Part 4/5:
Funds typically come from family members, who are allowed to send a limited amount—about $180 every two weeks. This funding can facilitate the purchase of various items, including personal care products, snacks, and even alarm clocks, which can significantly enhance the quality of life.
The Reality of Inmate Work
In addition to financial support from family, inmates also engage in menial labor to earn some money. However, this compensation is starkly minimal; in this case, the individual earned a meager $0.12 per hour. Working in the kitchen, they accumulated a few dollars per paycheck, which reflects the harsh economic reality of penitentiary life. Their biggest paycheck, a notable $8.60, serves as a reminder that even in a controlled environment, issues of economic disparity persist.