"Poppa,
It was a wonderful surprise to receive your letter the other day; and yes, I would like to become a Partner with The Felony Foundation. Besides what you stated in your letter, what else do I have to do, if anything?
We do have email capabilities; however, in order for us to email each other, you would have to get on my email list through www.jpay.com: support@jpay.com: or 1-800-574-5729. This company is the mediary between us and Society. I really hope you are willing to get onto my email list. In the meantime, I will send you an email invitation, but when you look for it, please check your spam/junk mail file because that is probably where it will end up.
I really look forward to corresponding with you, or anyone else you may send my way. Take care and I hope to hear from you again soon.
In His Awesome Name,
James Collins"
The next correspondence received from Mr. Collins is dated May 18, 2015...
"James P. Collins
111022-Main Prison-Pine 4
Louisiana State Prison
Angola, Louisiana 70712
William (Poppa) Garrett, President/CEO
The Felony Foundation
P.O. Box 190806
Dallas, Texas 75219
Mr. Garrett May 18, 2015
My name is James Collins and sadly to say, I am a third time offender serving the three terms here at Angola. To say the least, after being here, off and on, for the past 26 years, I have finally grown up physically, mentality and spiritually. It wasn't easy in Angola during the early to mid 80's. It was survive and do your time. So, the first and second time I came to prison is the same way I re-entered society. There were no tools for learning, education, support groups, etc. Twice I was a product of the environment in which I lived. Then I started my third term.
It wasn't until Warden Burl Cain took control of Angola that change began to appear. Yet there I was, lost and becoming institutionalized. It was during this time, being lost and confused, knowing that no one cared, that I decided to take my life, since it appeared that even God wasn't interested in showing me that I had a reason to live.
but oh! Does God hear a sinner's prayer. Opportunities started to open up and everyone (not just a selective few) were encouraged to participate. I jumped on that bandwagon, seeking those educational tools that were being offered, both spiritual and secular. I craved for the knowledge of the Word. I craved for the knowledge of how to control the problems that were sending me to prison, and I finally found that knowledge! I have also found in myself the love for growing plants and caring for the environment in which we live. It is my goal to learn all I can of the green industry because I know this is where God has placed me. Today, thanks to God, I have two degrees in Theology/ Pastoral Studies and a diploma in Horticulture/ Landscaping, along with certifications and numerous state pesticide licenses.
I am no longer one of the institutionalized of Angola, but one of a productive society behind bars who asks for the opportunity to become a productive member of a community outside of Angola. Today I can say yes! I am proud of my accomplishments and that the feelings of destruction have long since vanished. Anger Management, Risk Management, spiritual and other secular studies, you name it, God has given me the power to achieve it. I have a totally different out-look on life and am eager to use my tools of trade, A hand-out is what I used to look for. But today, after applying myself through the grace of God I now have the tools and knowledge to help myself.
Sincerely,
James P. Collins"
The next correspondence that Poppa* heard from Mr. Collins was on 09/30/13...
Poppa* is quite impressed! There are many people in the World who have never been incarcerated and do not have the glowing qualifications that Mr. Collins has to his credit. In Jesus' Name!...
Since James became a Partner of TFF in 2013, we have exchanged many cards, letters and JPay emails. (Yes, the State of Louisiana allows their inmates to use emails to correspond with people in the Free World! God is GOOD!)
We received the following JPay on 12-10-20:
"Hay Poppa,
How are you doing? I received your Christmas Card and the little God Bless You tag. I didn't receive it in your envelope. I received it in one of their envelopes with just "Felony Foundation" written on it and my address. Was there anything else in your envelope other than the two items I mentioned above? If there was, then you need to contact the B-Line Mail Room and find out why I did not receive the whole contents of the letter.
Well, I'm still waiting for the parole board to get off there collective backsides and set me a date.......I will keep you posted. Poppa, you take care and I hope to to hear from you soon. In Jesus' name!
James"
On September 20, 2020, we received the following JPay from James:
"Hey Poppa!
