A different kind of holiday season: Supporting incarcerated individuals and correctional staff

The holidays aren’t easy in a correctional setting—both for incarcerated people and for the staff working. For those inside, it’s often a stark reminder of family, traditions, and moments they’re missing. For the staff, it’s about managing that surge of emotions while balancing the day-to-day demands of facility life.

Family connection matters: The stats don’t lie

Staying connected matters more than you might think, especially this time of year. Here's why:

• Recidivism drops with family ties: Research shows that incarcerated individuals who maintain strong family connections have a 25% lower chance of reoffending once they’re out. Even small gestures—holiday calls, letters, or virtual visits—can help maintain these ties, keeping spirits up and reducing recidivism.
  

• Mental health and loneliness: Roughly 37% of those inside face mental health challenges, and for many, holidays bring those struggles front and center. Programs that help ease loneliness—like providing mental wellness resources or group activities—can reduce stress, uplift spirits, and make a difference.
  

Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a sense of connection and belonging—especially during the holiday season.

Edovo resources for support through the holidays

Edovo’s diverse content can help address these emotional needs and offer constructive engagement:

1. Women Over Dinner (Unconditional Freedom): The "Women Over Dinner" course invites participants into a global exploration of womanhood, intimacy, and personal power. Through activities such as reflective noticings, deep questions, and personal reflections, this experience enhances self-connection and strengthens bonds with other women.This course is especially beneficial during Thanksgiving, as it encourages introspection, builds a sense of community, and supports the creation of meaningful relationships—promoting gratitude, empathy, and connection during the holiday season.
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2. ‍Trauma Talks (Compassion Prison Project): Trauma Talks provides insights into trauma and coping mechanisms like EFT Tapping and other regulation techniques. These can help individuals manage heightened emotions.
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3. Radical Compassion Challenge (Sounds True Foundation): This series, led by Tara Brach, dives into self-compassion and gratitude practices, which are powerful for those feeling isolated. With teachings on self-kindness, these sessions can empower incarcerated individuals to practice gratitude and resilience.
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4. ‍The Loop (Shining Light): This content offers messages of encouragement, art, and reflections from others who have been incarcerated. By sharing stories of resilience and tips on mental wellness, The Loop creates a sense of solidarity and emotional support.
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5. Daily Trophy (A Radical Difference): A daily reflection designed to foster positivity, encouraging individuals to focus on what’s going well even in challenging times.
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6. Hope from Within (Pollen Initiative): Stories of individuals who have overcome difficult circumstances, promoting hope and resilience, ideal for fostering an uplifting environment during the holidays.
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7. Embracing Radical Responsibility (Sounds True Foundation): This course empowers participants to take control of their emotional responses, guiding them through self-reflection and resilience-building exercises.
   

Tips for Staff: How to Engage and Support
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1. Encourage Self-Reflection: Use resources like The Loop and Radical Compassion Challenge to set up activities where individuals can express gratitude and reflect on positive memories. Journaling or shared reading circles are effective for reducing loneliness.
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2. Support Family Connections: Extend family video or phone call hours, or organize a letter-writing program. Family contact is a proven factor in reducing recidivism, and simple gestures like these can bring comfort.
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3. Provide Mental Health Resources: Make “Trauma Talks” available and encourage its use, especially sessions that cover emotional regulation techniques. Small group discussions based on these videos can help participants share coping strategies.
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4. Offer Volunteer Opportunities: If possible, organize volunteer activities such as decorating shared spaces or preparing holiday cards. The act of giving can elevate moods and help shift focus from feelings of lack to ones of gratitude.
   
   

By integrating these tools and approaches, correctional staff can help transform the holiday season into days of reflection, connection, and compassion, turning challenges into opportunities for emotional growth and support.

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