Well - today is the day that I start my journey to FPC Alderson. First I take my children to North Carolina to live with family, and then on Sunday I spend my last night of freedom and silence at a motel outside Alderson. I am very sad for my children - but keep trusting in the Lord to guide me through this. Thank you all for your encouragement, stories, and facts. I have been blessed to be a part of the PTO community. My sister will be checking in from time to time for me - "sister1". She is just a great support too.

So, farewell for now.

Susanne (as the BOP spell it) selah7

I already posted the address elsewhere...

good luck to you! and remember we are all here for you. you will make it through.

Okay - so this might be considered "plagiarism" but... I took all that I could find on Alderson from many posts here at PTO and made a sheet for family and friends - this is what I found...

Credit is due to LOTS of PTO members - and NONE to me. Thanks to guysgal, cjjack, stillmommysgirl, loisana, jwrustyfan2, and triplel for ALL their posts and pm's (if I missed you or forgot to credit you - please forgive me!). And the "I" below is of course not "me" but the women that posted this wonderful info!

So - one search and you have all the information I have as I head there. Lots of prayers and thanks to everyone. --selah7

Alderson FPC


MAIL
The mailing address is
Name
Reg #
Federal Prison Camp
Box A, Range 1
Alderson, WV 24910

I guess all new commits start in Range 1. However, when they move me - we will need to change the address accordingly. Be sure all mail and packages have MY name, Reg number and a YOUR complete return address on it.


Photos can be sent, no Polaroids - no more than 25 total in inmate's possession. We were told that NEW soft cover books and magazines can be sent, however this may have changed. I was told they need to be wrapped in brown paper or envelope (no boxes!) and should be labeled on the package as "Reading Material" or "Books/Magazines Enclosed".


Hard back books must be sent directly from the distributor/publisher. Please make sure that included in the address is the Inmate Reg # along with Federal Prison Camp - Alderson.

A calendar can be sent, wrapped in brown paper or envelope and labeled "Institution Approved".

There is a maximum number of items a person can have in their possession (5 books, 2 magazines, 25 pictures, etc).

You can't mail stamps or stamped envelopes. Nothing stapled or pasted. NO food, tracts or music of any sort is allowed. I cannot receive tapes or CD's either. For you creative types or those with kids: incoming mail can't have stickers, glue, glitter, or tape. Keep it to paper and writing instruments (cut-outs, crayons, markers, pens are ok, no paint). Also, make sure that cards do not have any glitter, tape or glued parts - just simple store bought cards are fine. Also no colored copied pages of any sort.


In essence, I can receive the following: letters and cards. Additionally, books in softcover (up to two at a time directly to me), magazines (up to two at a time directly to me, although if they're not relatively up-to-date they can be confiscated), photographs, hardcover books from a publisher or bookstore, money orders.


Always include your return address and it might be a good idea to write on the back across the flap of the envelope "contents:..." and a list of what you are sending (ie. letter, 2 pages; 3 pictures; etc.) so that I will know if anything's been removed. Additionally, write at the top of each page your name and what page it is (ie. Smith, 1 of 3).


The following is from the BOP regarding: Books and Magazines (however each BOP institution has the right to restrict these rules even more - so please be as conservative as possible): Inmates that are housed in a camp or a low security institution, - according to current policy -, are allowed to receive, up to 5, paperback books and/or magazines sent in from anyone, anyplace. For those inmates in FCI's on up, No magazines nor paperback books can be sent in.

Most facilities state that books can only be sent by the publisher or from a bookstore, new. They want a receipt in the package that can be traced back to whoever sent them in case they find any drugs.


In Federal Prison there is absolutely no access to the internet and generally no access to a computer. Thus no e-mail.

Visitation


Phone for questions: 304-445-2901

Physical Address for visitation: Glen Ray Road in Alderson WV 24910

Inmates are limited to 20 visitors on their visiting list. Immediate family members are usually approved promptly and include parents (including step-parents), sisters, brothers, husband (including common-law), children (including step-children). All others will need to complete a questionnaire for review and approval before being added to visiting list. If you have a prior arrest record that does not automatically mean you can not visit, this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. An inmate can have 4 adult visitors at a time, more may be allowed with prior approval. You can have up to 6 children with those adults at a time.


