceration

“On my eighteenth birthday, I was sent to prison with a sentence of fifteen years and two felonies.”

By Danny Murillo

Incarceration

“I had always thought, ‘What’s in it for me?’ But seeing these volunteer teachers inspired me to give back.”

By Dmitriy Orlov

Incarceration

“I’m proof that it’s possible to recover. It’s a lot of work, but if you’re ready to do the work, I’m ready to back you up.”

By Christina Hernandez

Incarceration

“I worked hard to push past the feelings of anxiety and fear that threatened to overwhelm me.”

By Joel Williams

Incarceration

"I remain committed to defining my own future rather than allowing it to be" defined for me.

By Christopher Poulos

Incarceration

“Doing kind things for strangers made me feel better about what we had been through.”

By Chana Marie Wynne-Swan

Incarceration

“Though the holidays are still the toughest time, I have an incredible support system to help me stay strong.”

By Heidi

More Option B resources

Build your resilience

Check out our collection of videos, articles, recommendations from experts, and other resources.

See all resources

Connect through groups

Find advice, solidarity, and support from people who have firsthand experience with the kind of challenges you’re facing.

Find a group

Find your resources

Answer two easy questions to see personalized stories, groups, and resources.

Overcoming the effects of incarceration

“A lot of inmates are working hard to change themselves...I know this, because I was one of them.”

“On my eighteenth birthday, I was sent to prison with a sentence of fifteen years and two felonies.”

“I had always thought, ‘What’s in it for me?’ But seeing these volunteer teachers inspired me to give back.”

“I’m proof that it’s possible to recover. It’s a lot of work, but if you’re ready to do the work, I’m ready to back you up.”

“I worked hard to push past the feelings of anxiety and fear that threatened to overwhelm me.”

"I remain committed to defining my own future rather than allowing it to be" defined for me.

“Doing kind things for strangers made me feel better about what we had been through.”

“Though the holidays are still the toughest time, I have an incredible support system to help me stay strong.”

Which of these is most relevant to the challenges you're facing?

Which of these is most relevant to the challenges they're facing?

Overcoming the effects of incarceration

“A lot of inmates are working hard to change themselves...I know this, because I was one of them.”

“On my eighteenth birthday, I was sent to prison with a sentence of fifteen years and two felonies.”

“I had always thought, ‘What’s in it for me?’ But seeing these volunteer teachers inspired me to give back.”

“I’m proof that it’s possible to recover. It’s a lot of work, but if you’re ready to do the work, I’m ready to back you up.”

“I worked hard to push past the feelings of anxiety and fear that threatened to overwhelm me.”

"I remain committed to defining my own future rather than allowing it to be" defined for me.

“Doing kind things for strangers made me feel better about what we had been through.”

“Though the holidays are still the toughest time, I have an incredible support system to help me stay strong.”

Resilience is like a muscle. We’re here to help you build it.

Join our community on Facebook

Sign up for our monthly newsletter

Sign up for tips and updates

How do you want to sign up?

Tell us what you're interested in...

Tell us what you're interested in...

Start by telling us what you’re here for

Which of these is most relevant to the challenges you're facing?

Which of these is most relevant to the challenges they're facing?

Resilience is like a muscle.
We’re here to help you build it.