As 2025 comes to a close, the Utah Prisoner Advocate Network (UPAN) took time to formally express gratitude to the many individuals and teams across the Utah Department of Corrections who work every day within a complex, demanding, and often unseen system.
This year-end letter, authored by UPAN Cofounder Molly G. Prince on behalf of the UPAN Board of Directors, was shared with Executive Director Jared Garcia, UDC leadership, and staff across divisions including Prison Operations, Correctional Health Services, Adult Probation & Parole (AP&P), Rehabilitation & Reentry, Utah Correctional Industries (UCI), Community Correctional Centers, Visiting, Mail & Property, Culinary Services, and more.
Acknowledging the Work That Often Goes Unseen
In the letter, UPAN recognizes the extraordinary effort required of correctional staff, healthcare providers, clinicians, educators, case managers, reentry specialists, probation and parole officers, and administrative teams across Utah’s correctional system.
Much of this work happens outside of public view — yet it directly affects the safety, dignity, health, and futures of incarcerated individuals and their families. UPAN emphasized that this service does not go unnoticed and expressed deep respect for the humanity reflected in this work.
A Year of Challenge — and Forward Progress
Like many systems nationwide, 2025 brought significant challenges. Despite those pressures, UPAN noted meaningful progress made through perseverance, collaboration, and open dialogue. The letter highlights appreciation for UDC leaders and staff who have remained responsive, willing to engage in shared problem-solving, and open to difficult conversations.
These partnerships — even when progress is incremental — help move the needle toward better outcomes for incarcerated individuals, their loved ones, and the broader community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The letter closes with optimism for the year ahead and a hope that this message of appreciation would be shared broadly across UDC, including wardens, deputy wardens, directors, chiefs, and frontline staff.
UPAN’s intent in publishing this message publicly is simple: to say thank you.
Read the Full Letter
Below, you can view or download the complete 2025 Year-End Letter of Appreciation sent to UDC:
We extend our sincere thanks to all who serve within Utah’s correctional system and wish you peace, rest, and time with those you love as we move into the new year.