It’s always around compassion. It’s always around justice. It’s always to those who have no voice and nobody on their side! That is why we do what we do, and that is so precious! It is a glorious thing that we have been called Humanity for Prisoners. It couldn’t be a better title!

Sister Helen Prejean

From the Desk of Doug

Prison Dads

Happy Father's Day?

After honoring mothers last month, it’s only fair that I focus on prison dads this month…the month of Father’s Day. It brings up so many memories.

I’ve seen a father visiting his young son in prison, with obvious anger on his face for the kid’s predicament.

I’ve seen grandparents visiting a young man in prison with obvious pain on their faces, saddened by their grandson’s predicament.

I’ve seen young dads in prison, trying to be good fathers---even reading books to their children---when wives bring the kids to the visitation room.

I had an angry adult son come to me one day, upset that his elderly father caught a prison sentence. “Do you want my dad? I don’t want him anymore!”

I was there when a former prisoner wept as he told of his father’s death during his time behind bars. He was unable to say goodbye or attend the memorial service.

I share these examples with the hope that you’ll remember the many fathers, inside and outside of prison, who will not be having a happy Father’s Day.

For the fathers and grandfathers in prison, or who have a family member in prison, I offer these words of encouragement from the book of Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

HFP featured at Kalamazoo's Law Day Event!

HFP contributes to International Study on Humane Executions

As a person who personally viewed the Texas execution of his client and friend, HFP Founder Doug Tjapkes was interviewed for a report prepared by England-based Reprieve. The report – Lethal Injections in the Modern Era: Cruel, Unusual and Racist – was published on April 18, and the key findings were covered in the New York Times, Guardian US, The Hill and on NPR.

Said Reprieve Deputy Director Harriet Mc Culloch: “Thank you so much for speaking to myself and Andrew in the lead up to the report launch, and for sharing your memories related to the execution of Charles Anthony Nealy. It was very moving to hear you recount this experience, and I’m very grateful that you were willing to speak to us about this difficult issue. We remain committed to investigating and exposing the myth of the humane execution and we hope that this report will be a useful and informative resource.”

Fishing Tale

HFP’s 1^st Annual Fishing Derby was a huge success, according to Executive Director Mark Hartman, who started the day by catching a giant King Salmon! The unique fundraiser offered a day of fun on the water. Participants entered bids in a silent auction. All proceeds went to HFP and Child Life programs in four Michigan hospitals. The HFP party left the dock in 2 charter boats at 6 AM on May 23, to participate in the annual Earl O’Brien Fishing Derby. O’Brien spent his life creating opportunities for kids to enjoy sports and life, even if disadvantaged or disabled. Our thanks to Andy and Carin Ribbens for making this HFP project a reality! Mark provided HFP T-Shirts for the entire gang!

Homemade Prison Booze "Spud Juice" readily available at Saginaw CF

Mr. D: …tickets are as rare as hen’s teeth nowadays when it comes to spud juice. Heck, they caught Mr. G with nearly twenty GALLONS of spud and all they did was make him pour it out. And they completely missed his other five gallons he was hiding in the trash can under some fake trash, so his customers could still tie one on.

Book Corner

HFP Client pens children’s book

Invisible Isabel Awesome, by Troy K. Chapman, HFP Client and friend of Doug Tjapkes. Chapman says he felt compelled to write the book for his niece, and all parents of little kids, “to introduce the children to the ‘practice of reverence,’ the lifelong habit of searching for, and bowing to, what’s worthy of awe in life.” A delightful book, available on Amazon.

Coming soon: A new book from Doug!

Unchainable Light, a collection of specially selected spiritual commentaries on prison and incarceration topics, is scheduled to be introduced on or about July 1. You’ll want a copy, and you’ll want to provide another copy for your church library. Purchase details will be announced soon on the HFP web site.

Books for Children of Prisoners

HFP is still waiting on the MDOC for suggestions on distributing posters for participation in our new and exciting partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

Behind Our Walls

Upcoming screenings of the award-winning documentary

· 6/23 @ 3pm: Traverse Area District Library, MI.

· 7/29 @ 5pm: Charlevoix Public Library, MI.



These screenings are free to attend!

Honoring Juneteenth

Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. Instead, it's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better. America can change.

Barack Obama