Let’s begin with the obvious, I’ve been inside for two decades fighting a wrongful conviction against a litany of challenges that I’ve confronted with patience and a sense of humor. I was educated before this detour of sorts, and therefore, when faced with incarceration, I prioritized my activities to coincide with a singular, three-part agenda: learn the law; overturn my conviction; and get back to life. But, as we know, life is not without irony. In other words, it turns out that I discovered my purpose on the path I took to avoid it.
Prison can be a lonely place, but it’s also an opportunity. Within these walls, I have discovered passions like writing (fiction, initially, but that grew into my current newsletter at https://mariochavez.substack.com. Then came cooking, where for six years I’ve been the head cook and have discovered the love in action of bettering someone’s life through food. I enjoy long distance running, yoga, reading, gardening, and studying the law.
I would describe myself as a middle-aged man on the cusp of beginning a new chapter as a reinvented, 2.0 version of me. And, as can be seen from my newsletter, I have no problem talking about me, but I’m eager to hear about you. What makes you smile and laugh? What have your disappointments in life taught you? What do you fear? What gets you out of bed in the morning? And, what do you most love about life?
I would like to meet someone who shares some of the same interests. Someone who has lived her share of challenges and disappointments, just as I have, and has likewise discovered the best version of herself in the process. If you are sincere, sarcastic; fierce when you need to be, soft as silk when you feel safe, and otherwise undefeated by circumstances because you’re still willing to fail, well, I’m eager to meet you.
I’m fluent in Spanish and English; I’m well-versed and travelled; and I prefer communicating through the secure email (www.smartinmate.com). I accept introduction messages C.O.D., or you’re welcome to say hello through regular email at mariochavez56079@gmail.com.
Please note: This service gives you the opportunity to send your first message to a new pen pal, free of charge. If you send more than one message to the same inmate, or a message to someone you already know, they will not be forwarded.
When you send a message using this form, our staff will print and mail it via US Mail or forward it via the prison’s email system, every two weeks. Be patient, and don’t expect an immediate reply. Inmates can’t email you back directly, so include your full name, email address, and complete mailing address or phone number for a reply. Messages without valid contact info won’t be forwarded, nor will messages with threatening or abusive language.
Want to message directly and more quickly? Check the inmate’s profile to see which email service he or she uses (i.e. GettingOut, JPay, Securus). These services cost between 5 to 50 cents per message and offer you the ability to message them directly and instantly.