I just checked my email at 6:10pm, 9/18/20. I'm really sorry for not telling you, but I honestly thought you knew. We are no longer able to receive cards or post cards of any kind. You can thank these wonderful inmates (not convicts, because they know better), but inmates for that. What they were doing was having their family or friends lace the cards with drugs among other things and sending them to these wonderful inmates. So from now on, if you have anything pertaining to cards of any kind, please send it the way you did this time electronically. Also, thanks so much for the birthday card.
Yes, we have been partners from the very beginning of TFF, and I have enjoyed being a partner. Possibly if the Good Lord sees me out of here I would be able to help out in some way I would like that. Well, I will be going back up before the parole board again in November. Everything Corey is telling me, it looks really good. Corey is the one that runs the reentry program (Right Turn Sanctuary) I will be attending and living in one of his houses and working for him. So please keep this lifted up in prayer.
Boy, you've got some fine looking ( grandkids)! I guess that if the Lord wills, I'll get to see my grandkids, also. I haven't seen my kids since 1988, or heard from them since 1993. I know as of 2001 I have three grandkids ( 2 boys and 1 girl) from my son. I don't know if my daughter has any kids. Oh well!
The following address is the correct address:
James P. Collins #111022
Main Prison - Cypress 4
Louisiana State Prison
Angola, Louisiana 70712
I don't know where that street address came from, but please use the above address and disregard the other. If my address changes for any reason, I will email you to let you know. That is good that you are going into retirement? - simi-retirement? It's also good that you will be able to devote more time to TFF. I really miss the packet of fliers and other information you use to send me. It would have use fill information in, and if something would catch my eye and I wanted more info,no knew I could always write to you to get that information.
Well, I guess I stop for now since I ran out of all the gossip. Poppa, you take care and I hope to hear from you again soon.
James
Partner #47"
Poppa* always finds James's letters to be fresh and uplifting. This is a very good thing in P. Because in there, it is quite easy to get down and depressed and lose one's motivation...
If you would like to correspond with Mr. Collins, you can write to him at:
James P. Collins
111022 Main Prison Cypress 4
Louisiana State Prison
Angola, LA 70712
Or you can contact him at
Poppa* first heard from James on 09/07/13...
"Hey Poppa November 24, 2014
I received your flier a couple of days ago and wanted to get back with you about the apartments you were writing about. What else can you tell me about them? Their restrictions, what charges do they not accept, etc.
You see, I was eligible for parole. And I do have a chance to make it, but I need backing from out there. I have no family and would like to parole to another state; I want out of Louisiana so I can start a new life, but again, I need help to do so.
Before I was unable to purchase postage stamps, I had all kind of supposed to be Christian pen-pals. But now, I might have two; if I'm lucky! I wrote them telling them about postage stamps and that's the last I heard from them. Like right now. I'm going to have to go around asking for a stamp so I can send you this letter.
Hope you have a good holiday season. Just watch the ice this year!!!
Jim
P.S. Here are two addresses you may be interested in making contact with.
1) Castaway Ministries 2) Re-Entry Solutions
C/O Gary Cavalier, Director 1617 Branch Street
P.O. Box 17629 Alexandria, LA.
Shreveport, LA 71138
FAX: 318-891-8129
Phone: 318-938-5221"
James included the following professional resume with the above letter. God is GOOD!
