Our Story

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The New Chapter Project was born from an offhanded comment that I made to our Reentry Coordinator years ago. We had been trying to incentivize incarcerated individuals to participate in mental health, substance abuse, and cognitive behavioral classes in our local jail. As part of the initiative, we had purchased and distributed small notebooks to anyone engaged in classes. To our surprise, these notebooks became one of the most requested and valued incentives in the jail. We learned that, despite the many proven benefits of expressive writing and art therapy, most incarcerated individuals could not afford to purchase paper or pens from the commissary.  Moreover, jail regulations prohibited any type of book or journal that contained staples or metal of any sort, which limited access and availability.  One afternoon, after we had spent hours searching Amazon for the perfect inspiring, affordable, inclusive, staple-free journals to purchase for the program, I jokingly said, "Maybe one day we'll  just have to make our own."

Our Reentry Coordinator didn't laugh.  She just raised an eyebrow, smiled, and said, "Why not? Let's do it." At the time, the idea seemed far-fetched and overwhelming, so I filed it away in the "Maybe Someday" drawer of plans. Over the next few years, our Reentry Coordinator and I continued to serve, learn from, and listen to those suffering from mental health diagnoses, substance abuse disorders, and trauma who were wrapped up in the criminal justice system. We collected and shared quotes, stories, and lived experiences. We lamented over the systemic barriers to healing, progress, and self-expression. And we tried to be a light whenever and wherever we could... even if it was just by sharing a kind word, a blank piece of paper, and a pen.

Fast forward a few years, and I found myself sitting inside of a state prison as part of a volunteer-based learning community. During these sessions, incarcerated participants shared poetry, essays, songs, and short stories they had composed while serving their time. Their words blew me away: such emotion, beauty, vulnerability... and hope.  What a few pieces of scrap paper and a pen could do. I knew then that it was time to move The New Chapter Project from "Maybe Someday" to "Now." 

And so, we got to work designing a small, metal-free, paperback journal, scattered with quotes of hope, encouragement, and resilience. A journal designed for anyone, anywhere. In furtherance of this mission, we are committed to making these journals as accessible and affordable as possible... printing and selling them at cost, without so much as a cent of profit.

Everyone deserves the chance to write their own story. Together, we can make that happen.