November, 2020

Remember those in prison. Hebrews 13:3

First COVID-19 death from SCI Chester It is with deep sadness we inform you of the death of Al Joyner who was serving a life sentence at SCI Chester. He was an amazing Christian man who made significant contributions to the world before and while inside prison. He was beloved by those who knew him. Mr. Joyner died at Crozer Medical Center. He shares some of his story in this video at the 48:54 mark. This is the first COVID-19 death among the incarcerated population at Chester and many more have the virus, including a large number of correctional staff. People in prison are 5x more likely to contract COVID-19 and 3x more likely to die from it than those in the general public. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Please consider a year end gift to the Prison Education Program Scholarship Fund. 30% of donations given now through December 2, 2020 will be used for COVID-19 relief efforts for Chester students. DONATE Also, if you would like to be a part of our December 14th, 7 PM Zoom Letter Writing Party, register here for the link. Wear your Christmas hat or sweater, bring a warm drink, and have fun as we write together.

IMPORTANT UPDATE! Eastern will be able to reconnect with our students and offer programming via technology in the spring semester. We are awaiting details but this is great news!

Eastern State Penitentiary Searchlight Series The PEP Director, Dr. Kimberlee A. Johnson, took part in Eastern State Penitentiary's Searchlight Series on October 6th with fellow experts in the field of criminal justice reform--Celeste Trusty, Pennsylvania State Policy Director for the advocacy organization FAMM (moderator), John Fetterman, Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania, and Charles Brown a Criminal Justice Reform Advocate. This group discussed the need to expand second chances for people with long prison sentences in Pennsylvania, the ongoing efforts to encourage our state’s leaders to support ending life without parole, expanding medical and geriatric release, and clemency issues. Check out this awesome conversation by clicking the picture below!

DONATE NOW With your financial support, the Prison Education Program students are helped. Please invest so that men return home better prepared to reunite with their families, and contribute to our communities. Your gift matters! 

Visit our Website PEP--providing transformative education for our neighbors who are incarcerated and returning from incarceration FOLLOW US: @EUPrisonEd ‌ ‌