San Quentin prisoners have supported five Bay Area crime victims services with a check for $36,029.14, to be equally divided.
A presentation ceremony was held at San Quentin’s Joint Venture facility, where the men are contracted to work for the local company Labcon, which employs about 200 people and provides services internationally to 57 countries.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation established the Joint Venture Program, a rehabilitative endeavor providing opportunities for prisoners to gain valuable work experience and job skills training, according to a CDCR press release.
The funds are collected under a law requiring prisoners who work for Joint Venture companies to pay 20 percent of net wages to compensate crime victims. The law also requires prisoners to pay taxes, room and board, and family support.
“Anytime men give back to the community it’s great,” said San Quentin Warden Kevin R. Chappell. “There are only five joint venture programs throughout the state I wish they had these programs in all 33 prisons.” He added, “That would be a tremendous impact for the community and the kids they are helping. It also gives the men focus and direction when they enter back into the community.”
Checks were accepted by Executive Director Tom Wilson of Community Alliance (Marin County), Executive Director Donna Garske of Center for Domestic Peace (Marin County), Chief Executive Officer Mary Dent of Sunny Hills Children’s Center (Marin County), Executive Director Marcia Blackstock of Bay Area Women Against Rape (Alameda County), and Program Manager Regina Jackson of East Oakland Youth Development Center (Alameda County).
“The money will go towards survivors of domestic violence, especially those who are immigrants and have no place to go,” said Wilson. “Thank you to all the men that give back with their hard work. We know they care.”
“We’ve been receiving checks since the beginning of Labcon at S.Q., which has been 20 years,” said Denton. “We truly appreciate the funds. It goes to at-risk kids and foster children. This money is helping kids that desperately need it.”
Maura Prendiville of Center for Domestic Peace said, “The money will go to a general fund that provides shelter for domestic violence victims, transitional housing, and support groups.”
