On Friday, December 6th, 2024, THEI opened the doors of Ogburn House for a night that was about so much more than cards. Over 60 people came together—our largest turnout yet—to remind students on the inside that they matter, that they’re not forgotten, and that they are part of a community rooting for them.
There was food and laughter, yes, but also something deeper—a shared understanding of what these cards mean. For some incarcerated students, these cards are the only mail they’ll receive all year. More than holiday greetings, these messages carry encouragement and connection, helping to bridge the often overwhelming gap between life inside and the future waiting for them outside.
Each card written at the party was more than just ink on paper. It was a reminder to students inside Tennessee prisons that someone on the outside sees them for their resilience and potential in their present and future. This connection doesn’t stop at the cards. It’s also the promise behind spaces like Ogburn House, our first transitional home for alumni reentering society, where residents find stability, support, and the space to focus on their future.
The night was full of inspiring stories, none more moving than the voices of those who’ve lived the experience of receiving these cards. Matthew, a current THEI intern and fellow, joined us via Zoom from Maine State Penitentiary, where he’s completing his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Maine. Josh Stoltz and Jeremy White, two THEI alumni who are now part of our staff, shared how these holiday cards once brightened some of their darkest days. They emphasized that these cards weren’t just a gesture—they were proof that someone believed in them, and they encourage our community to put a little “oomph” behind their words to THEI’s students.
This year’s card party also included a moment we’ll never forget: celebrating THEI alumnus Ken Klyver. Ken recently graduated from Lane College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, which he earned while incarcerated at Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX). Although Ken was released before THEI’s graduation ceremony inside NWCX, we weren’t about to let his achievement go unrecognized. Donning his cap and gown, Ken stood in front of friends, supporters, and THEI staff as Dr. Laura Ferguson Mimms, THEI’s Executive Director, presented his degree.
This year’s Holiday Card Party wasn’t just about the cards or even the celebrations. It was about what makes THEI unique: a commitment to the humanity of every student we work with. Our students don’t need to prove their worth. They already have it. Events like this are just one way we remind them—and ourselves—that no matter where someone starts, education is liberation, and it can lead to remarkable places.
As 2024 comes to a close, THEI is working to grow our Housing Network, which includes Ogburn House and two new transitional homes, Busby House and Doochin House for women. Our “3 Homes for Hope” campaign aims to gather 300 donations before the year ends to support this critical work. Your support can make all the difference. Every card written, every donation given, and every moment shared builds the bridge between where our students are and where they’re going.
Join us in building that bridge today.
Check out more photos from THEI's 8th Annual Holiday Card Party below!
