A family member's take
Veronica Martinez is a single mother of young daughters, and she uses PeliPALS to stay in touch with her incarcerated loved one. We asked her what the experience has been like. Her short version: it has made a hard season easier, and her daughters feel like they are part of the connection.
What has worked
- Setup was straightforward, even on busy days
- Her daughters can upload photos themselves and add captions
- Photos arrive in days, not weeks
- No coordinating rides to a print shop or waiting for someone else to help
- The process works even when Veronica's family members do not read English fluently
What the photos do
Veronica describes her loved one placing the photos on their bunk. They become part of the space, part of the day, part of holding on. Staying connected through calls, emails, video visits, and pictures gave them a full network of small supports instead of relying on any one channel.
Would she recommend it?
She plans to keep using the service after her loved one is released and recommends it to other families without hesitation. Five stars. Her line says it best: "Something so small can contribute but be a part of the family still."
Learn more at PeliPALS.