Need help writing a note!?

Ok, first know, you seem like a nice person. Good for you. Not knowing what kind of person your cousin is, just be careful. Some of the family may not like her because she most likely screwed them. Stole, borrowed money and did not pay it back not just once, but 3.4. or more times. If she was into drugs, or abuses alcohol, she could have been a mess and hurt a lot of people. So be warned. Now being kind, go for it. Now writing to someone in jail, 1. send $5-$10 dollars, in jail, they have to buy paper, and stamps to send a letter back to you. You just have to show concern. Tell her you feel bad she is in jail, and you want her to know if she wants a friend to write to. You can joke maybe and say, I think I can learn from everyone. And maybe with your advice I won't end up in jail. or just say. I have been alone before and know what it is like not to have someone to talk to when I am sad. Then say, Anyways, here is what is happening with me. My boyfriends name is, I work at, my boss is a good guy or he/she is a jerk. Ask what kind of TV do they allow in jail. Are she allowed to receive small gifts. Books, or Magazines. Or are they only allowed to buy that stuff at the jail store? Just tell her what you like to do and ask what she likes to do. Tell her other things you are doing in your life.

It is admirable that you want to reach out. I exchange letters with people in the prisoner's outreach program in my church. By that I mean about five incarcerated individuals. When it is available they prefer jpay.

JPay’s inmate email service is the fastest and most robust email service available to inmates in the country. Depending on the facility, inmates may be able to respond electronically, view and print your message, and view photo attachments. Some jails have it, a very few do not have it. The best part is you pay about ten cents per message, they get it sooner, and they don't need pen and paper and a $0.49. You can send an electronic stamp when you send an electronic letter so they don't have to pay to write you back.

I would not tell her who your boyfriend is or where you work, with all due respect to the other person who answered. I am aware of how information is shared among inmates, and I am acutely aware of how lonely people can be and how desperate they may be to take advantage of information you give them. It is not because they are bad, it is just that their life of dreams may revolve around what you say to them, and what you might give them when they get out. One person I know in jail is that way, the other four people are not.

My suggestion is to create a clear message as to what you want to do, to provide a listening ear. I would not become involved with what happens when and if your aunt is discharged, especially if you don't know if she has substance abuse issues. I'd keep it really short, you don't know if she is acting up and in solitary or if she likes her new work detail. This is just a note to say you'd like to open a small window for her to hear about things going on outside. Most of all, keep a boundary as to what you say you will do, be super aware of any requests for money. She is there for a reason, unknown to you.

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Dear Aunt X,

I heard you are serving time and I don't know what for. If you want to exchange a letter a month I'd like to be a pen-pal because you might want to know about things outside. (((((keep it impersonal. "I'm hoping to go to college" or "I just graduated high school and like my new job")))) The main reason I'm sending you a letter is to say I remember ((((--- say something nice you remember about your aunt.))))) I bet you are really missing your mom. She was a great person ((((-- say something about what you liked about her mom.))))

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits.

Sincerely,

Your Name

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Blessings to you both! :-)