Before you can visit, all visitors have to be approved and placed on the inmate's visitation list. You are automatically on the list if you (or any other adult visitors) are listed in the inmate's PSI. If you are not in the PSI, you have to complete an application form, and they will do a background check and notify the inmate if you are approved. This can take several weeks depending on the counselor. As far as the visitation forms-I will send the form to the person that I want to visit and they will fill it out with their information. They will then send it directly to my counselor-not to me. Make sure to send it to the counselor. There will be an address to send it to on the visitation form. It has to be approved by the warden first.

Visiting hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Mondays and Holidays 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. We were told, on the weekends, no one was allowed in from 9:15 am until 10:00 count clears (I believe them because we ended up waiting in the parking lot for two hours) and again from 2:15 pm until 4:00 count clears. Not sure what happens on Fridays and Mondays.
Visitor's are permitted to wear shorts (no shorter than 4" above the knee). No miniskirts, halter tops, see-through clothing, sleeveless or anything considered to be revealing. Sandals are allowed, however, house/shower shoes are not allowed. This dress code applies to adults and children. It is best to always carry an extra set of conservative clothing in the car - in case a CO states that someone is dressed inappropriately - so that you can hurry and change before coming into the facility.

Visitors may bring the following items 1 clear plastic purse/bag, 1 lipstick, 1 facial compact, 1 comb or brush, 2 packs unopened cigarettes, 1 cigarette lighter, 3 packs matches, 2 cans/ pouches tobacco, money (change and dollar bills). Also allowed to bring INFANT baby items including diaper bag, baby carrier, food, bottles, formula (unopened), ice pack, lotion, powder, blanket, change of clothes, ointment, wipes, toy.

Visitors may bring prescription medicines for their use (to be left at officer station while visiting). You must walk through a metal detector also.

This is right out of the handbook. This list is not all inclusive, it does not address items that are part of an individual's person such as jewelry, eye glasses, billfold, etc for which all are authorized.

Visitors need driver's license, state ID card or two forms of ID with full name and signature to be allowed to visit. Visitor must also know their license plate number, make, year and color of car driving. Also, make sure that you have current registration and insurance – as some facilities require this.

Visitors may not leave anything or exchange items with inmate. This includes letters. You cannot bring anything to show inmate at all!

Inmates are authorized to wear institution issued pants, shirt and shoes. A commissary purchased t-shirt (not sleeve-less) or sweatshirt may be worn. Inmates may take the following to the visiting room: commissary card, cigarettes (only the number to be used during visit), jewelry (will be inventoried when you enter and when you leave), picture stubs.


Cameras are prohibited as are cell phones or any electronic devices. Inmates can purchase pictures via commissary prior to visit.

Visits are seldom terminated early because of overcrowding at Alderson. They have a very nice visitation center with a special room for kids filled with toys and activities. If the weather is nice you can go outside and sit on the covered patio or tables and swings. It is an all contact visit. Spouses can kiss and hug for 3 seconds upon arrival and upon departure. Adults can also embrace for 3 seconds upon arrival and departure. Children can sit on parents laps as long as they are not creating a disturbance or spectacle. There is a fenced in area outside with picnic tables. There is also swings for the kids.


They have vending machines and a good assortment of soda, sandwiches, pizza, chips, candy and other snacks. If you can bring rolls of quarters with you because sometimes the change machines are out. Although one and five dollar bills are taken by the vending machines - they run out of change quickly. You cannot have larger bills with you and I believe that there is a cap of $30.00 that you are allowed to bring into most facilities. Inmate is NOT allowed to touch the money or be in possession of any money.

During the holdiays (Christmas to New Year's) the visitation hours are extended. Weekdays are from 8a-3p everyday, and regular visitation hours Friday-Sunday. If you plan to visit on Christmas Day, you are able to attend church services with your loved one, but you have to be there before 12 noon and inform the officers on duty that you will be attending church.

