My son said he was told there was an organization called Friends on Outside that can help inmates with alot of different things. I'm not sure if there is still an organization under this name, I have tried to locate them on line and through information, but basically have found nothing. Does
anyone know about them, what they do or are they still around?:confused: :confused:
One more question, does transferring from San Quentin go in alphabetical order and how long do inmates stay there waiting to be transferred?

I live in Illinois now but I recall this program when I was working with gang members in Sonoma Valley, not far from you. Here are some links:

http://www.friendsoutside.org/
the site is currently under construction but they do have a link with contact info:
http://www.friendsoutside.org/contact.html

I hope it helps,
Patty

My Brother works at Jamestown in California and he said for me to check into it too so it's still here.
MrsG

Sorry to say I tried the email for Friends Outside and it doesn't work. So then I tried the phone number and the fax number and they are both disconnected. The Web site said they are updating it or something to that effect so maybe it will work someday.

what phone numbers have you tried? I found three in my research this afternoon.. One in Stockton, CA (209/938-0727) and two in San Jose, CA (408/985-8807 & 408/295-6033).. I haven't had an opportunity to try any of them as of yet, but if I have any luck I'll let you know.

I tried the Stockton number and the Stockton fax number also. I didn't know about one in San Jose.

I tried the San Jose (408/295-6033) yesterday afternoon, spoke to a really nice lady, who I bet could give you information to the Friends Outside branch closest to you. Nothing ventured.. nothing gained!!

Thank you so much for the info. I am off work today and have a Dr.s appointment in about 45 minutes, so I will try the San Jose number when I get back. I will let everyone know what I find out. Thanks again, you're great!

Regarding Friends on the Outside....

After you check in to visit an inmate at SCC, you wait at the Hospitality House. It is run by Friends. There is a man that runs it by the name of Bernie. They have a play room for the kids. Soda machine. Snacks like popcorn, soups, cake, cookies etc. Books to read while you wait. They also provide sweats, bras, and shirts for those that need them. I believe that they also have a bus service, but I have never used it.

If you still need the number for the "main" office of the organization, let me know and I can get it for you.

Just a "tip".....I love Bernie. Him and I have become very good friends over the past two years. He is a retired engineer with IBM. He has a very demanding job there. But for some reason, and I am not sure why, but I have seen times where he comes across somewhat harsh to people. He doesnt mean to. And for the most part, he is the sweetest guy in the world. So if you ever have an experience where you feel that he was "tough"....let it go. And do this....have a seat. Give him a smile. And just talk to him. He is wonderful. He loves children. He never ever ever asks you about the person you are there seeing. He never ever judges. I just think that sometimes he gets overloaded with the amount of visitors. I try and help him while Im waiting, pick up toys, wash dishes etc. After all, that "house" has been a God send to me. Just a tip....

I have been given a number for the office at San Quentin from one of the other offices, but no one ever answers it and I just got another number to try which is 415-482-8509. I haven't tried that one yet because I was told they are only there Monday-Friday. I have tried so many numbers I have just about given up on that, I seem to get alot more response from PTO than anywhere else. Any suggestions are always more than welcome though.

I found these,not sure how current the first one is

House on the hill at San Quentin
P.O. Box 396
San Quentin, CA 94964
(415) 482-8509

Hospitality center for visitors of prisoners at San Quentin. Offers visitors support services, legal and counseling referals. Programs for prisoners who are being released include clothing and employment assistance.

Friends Outside National Organization
(408) 985-8807

I think they have a resource section on PTO, but i was also on a website that i heard on a local radio station. it's called BidGreetings.com you can click on their inmate locator and there's a link for the state of California. Actually they had links to all 50 states and a federal link to locate inmates and each page had resources for families of the incarcerated. very vital information. check it out