Hope Beyond was founded in 2021.
From first hand experience, after serving 17 years on a life sentence, Celia knows the difficulties women in prison face, and the lack of resources available, inside and out. Prisoners are a ‘forgotten people’, without a voice. Jodi was Celia’s penpal while she was incarcerated. They never knew each other before writing, but started to build a friendship through email (GTL) correspondence. This provided invaluable support, nurtured an amazing friendship, developed a passion for the incarcerated, and birthed this nonprofit organization. It was all because words of encouragement, hope & prayers were exchanged, which impacted both of their lives in a powerful way. They want to share the HOPE they found with others and show that anything is possible! Hope Beyond also aims to bring awareness to local communities about the needs of the prisoners and the prison system, so that more people will show the women they are valuable, cared about, and help guide them to success.
Currently they serve women only but hope to expand to men’s prisons in the future.
Hope Beyond is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Women Bringing Hope to Women
Out of the 33 prisons in California, two of them house women. Because of this, the female incarcerated population gets overlooked and often has much fewer resources, opportunities, rehabilitation and care needed to become whole, healthy individuals, many of whom are mothers and grandmothers.
Although there are some self-help classes offered through the CA Department of Corrections, the women, and even CDCR staff, informally rely on ‘outside’ organizations like Hope Beyond to bring in people, who because of their own life experiences, carry along with them true passion and COMpassion, and therefore offer the most effective rehabilitative help. The inmates are constantly subject to degradation and humiliation by those around them, including the ‘system’. Criminals are considered the lowest of lows, have been forgotten, and stripped of their value and true identity. HELP US CHANGE THAT.
Our focus is bringing HOPE to women in the CA prison system. We are seeing lives transformed! We are building lasting meaningful mentorships and friendships which have proven to give these hurting women a sense of belonging and bring restoration! No other organization offers the type of mentor penpal relationships like we do. We believe that …
Healthy Relationships + Rehabilitative Resources = SUCCESS!
BECOME A PENPAL - TRANSFORM LIVES
Our Mission
To bring HOPE to women in the California prison system.
Through supportive relationships, rehabilitation services, and preparation for success.
TESTIMONIES
“It is so good to hear from you again. I always know I can count on you to be a supportive and a truly loyal friend. For that I can’t thank you enough.”
— Malinda, Inmate @ CIW
“Thank you so much for all your and Jodi’s help, you are a true blessing, take care and looking forward to hearing from you soon.”
— April, Inmate @ CIW
“Thank you so much, you ladies are truly God sent and I thank you so much for all you do.”
— Breanna, Inmate @ CCWF
“For so long we were told lifers would never go home and I did nothing positive but sulk. When people started going home I was quick to get busy. I should’ve been working towards my release long before I started, and I am sorry for that. Thank you for all of your input and support.”
— Catherine, Inmate @ CCWF