Alderson Hospitality House
The Alderson Hospitality House is a ministry for the friends and relatives of the women inmates housed at FPC, Alderson, WV. It is a catholic-worker run hospitality house in Alderson where people can stay when they come to visit. The phone number there is 304.445.2980. call two weeks ahead of time if you want to stay there.

If West Virginia is a long way from home for you, but if your family is able to visit they are able to stay free of charge or offer a small donation if they would like.

Alderson Hospitality House
203 High St
PO Box 579
Alderson WV 24910
Phone: 304-445-2980
Email: omc01283@mail.wvnet.edu <mailto:omc01283@mail.wvnet.edu>


Alderson Hospitality House provides housing, meals, transportation, information, and support to families and friends of women inmates at Alderson Federal Prison Camp. And they absolutely allow children and they are wonderful with them.


Additional Hotels
There is a motel right outside the gates at Alderson. It's called the Riverview and the number is 304-445-2550


Phone Calls
Let's talk a little bit about the phones. I am allowed 300 minutes a month for telephone calls. Last year they increased those minutes to 400 for the months of November and December. I can either prepay telephone calls (generally $60 for 300 minutes and are bought at commissary). These calls cost about $2.50 for a 15 minute call anywhere in the United States if pre-paid or call collect and it will cost $8.00 to $10.00 per 15 minute call. It is always cheaper to add funds from the commissary account to the telephone account and pre-pay the calls.

Soon after arriving I will be issued a PIN number. I will also fill out a form and write down all the phone numbers that I will be calling. Each number is then approved or not. I can have up to 30 numbers and can add/delete at any time. It will take a few days to add the numbers to my phone list. At current the allotment, as stated above, is 300 minutes per month, 400 in November and December. The maximum call length is 15 minutes. I must wait an additional 15 minutes before making another call. At the beginning of the call AND at the half-way point of the phone call - a message reports that this call is from a Federal Prison. So basically at 7.5 minutes - try and divert little ears from hearing the message.

I will be "mailing myself" a list of names,address's and phone numbers the day before I surrender. This way if the one I take in with is lost or not allowed I'll have a back up on the way!

Sending Money to Location

Debitek
This is the commissary card. I can buy Debitek credits that work like a debit card. I buy credits and use them in the vending machines, to do laundry, make copies, etc. There is a limit to how many credits I can carry on it (max $40). I use it at your own risk, there are no refunds if it doesn't work. Lost/ stolen or problematic cards will be replaced for a fee ($5).


Commissary
Shopping is limited to one day per week. A shopping list is filled out generally a day or two prior to shopping. Stamps and Debitek may be purchased on regular shopping day. No shopping bags are provided, but can be purchased.
The categories listed on the commissary sheet include food items, clothing, dental/razors, soap, cosmetics, personal items, laundry, cigarettes, hair care, craft items, shoes, miscellaneous items including fan, radio, alarm clock, sunglasses, watch, umbrella.
If it comes to a point where I can't afford it, soap, shampoo, etc. will be supplied to me.
Inmates are not allowed to borrow (or give) commissary items from (to) anyone (per the handbook). If I do not have a receipt for an item, it can be taken from me.


Funds (This is a summary straight from the handbook for Alderson, not sure how much/ if any is by BOP policy)
Deposits should be mailed to the lockbox. Checks or money orders should be made out to the inmate and include his/her Reg #. Personal checks and negotiable instruments shall be held (15 days for domestic, up to 60 days for foreign). At the end of the hold, funds will be released and made available to inmate. The following items shall NOT be held: US postal money orders, US treasury checks, US gov't issued drafts, western union money orders, state, county and municipal checks, cashiers checks, domestic money orders. There is also a list of postal money orders from various places (Canada, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, etc) that shall not be held.

