Hand on back comforting man

by Mary Diamond Compassion Prison Project staff and volunteers visited Valley State Prison (California) to launch the Trauma Talks video series. The purpose of this series is to educate residents about trauma; how to recognize their own childhood trauma, to see how it affected them in the past and how it continues to impact their lives now. What is trauma?…

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by Robert Wells When was the last time someone told you that you mattered? For many incarcerated people, it’s something they likely haven’t heard in a long time, if ever. In addition to educating and providing resources, a big part of our mission at CPP is letting those in prison know that their lives matter and that there are people…

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Portrait of Willie. B Smith by artist, Rune Nielsen

by Rune Marie Nielsen, intro by Melonie McCoy “My favorite pie is sweet potato, and I remember how I used to lick the bowl. You (CPP) all constantly remind me that I’m loved, that I’m forgiven, that I am somebody. This type of love is like giving me the sweet potato bowl to lick… this type of compassion is like…

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T-shirt with picture of dragon and happy birthday signatures written all over it

by Marian Brinkman At the end of January 2019 I decided to pick up the digital pen and find an inmate to write to. I chose to find someone my age and came upon Mondo who sparked something in me when he was writing about how he loved to train and work with the younger guys. Mentoring them and sharing…

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Correctional officer guard tower and outside prison wall

by CPP’s Melonie McCoy At age 46, Chris Scott is a man who is passionate about learning. Along with his love of reading complex novels and scientific narratives, Chris has multiple degrees and is a sought-after tutor in English and writing. That is, when he’s not busy coaching a softball team or motivating others at hip-hop dance class.  Chris is…

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Fritzi Horstman

Founder and Executive Director

 

Fritzi Horstman is the Founder and Executive Director of Compassion Prison Project. She is a Grammy-award winning producer for her work on “The Defiant Ones”, has been a producer and post-producer on dozens of television projects and documentaries and has directed several films. She believes it is urgent to bring humanity and compassion to those living behind bars and these acts will help transform our society. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Vassar College.

A Gift of Compassion