OUR PRISONERS SPEAK: Joel Richie NA, writes on many issues

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Joel Richie NA, writes on many issues

Joel Richie

11 25 24 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K3667hVZmKW1_TTeCPLc3uFr4_kjzRb-/view?usp=sharing

Joel Richie update

Hello my name is Joel Ritchie I am a 52 yr. old native American. I've been incarcerated for 27 yrs I am doing a 40 to life sentence. First, I am where I belong. Yet the struggle in here for us and family/friends are real. Two wrongs don't make a right. Us as prisoners are here to be away from the public, for their, our safety. Yet at the expense to our families/friends.. Jobs don't pay us much, we are still human beings. We can get 10 to 100% of our monies taken. And our "people" pay the outrageous Price's for the basic things we can have, for example $229.95 w/out tax for a 13 inch TV.. Yes, even the public pay a lot for item's. When I had a job, I made $8.93 every 2weeks.minus 10% .My point I guess, it's all about money, we do a crime, and get sentenced, yet it also costs us, you money just for use to survive. When I was homeless, a ate better, I had better care...there are no real programs, incentives to better your self, or a way to be reformed. The D.O.C. Sees us as liar's ,and yet a pay check, funded by the public. Look at what is going on at Waupun Correctional. That is the norm in these places, that is our reality.. People die a lot, suicide in here is real, yet not many people know, or even care about it....then the loneliness hits.

JOEL RITCHIE (212984)

Christmas in prison

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E6n0qVjoTOMb6s9C2KQJv-VnLpExW3f4/view?usp=sharing

8/4/2024 7:45:34 PM

Blog--- loneliness

I can only speak for myself, however all prisoners deal with loneliness. For me with mental health issues it is hard.to feel unloved, unwanted, uncared for, it brings depression, thoughts of self harm, or lashing out at others. To pray every night to die in my sleep to only wake up the next morning to realize your still in hell. Yes I belong here, yet my victim no longer suffers, yet I do. I use to to run from the loneliness. I no longer use. I now understand how our elders in nursing homes feel and do die from the loneliness. In here there is no real help for this problem. Human contact, a hug. It's been a long time since I've had a hug. Even on a unit with 100 plus men, I am on a island alone, with no real idea how to save myself........

Joel Ritchie 6 21 24

Thank you for the stamps. Well right now just pushing through.Today I did go out for a steroid injection on my neck. I am also supposed to have knee injections and carpal tunnel surgery on left hand soon. Also to see someone about custom insoles. Also still trying to get a pillow wedge. Have you heard anything about the DOC no longer in charge of Hsu Statewide? still struggling with PSU- we will see if the issues at WCI and gbci help for a better understanding for us all- and enclosed is 5523 update on Special Needs guidelines. I hope this helps you

Other than trips and the Hsu stuff, PSU says I also have anxiety and social anxiety. So . most of the time I sit in the cell and make cards I am getting good at pop ups I do I need glue and a pair of scissors. and if you can the 12 pack of pentel Arts watercolor pencils. I am not sure the 24 pack of Crayola, the leads fall out -this last pack -pink yellow blue the legs fell out. These three are about one and a half inches long. The others are 2 and three quarters inches long. And my cards for friends and other guys give me two soups. Making cards helps mentally and with other little things I need. I want to be honest with you .I really enjoyed making cards for John. He would send them to his aunt and she liked them too. Anyway I don't know if you can.

Elmer's Glue 373 $3.31

Pentel Arts watercolor pencils 12 pack 4 5 8 8 0 9 $7.30

5 inch blunt of scissors and 259409 $1.84 all together with tax $13.13

A guy who once was on our unit had these Pentel watercolor pencils. They can be used dry or wet, They stayed sharp for a long time and the leads don't fall out. I do try and get used hobby supplies. Guys who have these ones don't come off them. Whatever you can do1313.

I think with these shots in my neck might help with a pillow wedge. The doctor did say if time between shots gets shorter, he will recommend surgery in my neck(-- C 5- C-6 and C7) I have been hearing Angel Thomas has rejected/ overrode the doctor's orders and rejected treatment for things. so I don't know

well dear Peg you and Ron Take Care. Thank you for all you do even for a little guy like me .thank you for caring and your help. please let me know if you get the SN information

Joel Richie 621 letter original

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DXqize20GDrgmEG5cOPDwldLKsejcfGD/view?usp=sharing

111924 Letter, transcribed to word-trying to build a relationship with his son

Joel Ritchie 11924

I had my carpal tunnel surgery and injections in both knees. Got the stitches out of my hands November 5th. still a little tender. Because of the house issues I can't go to wreck or get. So I really rely on my card making. I am a tribal member my tribe is from Michigan and once I turn 60( another 8 years) I'll get a check once a year from them it's called” an Elders check”. The good thing :I am a 10%er so every two weeks out of the $4 state pay I get $3.60. Most of the time I've been in I worked. now I can't-. makes for

my son, at what time was a seal at Oshkosh. he is no longer. it's been a year and he visited me a few months back. two people who was in The Academy class with work here. They seen him, back then he didn't get along. I filed an SPN and talked to the security director GBCI. He said he wouldn't do anything, So I said, they can Target me now that they know who I am.Kind said I hope not. I said I get it, it's your job to side with staff. So not sure how to move forward- now not even sure my son will visit anymore cuz one works visiting. I get it, I got locked up months before he was born. As much as I want a good relationship I can't force him. I've been waiting 3 years for pictures of his sister that passed away, my daughter Natasha. From time to time I say something, he just says when he gets time he will find them and send them. I'm afraid to voice my sadness in fear he will start avoiding me.