Concord Prison Outreach

06/04/2026

Concord Prison Outreach is proud to celebrate the release of Black Son-Shine, a new poetry book by our Executive Director, Sam Williams.

Through deeply personal storytelling, Sam Williams reflects on a life shaped by environment, adversity, and the consequences of difficult choices. From the realities of incarceration to the inner work required for change, this book offers an honest look at the forces that shape who we become.

🔗Get your copy today for $20 by visiting concordprisonoutreach.org/blacksonshine

Proceeds from every book purchase support CPO’s programs, helping to foster restorative justice, family connection, personal growth, and successful reentry for individuals impacted by incarceration.

05/22/2026

Hi everyone! We are launching a new ongoing series called Continuous Education Dialogues. This will be an engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. However, you do not need to be a current CPO volunteer to attend. These dialogues are for all members of the community who are interested in CPO's work and mission.

May’s topic is: CPO “Are We Serving Correctly” (Aligning Needs with Incarceration Levels). This dialogue explores whether current programming and services are effectively aligned with the actual needs and population levels within incarceration settings. Participants will reflect on gaps, resource distribution, and how to better match support systems with those most impacted.

When: Thursday, May 28
Where: Zoom
Time: 7:00-8:30 PM

Zoom Registration Link (Registration is required so you can receive any reading material in advance!): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Q7lF7naXR-60FsizhoGIKg

Looking forward to seeing you there!

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

https://samwilliamsbooks.com/

About the Book The Black Son-Shine Book Series brings together poetry and short stories that trace the life of Sam Williams, an urban youth raised in Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts. My story is shaped by a deep search for connection, belonging, and identity. This book moves beyond a typical poetic m...

05/15/2026

We were thrilled partner with MedConnect at UMass Amherst who sponsored and assembled 30 backpacks for our WELCOMEBACKpack initiative, directly supporting incarcerated individuals who may face housing instability or homelessness upon release.

Afterwards, Sam Williams, CPO’s executive director shared about his background, CPO’s Restorative Justice Recovery Circles, and the realities of the addiction epidemic on the inside.

A huge thank you to the student team who helped make this assembly night happen! 💚

05/04/2026

Snapshots from our community picnic in partnership with Freedom's Way National Heritage Area! 🧺🌼

Community members heard presentations on MCI-Concord, Charlestown Prison, and Rutland Prison Camp (facilities that have all since closed) and engaged in thoughtful dialogue around the question, “What Would the Walls of MCI-Concord Say?”

We also got to see the blooming daffodils planted last year by volunteers at the nearby at the Prison Reformatory Cemetery.

Thank you to everyone who joined the beautiful, sunny afternoon! 🍦

04/08/2026

Help us spread Easter joy to families impacted by incarcerated!

We are proud to once again sponsor Easter baskets for the children of incarcerated individuals at the B.R.A.V.E. Unit in North Central Correctional Institution.

The B.R.A.V.E. (Building Responsibility, Accountability, Voice, and Empowerment) Unit at NCCI supports emerging, incarcerated adult men through personal growth, leadership development, and strengthening family relationships.

We are supporting 57 children this year! Each child attending will receive a personalized Easter basket filled with items thoughtfully chosen by their incarcerated family member, creating a meaningful moment of connection, love, and care.

This annual Easter event is a cornerstone of their work, bringing joy, connection, and a sense of togetherness to families navigating incarceration.

You can support this project by purchasing items off of our Amazon wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/IQXELRRSJ0GH?ref_=wl_share

04/02/2026

Sam Williams, Executive Director of Concord Prison Outreach (CPO), was the honored guest at the Concord Lions Club’s February dinner meeting. Sam shared his personal story and how it shapes the vital work he and his team of staff and many dedicated volunteers do to help people who are incarcerated build better lives for themselves and their families.

CPO provides educational and personal development opportunities, restorative justice programs, and support for maintaining family connections—such as helping incarcerated parents record videos of themselves reading books for their children. The organization also distributes holiday gift bags and “Welcome Back” backpacks, among many other supports. Perhaps most importantly, CPO emphasizes human connection, treating everyone with respect and dignity.

We were thrilled to learn more about CPO’s work and hope to find opportunities to partner with them. If you meet Sam, ask him to share his very moving poem, The Long Goodbye.

Photo: Lion Mark Fingerle (long-time CPO board member), Sam Williams, Lion Dan Reilly.

02/06/2026

Want to learn about Restorative Justice? Join us for a 2-Day Restorative Justice Facilitator Training! 💚

You will practice healing circle facilitation and learn how to guide meaningful dialogue around restorative principles inside prison and jail facilities.

🔗 To register & learn more, scan the QR code or visit: RJCPO.EventBrite.com

01/29/2026

CPO volunteers had the opportunity to hear from Jon Saphier, founder of Research For Better Teaching Inc, at our volunteer check-in this week. We engaged in thoughtful conversations about navigating classroom spaces within a prison setting and strengthening our approach to this work.

Huge thanks Jon for sharing his expertise and to our volunteers for their commitment. 💚