Spending Limits
There is a spending limit set by the BOP (max $290). Stamps and telephone credits are excluded from the monthly spending. There is a limit on the number of stamps you can purchase or accumulate. Overspending or signing for a withdrawal of funds when there is insufficient funds may result in disciplinary action.


Money Orders
Try to do post office money orders as they post quicker. I will still need to get the PO Box # (lock box #) which is in a different state where all money orders go. However, not all federal institutions are under this new 'program' where money orders must be sent to one location for processing. It is a pilot program where only a select few institutions are doing it now. In time, all federal prisons will require it, but not for the near future. So, I would recommend that you contact the prison where the loved one is housed to verify the procedures. If sending to the lockbox for the money order, ONLY send in the money order, nothing else. No cards, no letters, etc... The reason - they will not forward anything to the inmate. This systems is for processing the money orders only.


Western Union (in case of emergency)
Inmate's families and friends may now send inmates funds through Western Unin's Quick Collect Program. All funds sent via Western Union's Quick collect will be posted to the inmate's account within two to four hours, when those funds are sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST (seven days per week, including holidays). Funds received after 9:00 p.m. EST will be posted by 9:00 a.m. EST the following morning. Funds sent to an inmate through Western Union Quick Collect may be sent via one of the following ways:

1) At an agent location with cash: The inmate's family or friends must complete a Blue Quick Collect Sent Form. To find the nearest agent they may call 1-800-325-6000 or go to www.westernunion.com
2) By phone using a credit/debit card: The inmate's family or friends may simply call 1-800-634-3422 and press option 2.
3) ONLINE using a credit/debit card: The inmate's family and friends may go to www.westernunion.com
Select bill payment, then select quick collect.

For each Western Union Quick Collect transaction, the following information must be provided:
1) Inmate Register Number Acct #: xxx-xxxxxdoe
2) Inmate Name Attention: john doe
3) City code: FBOP FBOP
4) State code: DC DC

Please note that the inmate name and register number must be entered correctly, if the sender does not provide the correct information, the transaction cannot be completed. The City Code will always be: FBOP and the State Code will always be: DC (no matter what facility the inmate is at).

Each transaction is accepted or rejected at the point of sale. The sender has the sole responsibility of sending the funds to the correct inmate. If an incorrect register number and/or name are used and accepted and posted to that inmate, funds may not be returned/

Western Union will charge the public a $9.95 fee for U.S. cash transfers up to $5000 processed at Western Union agent locations. Charge via internet $25.00. Transfers via the telephone or internet have higher fees. Non-U.S. money transfers also have higher fees. Any questions or concerns regarding Western Union transfers should be directed to Western Union by the sender (general public)


Money Sent into facility and Restitution
Rumors from other inmates family as stated in different post…:
x, who is in Alderson, was ordered to pay a huge amount of restitution. When she called, she told me not to send any money. She said that there was a limit on how much money she can receive (not more than $450 / 6-months). She took $300 when she surrendered and that's just about gone. So she only has $150 left for the remainder of the 6 months!!??!! That's just enough to cover her fines for the next 6 months.

I guess she agreed to pay $25 each month for her fines/restititution. Is the limit on the money she recieves ($450/6-months) based on how much she pays on her fines? If she were to pay slightly more on her fines, would the amount that she is allowed to receive go up? By how much? I expect this is worked out on a case-by-case basis, but is there some general guideline? Would the money for phone calls need to be included in the $450? She told me she doesn't understand it and I don't have enough info to help much. Any information you can give me will be appreciated.

Response by PTO member:
In order to participate in the Inmate Financial esponsibility Program (IFRP), s/he must agree to pay a MINIMUM of $25/quarter. Any amount above this is "voluntary," although it is normally strongly suggested, recommended, advised, or otherwise extracted.

One cannot receive any retribution for agreeing to participate at the minimum level. If working for UNICOR, the minimum is 50% of wages.


COMMISSARY:
Inmates should try to bring in at least $300 at self-surrender if possible. That day they often allow a trip to the commissary to buy a variety of things, from cosmetics, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, radios, hygiene items and craft supplies. Alderson is said to have a wonderful commissary while others like Lexington is awful. Around the holidays the commissary will offer holiday items such as Christmas cookies, etc..


