Around the county, over 1 million individuals are incarcerated in Federal or State institutions.  The number of people behind bars is staggering, and the impact that separation has on the people around them can be catastrophic. Prisoner family support groups play a vital role in helping these mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends, and family of all kind adjust to this trying time.  There are organizations who are solely offering a helping hand or just a caring ear.  Help lines, like the one at www.prisonersfamilieshelpline.org assist in helping you address personal and heartbreaking concerns.  Often times prisoner’s families just need information on their loved one.  Locator services are also a helpful and positive resource.  The prison population has increased exponentially over the past 10 years, and that trend doesn’t seem to be coming to an end any time soon.  With more and more families feeling the pain of this sort of separation, it’s good to know that there a folks out there to answer questions, and share topics with.  You are not alone in your struggle.  Many companies, like JPay are on your side.  JPay offers much needed services to help with money transfers to inmates, video visitations, and eMessaging services.  JPay is available in many facilities across the country.  Go to www.jpay.com for more information.