Volunteer at San Quentin State Prison

Volunteer at San Quentin State Prison

Bonafide at San Quentin State Prison needs dedicated volunteers!

The California Reentry Program or Bonafide at San Quentin State Prison is an independent advising program that seeks to cover a wide array of future parolees’ needs. Our services include making parole plans: academic advising, referrals to housing resources, job advice/placement, child-support issues, support groups, etc. We provide one-on-one counseling with incarcerted individuals who are going to the parole board or paroling within the next few years. They come to us with questions about their future in regards to education, housing requests, etc. and it's our job to assess their current needs, experience and interests, and support them in establishing a plan to achieve their goals once paroled. Volunteers are needed to go to San Quentin for about three hours once a week - right now we need people for SATURDAY MORNINGS. This time is used to meet new clients and assess their needs and to give returning clients information from the previous week or take their new requests. Your caseload will be 6-8 clients at a time. Many of the men want to know how to get their GEDs, some want an Associate of Arts degree, others have questions about what it might take to open a hot dog stand or start a new career. We also help fill out college/financial aid applications.

We are looking for highly reliable people to assist as Reentry Advisors, who come in once a week (Saturday mornings is our current need), meet with clients, and research their requests. Excellent experience for aspiring social workers, educators, counselors, and law students. Fun, challenging, and truly inspirational. We are looking for at least a 1-year commitment. Time commitment per week: approximately 3 hours on site, plus 1-6 hours of research. People from all backgrounds and work experience are welcome - all you need is some comfort with internet searches and making phone inquiries.

In order to volunteer inside the prison, you will be required to submit data for a background check and attend two 2-hour orientation and trainings. The prison orientation will cover rules and regulations inside the prison and the job orientation will cover job duties and resources. You must also submit data for a background check which usually takes a few days to process.

We look forward to hearing from you!

https://bonafidelife.org/how-we-help/pre-integration-support/