July 2024 Edition – Click here for a PDF version
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Unprecedented!
Prison support of HFP breaks all records!
Prisoner Benefit Funds
Every state prison in Michigan has a PBF, which, according to the MDOC, “…may be used to fund services, equipment, and supplies which have a direct benefit to prisoners.” These accounts are well-funded from sources like the prison store and prison vending machines. Prisoners who have been chosen by their peers to serve on a forum that decides fund distribution may also recommend grants to favorite charities. Humanity for Prisoners has become a popular choice in 2024! We have been notified by forum members to expect the following gifts already this year:
- Lakeland CF PBF: $1,000
- Richard A. Handlon CF PBF: $1,000
- Charles E. Egeler PBF: $2,500
- Thumb CF PBF: $2,000
- Oaks CF PBF: $5,000
This total already exceeds the sum of PBF donations HFP received in 2023, or any year!
Egeler's Block Representatives, Robert and Dustin, offered this note of thanks: …we chose to donate $2,500 from the Prisoner Benefit Fund in appreciation of your help and assistance to residents throughout the Michigan Department of Corrections. We would like to assist you yearly in your endeavors, and will request that future Block Reps continue supporting your organization. Once again, thank you for all that you do for us. May you continue to receive the many blessings you deserve!
Personal Gifts
Equally important and equally as meaningful are the donations we receive from individuals who reside in our prisons. Many of them have prison jobs that pay 50-80 cents per hour. Our team is touched when we receive a letter like this: Please find a check for $5.00 in support of your efforts and dedication for prisoners. You are truly appreciated.
Unexpected Gifts
On June 24th, this nice note from Florida arrived in our mailbox: For many years Lake Alfred Ministry has been a place of worship for winter "snowbirds" coming down to the Winter Haven and surrounding areas from colder climes in the U.S. and Canada. Recent years, however, have seen a steady decline in the number of people coming down, to the point where the church decided to close its doors. Our last service was held this past Easter Sunday, and the buildings and parsonage have since been sold. Church members were offered the opportunity to suggest ministries they would like to see receive a portion of the final disposition of funds. Your ministry was suggested as one of the recipients, and we are happy to send you the enclosed check ($3,080). It's a way of continuing work in God's Kingdom even after closing our church. May God richly bless your ministry.
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From the Desk of Doug
Benton Harbor
Where it all began
I drove to Benton Harbor recently. Film producer Nate Roels wanted me to point out some landmarks, as he unfolds the Maurice Carter story in an upcoming documentary. It was not a pleasant visit.
I was struck by two things. Number one, my highly charged emotional response after so many years. And, number two, the fact that some things haven’t changed in that town since the 1990s.
I pointed to the scene of the crime, where off-duty police officer Tom Schadler was shot and injured, probably by a guy who planned to rob the store. That’s where police paraded an unsuspecting Maurice Carter past the window, and where store clerk Gwen Baird insisted that Maurice was not the suspect.
Just around the corner is the building that housed Scott Elliott’s New Moon Art Gallery, where our little citizens committee that he chaired met monthly to discuss how to free this wrongly accused man.
Just across the street is a little park in which this committee erected a billboard, facing the crime scene, demanding freedom for Maurice Carter.
Meanwhile, as we were filming, several drug deals openly occurred only a few feet away, a group of hoodlums shouted obscenities at us as they drove by, and a panhandler wondered if we could spare a buck. Benton Harbor! (Sigh)
As only God could have planned, that tragic story led to the humble beginning of HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS, now a powerful voice for the incarcerated!
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Maurice Carter Day
Wednesday, July 24, 2024, will mark the 20th anniversary of Maurice Carter's release from prison, after unjustly spending 29 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. This day symbolizes the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of a man who faced injustice with dignity and grace. This day also serves as a stark reminder of the flaws in our justice system and the devastating impact wrongful convictions have on innocent lives. Maurice’s story serves as a beacon of hope for those who continue to face similar injustices within our society.
On this day, we honor Maurice Carter. As we honor Maurice Carter, let us not forget the countless others who are still fighting for their innocence and freedom. Join us in commemorating Maurice Carter Day and continue to support the fight for justice and equality for all.
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The Birth of HFP, Documented! | |
The formation and growth of HFP will be depicted in a new documentary that focuses on the Maurice Carter story. Our origin story is being documented by Nate Roels, producer of the award-winning documentary, Behind Our Walls! The premiere of this exciting new film will be the centerpiece of HFP’s annual fall event, Voices of Humanity. | |
Faith
I asked my friend, who promised to be at the gate if and when I get out, to please find the closest church, so I can walk in, go up to the altar, and thank my God for caring for me, for loving me, and for instilling in me his peace.
Cuisine
Delicious desiccated chicken beaks, feets, and feathers patties. Just like Momma never made. LOL
Gratitude
Your organization helped me obtain important documents via a Freedom of Information request, and I'd like to thank you. Those papers are, in part, the reason that tomorrow at 9:oo a.m., my convictions are being overturned. Thank you for helping me save my life!
Naughty Dog
O'Brien's dog, Red, has chewed up the cord to Tim's $40 fan that's never been used, Mike's irreplaceable headphones, as well as plastic bowls, lids, cups, bags, five out of 12 apples in one sitting, and then figured out how to pull the 5-gallon food bucket out from under the desk, pop the lid, and then trying to eat his way to the bottom.
Typical MDOC
They closed all outdoor picnic areas and removed the picnic tables from facilities, which used to be part of the standard visitation process during warm weather seasons.
Haunting Memories and Regrets
The weather is ideal today, but the day still sucks. It is the 40th year since my crime. It has become my tradition to offer additional prayers, and renew promises, but the day forever hangs above my head like Damocles’ sword. It is even more pronounced this time given how much I've had to focus on what I did as this commutation process continues. Not complaining, mind you. It just is, and without Mr. Peabody's Way Back Machine to undo what I've done, it's the invisible chains I must drag behind me much as Mr. Marley showed to Scrooge. Created link by link, some chains are burdensome indeed.
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Free upcoming screening of the award-winning documentary
· Monday 7/29 @ 6pm: Charlevoix Public Library, MI.
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The greatest tragedy in the justice system is when an innocent person is wrongfully convicted.
– Bryan Stevenson
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HFP Activity Report
June Requests for Assistance: 896
2024 Requests for Assistance: 6,604
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Humanity for Prisoners
Humanity for Prisoners is a 501C3 non-profit organization that works one-on-one with prisoners in the Michigan Department of Corrections to help resolve any non-legal issues our clients face.
Click here to support our work today!
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