Your Sunday Read
July 13, 2025 | from Adopt an Inmate

Notes From the Roffice
We didn’t publish any new blog posts this week, but not because there’s nothing to say. The short version: we’re still dealing with multiple leaks that had gone undetected until it turned into a major fiasco, and while the mitigation phase is almost done, the rebuild is yet to begin. It’s been a steady process, loud and messy, but progress is happening, and the workers are so knowledgeable, making the process as painless as possible. 

There’s a saying that two moves equal one house fire in terms of how much stuff you lose. Water damage is maybe somewhere in between, but it has a similar effect: it forces you to ask what’s worth replacing. We’re looking at each item and asking: Does this deserve my time, my space, my energy? And in many cases, the answer is no. There’s some peace in that. Lightening the load is painful, but satisfying. And you don’t have to have a fire or a leak to do it.

Bee Fest Is Coming

Every summer, we host a small in-person gathering for our closest volunteers — what we fondly call our Bee Fest. This year’s will be our smallest yet, and intentionally so: just the three of us (Leah, Liz, and myself), with a possible visit from a new volunteer who’ll be helping with the blog.

These are working weekends, full of focused time for tasks that keep our mission moving. But they’re also a rare and cherished chance to sit down together, share meals, laugh, and remember why we do this work.

Life has been full for all of us with big projects, new beginnings, and the emotional weight of the news cycle. Like many of you, we’ve been feeling the heaviness of the world, and we’re grateful for this pocket of time to reconnect and recenter. We’re so lucky to have each other, and this time to say thank you, face to face.

We cover Bee Fest expenses out of pocket, so even a small donation goes a long way. Your support helps with our weekend rental, meals, and materials that make this weekend such a critical part of our year. Every gift helps us get more done, together.

Letters From Prison: Kurtis & Joe (Part 4 Coming Soon)
We’ve already shared a few early posts from Kurtis. Soon, we’ll begin sharing letters from Joe too. I recently asked Joe to share more of his story, especially the time between losing his wife and the events that landed him in prison. 

Joe’s response has been worth waiting for. I already knew he was kind and decent. What I didn’t know was how remarkably brave he is. You’re going to love this. That’s all I’ll say for now.

Protect Each Other. Report Injustice.

As immigration raids and detentions ramp up across the country, we’re sharing resources this week that help communities: know your rights, document violations, and protect your neighbors.

Mobilize USA: Events, Petitions, and Volunteer Opportunities

Apps to Know

KYR: Know Your Rights for Immigrants: (Designed for iPad) A Guide for Immigrants in the U.S.

Raids Alerts (Migra Watch): Real-time reports of ICE activity in your area.

ICE Immigration Alerts: (Google Play):allows you to report raids or potentially illegal immigration searches. You can register for alerts in your area to find out when you should be concerned, or go to the location to stage a peaceful protest.

MigraCam: (Apple) Designed to help people living in border communities notify their family members and friends of their encounters with law enforcement and immigration officials. MigraCam records incidents and streams them live to a list of pre-determined emergency contacts with a customized message.

MigraConnect Case Tracker: (Google Play): Get the latest updates on your immigration case status.

Know Your Rights Guides

ACLU: Know Your Rights (Immigrants)

ILRC Red Cards: Print and carry cards to assert your rights during encounters.

Make a Preparedness Plan: Instructions on what to do with your preparedness plan, and instructions to download signal, and make a group with your emergency contact (i.e. the people who have your preparedness packet)

A Classic You Might Have Missed: Summer Heat in Arizona Prison

As Always
Thank you for reading, sharing, and showing up. If you’ve been with us a long time, you know this work is personal, messy, beautiful, and vital. And we can’t do it without each other.

🐝 With gratitude,
Melissa + the Adopt an Inmate team

Quote of the Week:

“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” – César Chávez

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