PELIPOST | THE OFFICIAL BLOG

When our loved ones return to society after incarceration, they often face an invisible "Second Sentence"—a set of barriers that limit opportunities and potential. But with proper support and understanding, this doesn't have to define their future. We spoke with Tanaine Jenkins, a leading Recidivism Strategist and Reentry Expert, about the transformative power of family connection during and after incarceration.

"Your love and support mean more than you may ever realize,” says Jenkins. “You are their anchor in turbulent waters, their hope in moments of despair, and their reminder that they are more than their mistakes."

Q: Many Pelipost app users are supporting loved ones through incarceration right now. Looking back at your own journey, what role did family support and connection play during your incarceration, and how did it impact your mindset about returning home?

When I was incarcerated, my family wasn't just a support, they were my lifeline to the outside world. On the inside we tend to be so closed off and not connected to what's going on in the lives of others and staying connected made me feel like I wasn't so alone, like I wasn't losing touch. Even though I missed time with my family physically, the letters, the cards, the pictures, and the visits kept us together. So, when it was my time to walk out of those gates, I didn't feel like we were picking up from where we left off because we never left.

"When it was my time to walk out of those gates, I didn't feel like we were picking up from where we left off because we never left."

Q: Can you explain what you mean by the "Second Sentence" and how it manifests in ways that might surprise people who haven't experienced the reentry process?

The "Second Sentence" refers to the invisible but enduring barriers that we face after we've served our formal sentence—whether that's time in prison, probation, or parole. While our physical sentence might be over, the stigma and consequences of our criminal record follows us for the rest of our lives. There are 33,000 barriers that impact nearly every aspect of our lives long after our official sentence ends. This can be employment discrimination, housing barriers, educational obstacles, loss of civic rights, social stigma, the list goes on and on.

Q: Based on your experience both during and after incarceration, what's the one thing you wish more families understood about supporting a loved one through reentry?

Those without support are 70% more likely to recidivate than those with support. Sending a card or letter to someone in prison can change their mindset. You may have someone who is on edge, but when they receive that card or letter or that commissary slip with a little money on it, that edge disappears. Mail call is more important than you know and it's the time of the day that we all look forward to.

"Mail call is more important than you know and it's the time of the day that we all look forward to."

Q: Social media and technology change quickly during incarceration. From your experience, what were some unexpected challenges of adapting to these changes, and how can families help ease this transition?

Be patient. People don't know what they don't know. When you are in a box for anywhere from 12 to 23 hours a day, you become pretty closed off, and depending on how long you have been on the inside the world as you knew it is no longer. It's almost like being reborn, you are a baby in the world, and you have to be taught to be self-sufficient. You can't expect a baby to know how to walk, talk or use the latest cell phone, so don't expect your loved one to either. So patience, understanding and reassurance are key.

Q: What are some practical ways families can help their returning loved ones navigate job searching, housing, and other immediate needs while maintaining healthy boundaries?

Find the closest reentry program and give that information to your loved one prior to them being released. If you have never experienced incarceration, you do not know what your loved one is going through. The best thing that you can do is find the people who do. No matter what my mom, dad, sister, or friends said about my situation, they weren't and had never been in my shoes. I need people who had been where I was and succeeded. Reentry programs provide resources like resume writing, jobs, certifications, and some will even pay your rent until they get on their feet.

Q: For those following your journey through Pelipost, what message of hope would you share with families who are in the middle of supporting their incarcerated loved one right now?

Your love and support mean more than you may ever realize. You are their anchor in turbulent waters, their hope in moments of despair, and their reminder that they are more than their mistakes. The journey ahead may feel heavy, but know this: your loved one's story doesn't end here. Every letter you write, visit you make, and encouragement you give plants seeds of resilience and transformation. Believe in their potential for change, even when they might not yet believe it themselves. Remind them that the past doesn't define their future, and together, you can navigate the path toward healing, redemption, and new beginnings. Most importantly, don't forget to take care of yourself along the way. Your strength is a light that will help guide them home. Keep the faith—you are not alone.

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At Pelipost, we believe in the power of maintaining connections during incarceration. Through photos, letters, and unwavering support, families can help bridge the gap between incarceration and successful reentry. Stay connected with your incarcerated loved ones by sending photos through the Pelipost app, and greeting cards, letters, and calendars at Greetings by Pelipost.

Tanaine Jenkins is a Recidivism Strategist and Reentry Expert dedicated to eliminating barriers for returning citizens and transforming lives through second chances. Through her work, she helps create opportunities for successful reentry and reduced recidivism.

This interview is part of Pelipost's ongoing commitment to supporting families affected by incarceration. Stay connected with your incarcerated loved ones by sending photos through the Pelipost app, available on iOS and Android.

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