Can anyone tell me what kind of prison jobs are available for the women here? I know that there is a clothing manufacturing business, but are there any other jobs that they can do to get some training. The ADOC website says that there is "data entry" there, too, but what is it? I understand that they get about $40 a month in pay for working. How is this possible?

I have no idea since I don't have much experience with Tutwiler - I knew about the clothing factory, but not the other. I'm surprised too about the $40 in pay, because virtually no other Alabama inmates (except for those in work release) get paid for their prison jobs.

But that said, I'm guessing Tutwiler must have gotten some outsourcing contract with some company that is actually paying people - which is cool if so - I wish they would do stuff like that for more of the other facilities.

Hopefully someone else with Tutwiler experience will be able to chime in with more info.

They do make the prison uniforms for AL DOC. The counties buy them, and other state facilities. I don't know if they get paid. My GF has a job there, she doesn't get paid, but she gets other rewards. I think any of them who work should be paid, because some choose to do nothing. Well good luck to you.

How long has she worked in the factory? My fiance says that it sucks, and I can't help thinking that such work isn't the kind that will give them a skill that is marketable on the outside. I don't think that there are too many factory sewing jobs around unless you are in China. That is why the data entry or cosmetology class would teach them a skill that they can use. Aren't you the guy who was trying to get your visitation set up for this weekend? If you have visited before, what is the experience like? I was told to bring lots of change for the vending machines.

I think you can take in 20.00 in quarters for the vending machines, and it has to be in a clear plastic bag. I hope to go there Sunday. My GF does not work in the clothing part. She helps with Dr. visits and stuff like that. Well hope things are better for you than me, I am not doing well with this time away from her. Well good luck.

I will be there Sunday, too. Only a 1000 mile drive, one way. I am bringing her Mom, too. I am not doing too well either. It is amazing how your mood goes up and down. When you talk to them or get a letter, you feel good, but the feeling goes away and you again become worried, anxious, scared for their safety and lonely. Hang in there, you previously said that it would be over in March. I do not know when this nightmare ends, as her EOS is 4/2010, but if she goes to SAP and there is any reason in this unreasonable situation, maybe earlier. I miss her.

Well be careful driving down. I hope I will get to go visit that day as well. Still waiting on approval here. Take Care

I am not too worried about the drive down, it is the drive back that is going to get to me. We have to be at the prison at 6:30 AM and then it is a long, long way back. I will come down again in two weeks but I will fly then. Flying this weekend, during the Christmas travel peak time would be over $1200, and flying down in two weeks it will be a little over $300. I still have to fly to Birmingham and then drive to Wetumpka. Flying into Montgomery costs too much all the time. I hope that she appreciates my efforts. I know that my Christmas will come on the 28th when I see her. Good luck on the approval list. I have made "friends" with the visitation officer as I have called him on several occasions. I would call him to see if the approval has gone through. He works Wednesday-Sunday. Call him tomorrow to see if the paperwork, which usually moves, slllllloooooowwwww has been completed.

Thanks for the advice, I will try today! Have a good day!

Did the wheels of progress move fast or slow on the list? If you had trouble getting to the guy, don't be surprised. I called many times and he was off taking a prisoner somewhere. Double duty, I think. His name is Officer Watley and when he is there, he is somewhat helpful.