You could buy tweezers at Alderson, along with toenail and fingernail clippers, scissors, and cuticle trimmers - some facilities don't allow any of these items.

FOR INMATE PREPARATION - Notes from various members of PTO support group


Self Surrendering
List of items allowed in during self surrender.
· cash/ money order
· a religious medal or cross and chain (valued at no more than $100)
· a pair of earrings (valued at no more than $100)
· wedding band
· eyeglasses
· legal documents (not all legal documents, though, not sure which ones are allowed, it's probably best to ask)
· medications (again, not all will necessarily go in with you)
picture ID (to be kept on file during stay)

Photos, books (including bible) can/should be sent via mail - not taken in at self surrender.

What I can expect when arriving:
Survival - Staying below the radar:
1. don't complain. there are women there doing big time and they don't want to hear it.
2. for a prison, the food is excellent. like a cheap cafeteria. don't complain about the food either.
3. in fact, be quiet for a first few weeks and watch how it's done.
Met lots of nice women. You could easily climb over the fence and walk away inbetween counts, but there's nowhere to go. one road in an out, high in the mountains, 30 miles from the nearest town and as soon as you are missed the word is out in the community and the locals fan out to grab you and bring you back for the reward.


Your experience in prison will be what you make it. You can bemoan your fate all the time or you can use the time to reflect and work on whatever issues you feel you need to work on. You are already there and nothing will probably change that. Prison is not a fun place to be, but I did have some fun while I was there thanks to some of the lovely ladies I was there with.


Things to watch out for: groups formed for a particular reason, gossip and pettiness, relationships with other women based on favors/protection, gay sexuality (will land you in segregation (the hole)), contraband, drugs.


It has been stated often that violence is extremely rare in camps. If you stay away from the troublemakers you'll be just fine. No one will come up to you and just beat you up. No way. Most women just want to do their time. And if you do fight you will be shipped to a higher level institution. Most camps had zero tolerance for violence. If you fight you get shipped. Period. If you have a history of violence you would not be designated to a camp. In 18 months only one fight was said to have been observed.. Most of the time there are just verbal arguments if anything. Don't worry about being attacked while your there. That is really the least of your worries. Just be respectful to others and you will find that most of the ladies are very kind.

For the most part the staff and officers are pretty cool. Just do not try to put anything over on them; be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing. NEVER make one of them look for you, and you will be fine, and NEVER screw up count. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. Clean up after yourself and do your share of the cleaning. The CO's do room inspections. Just be neat and you won't have any problems.


First 2 weeks - what it might be like:
There are anywhere from 900-1100 women at Alderson, but the compound is large and all of them are never in one place at one time, so it's not so noticeable. It opened in 1927, and it was modeled after a college campus in Maryland. I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you see the surroundings. There are no fences, no barbed wire, and no locked doors.
You are not allowed to bring anything with you as far as clothing is concerned. The first thing that will do is go to R&D(receiving and discharge). This will probably take awhile. They will dress you out in a uniform. You're picture will be taken and you will meet with someone from medical to discuss any health issues that you have or any medication that you are taking. Usually whatever prescription medication you are taking they will let you keep on taking it as long as its non-narcotic. You will fill out some paperwork and they will assign you to a unit. Each place has different lay-outs as far as the units go. Yes, you will be stripped searched. No cavity searches; they will do a visual search, and you will have to squat and cough; try to prepare yourself for that if you have never experienced it before.. Don't take it personal, the CO's have to do it. I got so used to it that it ended being no big deal. Not pleasant, just try not to think about it. You will also be issued bedding to take with you to your unit. The next morning you will go to laundry to be issued your uniforms. They give you 4 pants, 4 shirts, 5 t-shirts, 5 underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You will also be issued boots or shoes. If you want extra underwear and socks you can purchase them at the commissary. The women in R&D aren't usually difficult, and usually the process goes smoothly.
All new commits are housed in Building A on the upper compound. It is commonly referred to as the "Range". It is a two story brick building that is less than 5 years old, and is divided into four sections; Range 1, Range 2, Range 3, and Range 4. There are 124 women in each range, and all new commits start off in Range 1. You will be placed in a "cube" where there is a bunk bed, two lockers, two under the bed lockers and a roommate. Each range has three TV rooms. microwaves, vending machines (snacks and pop), washers and dryers (if you don't want the laundry to do your clothes) and two large shower rooms. They even have a hair room where you can use blow dryers, curling irons and hair dryers. Range 1 and 2 are downstairs and Range 3 and 4 are upstairs.
You will spend two weeks in A & O (Admission and Orientation) learning the ins and outs of Alderson. The staff member who conducts these sessions is Darlene Johnson. She is a very nice person, but she is straight up, so don't be late for A & O. She will telll you about it in a heart beat and she will give you extra duty. So be early for A & O. It normally does not last all day, and you will have some free time during the day. After you complete A & O and are medically cleared, you will be placed in a job. Everyone works at Alderson. Usually everyone starts out in CDR (Central Dining Room). It's hard work and normally you can transfer to another position after 90 days.

