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The original concept for our the concept. In fact, so much that appreciative for a platform to share
inmate newsletter was generated he agreed to serve with Ms. Ruane their talents. Although early con-
in 2014. It was based on the content in reviewing all articles submitted tributors to the first several newslet-
of two books, The Power of Positive for consideration for publication. ters submitted mostly on poetry and
Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent On April 20, 2020, the first issue of short stories, our current contribu-
Peale and The Secret by Rhonda the SMART Way (Streets Making A tors are focusing more on artwork.
Byrne. This newsletter lasted almost Right Turn) newsletter was released. The first issue of the newsletter
a year, then gradually disappeared. was very basic—no frills, printed
When the pandemic hit, Stephanie Early Days in black-and-white, and only
Ruane (Supervisor of Social Services The early contributors to the eight pages. It was created on Ms.
and Substance Abuse Services) newsletter have all left the Ruane’s MacBook Pro from her
felt the need to help inmates focus Monmouth County Correctional living room when she was work-
on something upbeat as well as to Institution, either returning to their ing part time from home due to
provide a outlet for them to channel communities or leaving to serve a COVID-19 precautions for staff. The
their energy in a positive direction. sentence at a state prison. However, parameters for submission have
Ms. Ruane discussed the possibil- the feedback of those early con- remained constant: Regardless of
ity of bringing back the newsletter tributors—as well as all our current what type of work is submitted, the
with her supervisor, Captain Jason contributors—has been overwhelm- message must be positive; nothing
McCauley. He strongly supported ingly positive. They are grateful and negative or derogatory is accepted.

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