MARCH 2025

Column 62

   
Since I am no longer on Death Row at San Quentin, my prison world has expanded and the things I write about reflect that. This latest column is about an organization that is helpful to all friends and family with someone who is in prison. This organization helps all the prisons in California, so you can write to the prison that is relevant to you. I will include an address for them here at CHCF, but I will also include a website for them. You can check it out and see if they can be of help to you.
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It is always good to know that if you need a friend, they will be there for you. After an absence of over a year, the organization Friends Outside has returned to California healthcare facility. Starting in January 2025, a new representative began working as the family liaison specialist here at CHCF. Their office is located in the CRM/Religious Activities area.

Friends Outside is an organization which was established in the 1950s. They work to help those who are in prison, as well as their families and friends on the outside. Friends Outside works with all of the various institutions statewide.

Friends Outside provides help for the incarcerated in dealing with many of the problems that they are faced with. They also offer programs and services which will help you during your time in prison. Additionally, they help prepare you for life once you are released.

One of the many things Friends Outside does is work to help you stay in touch with your family and then also helping family and friends with coming to visit you. They can help your visitors to understand what the visiting process entails: informing them of the dress code requirements, legal ID that is acceptable, basically all the information needed to make a pleasant and problem-free visit possible. In some cases, transportation can be provided to the prison, and they also help with information in finding reasonably priced watching close to the prison.

Outside of the visiting process entrance, Friends Outside maintains a trailer which provides services to visitors. If the prison does not approve of what you are wearing, appropriate clothing is provided. They provide help with the children. There are snacks and drinks and laundry service available.

In addition, Friends Outside provides programs which are available to those who are incarcerated. There is a 30-hour program on Positive Parenting that meets the requirements of the court. They also have a Creative Conflict Resolution Program which teaches you how to find a low-stress way to deal with difficult situations and how to work on your anger issues. You will earn a certificate on completion of this program and this program is also RAC approved.

Friends Outside can help with child custody information as well as divorce and marriage information. They may be able to provide help with institutional problems. They will work to help you with community reentry planning with the goal of aiding you in being successful with your reentry into society.

There is an open line for Friends Outside at the CRM/Religious area from 8:30 to 9:30 AM on Wednesdays. You can also submit a friend request form or a GA – 22 form by sending it via institutional mail to Friends Outside. Both of these forms should be available in your housing unit. This is a resource that could very well make a positive contribution to your being successful in prison and an enormous help upon your release.

The website and address for Friends Outside is:

Friends Outside
California Health Care Facility
PO Box 213040
Stockton, CA 95213

www.friendsoutside.org

Thank you,
Dean Carter
January 1, 2025.

California Health Care Facility
Dean Carter C97919
Box 213040
Stockton, CA 95213
USA