Once you complete A & O, and are working you will be moved out of Range 1 into one of the other ranges because you are no longer a new commit. When I was there you were eligible to move to a cottage after three months of clear conduct (it used to be a six months and a year). Cottages house 60 - 80 women and are much less noisey and chaotic. They are older buildings, mostly on the lower compound, and are exactly like college dorm buildings. There is a new warden there, she is a female and from NC.


Meeting People:
The majority of the ladies that you meet are kind. You will not be attacked. I thought the same thing before I went to prison. I was going to be beat up or raped or both! It is nothing like that!! I made friends there that I will hopefully have for the rest of my life. Violence in a camp is rare. They are nice places as far as prison goes and if you fight you will be shipped someplace not so nice. Remember to be courteous to your roomates. .



Education and Recreation:
Each prison will offer a variety of educational programs and recreation. If you don't have a GED you will be required to attend classes. You will receive college credit. There are also classes such as auto-cad, cosmetology and horticulture. Just go to the education department of the institution to see what they offer. Recreation offers bingo at some places. They have bags of goodies from Wal-Mart if you win. They also have a variety of other games. In Alderson they have roller skating in the winter. There are yoga classes and exercise classes. Each institution has a library, some better than others. I can go on and on about different programs that these institutions offer so if you have any specific questions just ask. I will answer what I can. You can take any class that they have available. There are many ladies in federal prison with degrees.


At FPC Alderson, WV the cosmetology, course is taught by contracted outside instructors, and classes are 5 days a week, M-F from 12 - 8 p.m. At the end of the 18 month course the inmates are tested on site, and if they pass they are licensed cosmetologists in West Virginia. Since so many states have reciprocity for cosmetologists, the inmate usually only has to apply for their license in their home state, and doesn't have to test again. As inmates we were able to make appointments for manicures, pedicures, facials, and even haircuts. In addition, you could also purchase haircolor and perms off commissary and have them done in cosmetology.


Jobs
As far as jobs go there are many. There is the kitchen, landscape, education, facilities. If you have a college degree you should go to education about a job as a GED tutor. They can always use good tutors and it is so rewarding!!

As far as how long it takes to find a job, it varies. Until you find a job you will be working in the unit with the orderlies cleaning. Just staying in your room doing nothing is not allowed


Alderson and Bryan will let you actively seek a job instead of waiting to be assigned by the staff. If you are allowed to do that please do. I did and was very fortunate. I was a librarian at Alderson and a GED tutor for special learning needs ladies in Bryan. Just remember that you are required to work unless you have a medical condition that would prevent that. Usually ladies that cannot work due to their health end up going to Carswell.


There are many ladies in federal prison with degrees. As far as jobs go there are many. There is the kitchen, landscape, education, facilities. If you have a college degree you should go to education about a job as a GED tutor.