"James P. Collins
111022 - Main Prison - Pine 4
Louisiana State Prison
Angola, Louisiana 70712
Objective:
I am seeking an opportunity to re-enter society, and my community in a positive and productive manner. I have used my time of incarceration to take full advantage of the rehabilitative programs offered. My goal is to acquire a residence and gainful employment in the Green Industry or other related fields. It is no longer my desire to take, but to give. I also no longer desire to use, but to serve. It is my prayer and plea that you find it in your heart to grant me the opportunity to become an asset and not a burden to our community,
Education: Diplomas, Degrees, State Certifications, State Licenses, Federal Regulation
* Capital Area Technical College/ Baton Rouge Community College, Diploma, 12/13
* Lousiana Nursery and Landscape Professional Certification, Lousiana State University, Baton Rouge, 08/14
*Agricultural Pesticide License, 05/15
*Aquatic Pesticide License, 05/15
*Ornamental & Turf Pesticide License, 06/14
*Community Public Health Pesticide License, 11/13
*Institutional, Industrial, Subsidized Housing Pesticide License, 11/13
*Commercial Pesticide License, 11/13
*Landscape/Horticulturist Contractor License, 06/13
*Federal Protection Standards:Pesticide Handler-Worker/E.P.A. Registered, 03/13
*Private Pesticide License, 11/12
*Cypress Bible Institute, Bachelors Degree, Theology, 05/09
*Cypress Bible Institute, Associate Degree, Theology, 05/08
*Delta Junior College, Baton Rouge, Computer Operations Diploma, 05/94
*South Terrebonne High School, Diploma, 05/75
Work Experience:
*Plant Propagation Training, 2013-2014
+Air Layering
+Division
+Separation
+Stem Cuttings
+Grafting
*Shade Cloth Crop Production Training (Seasonal), 2013-2014
*Greenhouse/Shade Cloth Acclimation Training, 2013-2014
*Greenhouse Crop Production Training, 2012-2013
*Horticultural Training, But Not Limited to the Above, 2012-2013
Hobbies
*Flower bed designing
*Therapeutic gardening
Computer Experience
*Word Perfect '95
*Microsoft Word 2000
*Microsoft Excel
Other
*Documentation on the above is available upon request"
James has been a loyal and dedicated Partner almost since TFF's inception. His next correspondence came in November of 2013...
"Poppa Garrett 11/12/13
I am so sorry for being so, so late in responding to your last letter; please forgive me. However, I have some bad news as well as some good news. First the bad news.
As of this letter, I will no longer be able to correspond with you through letters because I no longer have the financial means to purchase stamps or writing materials. The family in Wisconsin, who I've been writing for the past 12 years are having serious problems. They were my source of financial assistance and the money they were sending each month can be better used toward their problems. But, if you would like to continue to keep in touch with each other, we could do it through e-mail. If you are interested, please go to www.jpay.com; support@jaypay.com; or 1-800-574-5789 for information on how to set up an e-mail account so we can e-mail each other. In the meantime, I will send you an e-mail invitation. However, if you have a spam file or a junk mail file, please check it because this is where the e-mail invitation will probably end up. I hope we can continue to correspond!! Now, for the good news!!!
I did not realize that I had not given you my birthdate. I is 07/22/55; and yes, please keep me informed of any new additions you make to program of TFF.
You know Poppa? God is so good!! I don't remember if I told you this, but August 9, 2012, I started the Baton Rouge Community College, Angola Campus Horticulture Science School. The course is 15 months long (minus the humanities courses and it involves all of the core courses; I graduate on the 27th of November and my instructor is talking about keeping me on after graduation and assigning me as the "germination, propagation and grafting" tutor. I sure could use your prayers. Since we only take the core courses, I want to try and obtain some writing material so I can write several universities that have Horticulture Science Depts. I would eventually want to receive my Associates Degree. But in the meantime, I am also working to get back into society.
The main reason it has taken me so long to write back is I wanted to see if I would be able to share some good news with you. Now that all of the testing is over, I can. On October 28 and November 6, I took four exams. The first was offered by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Dept. This is the first time this has ever been offered inside a prison. I took and passed the "Certified Professional Nurseryman" exam which allows me to work as a supervisor at any nursery or plant farm in the U.S. The other three exams were for state licenses through the Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry. I took and passed 1) Commercial Pesticides Applicator, 2) Community Public Health Pesticides Applicator, 3) Industrial/Institutional Pesticides Applicator. These are in addition to the three I already have, which are: 1) Private Pesticides Applicator, 2) Horticulture Specialist, 3) Landscape Contractor. When the next state testing time comes around in April, 2014, I will be scheduling for the General Forestry Pesticides Applicator, Forestry Tree Seed Orchards/Nursery Pesticides Applicator, and Landscape Irrigation Contractor. With these licenses I will be able to either start my own business or start off working for a company that requires specialized training.
But one thing I will never lose sight of. God is the one who has given me the ability to learn and retain this knowledge, and continue to open doors that I never thought would be opening ever again. But by this knowledge I can begin to give back to people and His plant kingdom with all praise, honor, and glory to the One who abundantly gave to me.
