Letters of Change: The Power of Correspondence in Detention
By Carolina Martínez
In the midst of the pandemic, confusion and uncertainty were the norm. My family and I were glued to the news, searching for even the smallest glimmer of hope in the endless coverage. That's when a particular news anchor caught our attention with the story of a man known as "the postman of immigrants." This man was a shining light in a dark time, providing much-needed support to detained immigrants who were feeling alone and disconnected from the world around them.
As we listened to his story, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the privilege of being able to be with my family during quarantine and stay in touch with loved ones. The postman's selfless efforts were a reminder of the power of human connection in the face of adversity. The story from the news lingered with me, and I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to do something for those who didn't have the same privilege.
I discovered Casa de Paz through a simple Google search. The organization's mission of providing open arms and unconditional support to immigrants in difficult situations immediately caught my attention. I was particularly drawn to their “Cartas de Paz” program, which allows individuals to assist others through letter writing. This resonated with me as a way to make a positive impact.
Casa de Paz is a hospitality house located in Aurora, Colorado, that provides temporary housing, meals, transportation, and emotional support to immigrants who are released from detention centers and have nowhere else to go.
The mission of Casa de Paz is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for immigrants who are often isolated, traumatized, and marginalized. The organization believes that hospitality and compassion are essential elements of creating a just and humane society. Casa de Paz aims to empower immigrants to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
The “Cartas de Paz” program is an integral part of Casa de Paz's mission to provide emotional support to immigrants. The program connects volunteers with detainees who are looking for human connection. These letters are carefully crafted to offer emotional support, lending a compassionate ear to detainees who may feel isolated or forgotten. Detainees often face a range of challenges, including separation from loved ones, unfamiliar surroundings, and the anxiety of an uncertain future. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the “Cartas de Paz” program seeks to uplift the spirits of detainees, providing a lifeline during a time of uncertainty.
Once I had finished my volunteer training, I was tasked with reaching out to my pen pal who was currently in detention. I admit, I was a bit nervous about reaching out to someone I had never met before. But as I began to craft my message, I realized that I was sending a piece of myself to this person, even though we had never met.
My writing often centers around my family and the experiences I’ve had with them. I find that when I write about these moments, it's almost as if they are reliving them with me. It's a powerful feeling to be able to share a part of yourself with someone else, even if it's just through the written word.
Since some people are in detention for long periods of time, one is capable of forging a deep connection with them. The letters have become a window into the lives of people who have walked different paths than my own. Through writing letters to those in detention, I have learned about their motivations for coming to the U.S. and the hardships they have faced. It has given me a unique perspective on life.
Most people never get the whole picture when it comes to detainees, so it's easy for them to judge someone for their current situation. But people in detention have whole pasts that have led them to this moment.
The most striking aspect of corresponding with those in detention is observing the change in their attitudes and language over time. Initially, their words brim with hope and optimism for the future. However, as weeks and months pass, their desperation deepens, and uncertainty and anxiety replace their initial optimism. This transformation is palpable in the way they write, with their handwriting reflecting exhaustion and a sense of apprehension, as if they are holding their breath.
In some small ways, I have become a source of comfort for these individuals. I may not have experienced their hardships firsthand, but I stand in solidarity with them. Through our letters, we have formed a deep connection that transcends the walls of their detention center.
As I reflect on my time corresponding with detainees in detention centers, I recall one particular man, “Diego,” who left a lasting impression on me. We had been writing back and forth for a year, and through his letters I could sense his gratitude and appreciation for our communication. In his first letter, he wrote that mine was the first one he had ever received in his entire life. He was so excited that he carried my letter in his hand all day. His excitement was contagious, and I felt honored to be able to bring him a glimmer of joy in his otherwise bleak circumstances.
As time went on, I continued to write to Diego, sending him words of encouragement and support. I didn’t know if my letters were making a difference, but I hoped they were bringing him some comfort during his time in detention. One day, I received an email from his social worker, thanking me for my letters and letting me know they had made a significant impact on the man's mental health. Apparently, he had been going through a rough patch and was feeling hopeless, but my letters gave him strength to keep going.
I continued to stay in touch with Diego after he was released. He shared with me that he was able to find a job just a few days after leaving the detention center. Hearing about his success filled me with a sense of pride and purpose, knowing I had played a small role in helping him through a difficult time in his life. I knew from that moment on that he would be able to rebuild his life, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with corresponding with people in detention, moments like this make it all worthwhile. Being able to make a positive impact in someone's life, even in a small way, is a truly rewarding experience.
The “Cartas de Paz” program plays a critical role in the work of Casa de Paz by providing a simple but powerful way to offer emotional support to immigrants who are detained. The power of human connection, even through the written word, can be a source of comfort and strength for those who are feeling isolated and alone. Despite the challenges, the reward of being able to make a positive impact in someone's life makes it all worthwhile. By getting involved with organizations like Casa de Paz, we can all make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
To get involved in Casa de Paz and contribute to its cause, sign up for its volunteer opportunities – including the “Cartas de Paz” program – here.
Carolina Martínez is a driven individual who is currently enrolled in the Bachelor's degree program for Communications at Southern New Hampshire University. As a member of the prestigious Sigma Tau Delta honors society, she has demonstrated her academic prowess and commitment to excellence in her field of study.
Carolina has a passion for advocacy, particularly for the immigrant community. As the daughter of immigrants herself, she is motivated to raise awareness and understanding of immigration policies and issues. In 2020, she began volunteering at Casa de Paz through their pen pal program, where she has been able to connect with and support individuals impacted by immigration. Additionally, she started the initiative Voices From Detention, which provides detained immigrants a safe space to share their stories and feel heard. Beyond her advocacy work, Carolina has a deep love for nature and the outdoors and a commitment to making a difference in the world. If you would like to learn more about Carolina's accomplishments, connect with her on LinkedIn.