You are right. Some of the jobs are just called jobs but require that you show up with a regular pulse and breathing. However, my job at the camp was landscaping. I drove a tractor, trimmed the grass(endless task) with a weed wacker, rebuild faulty carbirators in lawn mowers, kept equipment clean, loaded soil and rocks in trucks and decorated the extrerior of all buildings. I was a tough job but I ilked working hard. It wore me out so i could just take a shower and crash, in addition to keeping me fit.


There is a lot to do to stay busy there in addition to your job. If you do not have your GED you will have to go to class. That's mandatory. One woman was a teacher's aide when she was at Alderson. There are also business classes and some college classes available. They also have a cosmetolgy class that takes 18 months to complete, and the inmates are able to have their hair cut, permed, and dyed. They even offer facials, manicures, and pedicures. There is no cost to the inmates; you just have to purchase your perms and dyes from commissary.
My sister's job was cleaning until she got re-assigned. My sister says she's really busy - she's working and taking all kinds of classes, parenting, crafts, walking. She does a LOT of walking, I don't know if that's by choice or if it's because the facility is sprawled out (probably some of both.) She repeatedly tells me it's not too bad and that I should stop worrying so much about her.

OTHER

Showers
The showers aren't too bad, at least the places I was at. You will need to buy shower shoes from the commissary though. But the unit orderlies do a pretty good job of keeping the bathrooms clean. At least until all the women come in and mess them up!


Library
The prison library will vary from institution to institution but there will be mainly romance or suspense novels.


Dietary/Medical
I know of several women at Alderson who were also vegetarians. They had to have their diet approved through medical, and special trays were prepared for them. The food was very good when I was there. I do know there has been a change in CDR supervisors, so I'm not sure what you will find. We had a beverage bar, soup bar, salad bar, and hot bar in addition to the main line.


Here is a way to get fit while in prison. Eat your breakfast. Eat some protein (eggs) and some carbs, like oatmeal (medium portions). Have plenty of water. Choose a job that involves physical labor like landscaping or warehouse and push yourself to sweat a little. Don't get excessive. Eat a moderate lunch. Take it easy with the carbs. But do have some. (Cutting out carbs all together is dangerous to your health, you don't want to visit medical facilities while you're imprisoned). Finish your work day. After 4:00pm count dinner is served. Eat a very light dinner. Keep any fruit you are allowed to take back to the unit. Wait until 6:00pm to digest. Then from 6-7:30 lift weights. In the beginning lift light weights, do leg curls, work your bicepts and tricepts, squats with weights, lats, deltoids, gluteous, langes. Make sure you start with 10 sets (15 per set) of sit ups after you lift. Every facility I have been in had charts on the wall of specific exercises targeting the muscle groups. It is up to you to design a routine you can live with. Stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous or weak. It is suppose to be invigorating. After your workout, stretch and breath deeply. then walk for 15 minutes.
(Some facilities do not have free weights because unruly children hit each other with dumbells. In that case there should be machines to accomodate you). By 9:00 eat your fruit and have plenty of water. You will soon be ready to graduate to heavier weights for the ripped look, and I mean ripped.


(I followed this pattern for 18 months. I want to brag but i won't. Solid as a rock may be descriptive. You will absolutely love the way you look, you will be praised and looked upon as a leader. you may even get a following. Try it and have a ball while you are trying it. Don't forget to laugh at yourself.)


Worship/Recreation
There is a rec center, law and reading library, volleyball team, softball team, tennis court, craft classes, and you are allowed to be on the compound from 6 am - 10 pm except during count. The chaplain there is an incredible woman by the name of Rev. Elizabeth Walker, and there are many, many types of all denominational services offered. Some of the choirs will blow you away! So much talent.