I hope that we can continue through e-mail. May you have a wonderful holiday season. God bless you and yours.
James"
"Dear Poppa,
I received your letter back on the 17th. Sorry for the delay, but I am studying for two state licensing exams. The first one is on October 15th. It is for me to become a Certified Professional Nurseryman. The second one is for Commercial Pesticides Applicator and Public Health Pesticides Applicator. So, as you can see, my plate is full at the moment. Oh! The second exam will be Nov. 15th. If you would like to know more, please let me know. Because I would like to share with you what I strongly feel God is preparing to do with my life; and it's not inside of prison! I could possibly be out within the next 18 to 24 months....want to know more?
You know? I would have sworn that I gave you my birthday.....sorry! It is 07/22/55. How did TFF come about? Well, I stop for now. Hope to hear from you again real soon. Oh! I almost forgot. Would you mind if I email you once in awhile? If you agree, let me know and I will explain how to get onto my email list.
Take care!
Your Brother in Christ,
James"
You may write James at:
James P. Collins
00111022 Main Prison Cypress 4
Louisiana State Prison
Angola, LA 70712
JAMES P. COLLIN'S HOMEPAGE
"Hey Poppa, 03-09-14
Hi there! Well, I hope that your leg has mended well and that your hip replacement was successful, also. (Poppa* slipped on the ice in Dallas, Texas in front of my apartment on December 5, 2013 and broke my femur bone in my left leg. Ouch!~~~) Now I know that I'm not the only one that is slowly falling to pieces. :-) I hope you are doing well.
You're not going to believe this, but from the last week of January to the 1st and 2nd week of February, we had 3 winter storms that produced 4 1/2" of snow. I loved every minute of it. You should have seen the "Coon-asses" trying to walk on a concrete walkway with about a half inch of ice on it. It was hilarious!!
How is the Felony Foundation coming along? Anything new happening? I don't remember if I told you or not, but I stand a fairly good chance of getting out in the next 18-24. If I hadn't told you and you're interested, let me know and I will tell you more.
Poppa! If you have the time, would you check around and see if there are any two year community colleges or possibly a four year college that offers Associate Degree courses in Horticulture. I have all of the core courses, but in order to get my Associate Degree, I have to take the humanities courses. If you have time I would really appreciate it.
Well, I'll stop for now. I've got you in my prayers and I keep you in my thoughts. Take care, write when you can, and may God bless you.
Jim"
"Hey Poppa! 9/16/14
You know? I know this sounds really dumb, but I have no idea where I put your card/letter. The good news is! I've got it, but I don't remember where, "I get it"! So, I guess I'll just ad-lib it. One thing I do remember, you said for me to send copies of my certificates, licenses, degrees, etc. so they can be put on file. Well, I would love to, but I don't have the money it would cost for the postage. What I have would cost anywhere from $5.00-$9.00. So, maybe when I make my first million, I'll be able to do it.
How is your leg coming along? I hope you are still mending well. Poppa. Is there anyway you can send me 3-4 color copies of the picture I sent to you? I was looking the other day for the other copy of that picture, but couldn't find it. I have a feeling that the picture I sent to you was the other copy. So, if you can, ok; if you can't, that's okay too. Also, if you can, please send one picture every 3 days, because if you send them all at one time, the mailroom will trash all but one picture... thanks!
Well, there's not that much going on this time around. I'll cut it short, and hope to hear from you soon; take care.
Jim"
The next letter that Poppa* received was dated 03-09-14. (Side note. Poppa* saves every single letter that Partners send to me. Back in 2014, The Felony Foundation was MUCH smaller than we are now. I answered each and every letter with a nice, long, pleasant response. On James's 03-09-14 letter, Poppa* wrote at the top, "Answered 5-3-14". My. How times have changed!~~~ Now, TFF receives approximately 50 letters per week. I simply do not have the time to personally respond to every letter. I still read every letter and Pray over each letter sent to me. But, with our limited resources, I can only send each Partner one letter a year with TFF's Birthday Card/Greeting to each Partner. God is GOOD!~~~)