Schedule (average day for inmate)
Every day is pretty much the same. Wake up at 6 a.m. and take a shower. Go to breakfast at 7 and then report to job detail by 7:30 for roll call. Worked until 11 a.m. Everyone is called back to their units to wait to be released for lunch. Lunch lasted until 12:30. Work until 3:45 in the afternoon. At 4 p.m is stand up count. After count cleared the units were released for dinner. You have free time up until 10 p.m. count. After that count clears you can go watch television but are not allowed in the common areas. We had to be in our rooms by 11:30 in Bryan and 1:00 a.m. in Alderson.

The weekends are a little different as we had brunch instead of lunch. There is also a 10:00 a.m. count on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. If you don't work your time is pretty much free. There is a stand up 4:00 count every day.

Yes, you definitely have to work. You have no choice. They will find something for you to do. They do have a one day orientation outlining the rules of the camp. They will have someone from the kitchen, education, the mail room, etc. speaking to you.

Excellent description Selah!!! Must have taken some time for you to put that together!!

God Bless You. You will be in out thoughts and prayers!! Keep on the lookout for PTO mail!!

Godspeed, Suzanne!

I will be in touch! :wave:

sister1, here is some more info on visiting at Alderson.

I was there this past weekend and will hopefully shed a little more light on visiting.
Visiting hours start at 8:00 AM on Sat and Sun.

There is a small building in the parking area, you go in this building and fill out the visiting form.

You fill out one form for each adult. You need the inmates name and reg #. You list your name, address, car description (including license plate number) and the kids names and ages that you are responsible for (if applicable). The form tells you what things are not allowed in and you sign it. There are signs telling you what you can bring in.

You need photo ID for every adult. No ID for the kids if they are under 16.

After you fill out the form, you take the form, your ID, and whatever you are taking in and go to the next building. They let people one at a time (your visiting party will all go in together). The officer will process your forms, look to see if you are an approved visitor (if you were in the PSI report you are automatically approved), check your ID. They usually ask people to empty their pockets. You may have to wait in line to get in.

There aren't too many restrictions on clothing for visitors - no tank tops, no short shorts. You are allowed to wear your jewelry in. I don't advise wearing plain white, gray or khaki colored t-shirts (I haven't actually seen it, but people have been turned away or asked to change).

It's restrictive as to what you can bring in - clear, plastic bag (NO purses), change and single dollars (NO larger bills), keys. I think the list of items included earlier in this post is accurate. If you have anything you're not supposed to the guards usually ask people to take it back to their cars. They will ask you to empty your pockets.

I keep it simple when I go, it keeps things moving so people don't have to wait. I take keys, lots of quarters (the change machines don't always work), chapstick, ID in a clear plastic bag. I have only tissues in my pockets.

Once you are approved, they will ask you to sign in. After you sign in, you just wait, you can move about the visiting area. You can go outside or go into one of the inside rooms. After you sign in, they will call the inmate to notify her that she has a visitor. Then she will come to the visiting center. She will come in a separate door and will come through the door right behind the officer station.

They have toys and games for the kids. They have swings and a nice area outside for everyone. They have vending machines with drinks and food (expensive and don't always work). Once you are there you can stay until the end of visiting (I believe that's 8:00 PM on Sat and Sun). But once you leave you cannot come back that same day. They stop letting people in from 9:15 to 10:45. Basically, all inmates need to be accounted for at 10:00 so everyone stays where they are. If the inmates are in visiting they stay there and get counted there. If they are not, then they have to stay where they are until count clears. I think they do that again around 2:30 for 4:00 count.

Oh I almost forgot.. The officer who checks you in will ask if you are staying for count. If you are going to be visiting past 3:00, tell them yes. Otherwise, the inmate will need to leave (usually sometime between 2 and 3:00 they call them out and they will have to go back to their beds and be counted at 4:00). So your visit may get cut short or you may have to wait for ~ 2 hours while the inmates goes back to be counted.

Hope this helps. Please keep in mind this is specific for Alderson.

Hi! I am a self surrender on Sept. 30 to Alderson, WV. I really appreciate this site... I got a lot of helpful information from all of you!!!

Welcome to PTO, under the circumstances of course!

Glad you were able to gain something from the Federal Folder here on PTO!

Diane