San Quentin residents prove that the power of fatherhood can transcend the distance and time that prison creates.

Twice a week, Marcus Shepard and his 15-year-old son work out for 45 minutes. Shepard calls his son on the phone or with the incarcerated video visiting app and proceeds to lead them through an exercise routine. After nine years of incarceration, Shepard said that he has had to become creative in his approach to maintaining a healthy connection with his son. 

“I have a great relationship with my son, but it takes effort and initiative to show up and be there for him,” said Shepard. 

Numbers can be difficult to quantify, but national data from Fatherhood.org and Legal Services for Prisoners with Children show that around 47% of incarcerated men throughout the country are dads.

Similar to prisons throughout the country, San Quentin is full of men who have had to become equally creative as they work to remain active participants in their children’s lives while navigating a world of separation, sporadic lockdowns, and unknowns.

“The love that I have for my babies is what made me remain active in my children’s lives,” said Vance Sams, a SQ resident and father of three.

During his 15 years of incarceration, Sams said he had to work to overcome the shame and guilt he developed after leaving his young family and coming to prison. Overcoming these emotions helped him create better relationships with his kids.

“I wanted my children to grow mentally and emotionally from my situation. I wanted them to learn independence and to know that they could still be successful even though I’m not there,” said Sams.

Men at San Quentin reveal how remaining consistent as a father can be difficult. Often times, men are moved hundreds of miles away from home, and contact with family is maintained through phone calls, letters, and, if someone is fortunate enough, in-person visits. Assistance from family is also necessary for the fostering of healthy relationships.

“You need support from the other end. The other parent has to be open to facilitating the relationship or else it’s not going to happen,” said Phillip Pandy, a SQ resident and father of three. Pandy credits his wife for helping him maintain a great connection with their two daughters over the course of 16 years of incarceration.

Growth and maturity is also a common theme amongst the active fathers at San Quentin.

“I wasn’t always the best father I could be because I was selfish and didn’t put my kids and family first,” said Pandy, who admited that maturity has come through hard work, time, and experience. He is now focused on maintaining the healthy communication he has with his daughters while instilling the life lessons that will help them be successful.

“I never lie to my daughters, and I teach them to always use their voice in the world,” said Pandy.

Shepard facilitates a parenting program called Parenting Through R1 so men can learn skills and healthy methods to approach parenthood.

“My goal is to provide men with the tools to enable them to be better fathers and grandfathers,” said Shepard.

Many men at San Quentin have learned that no matter how difficult incarceration can be on families, being a parent is still possible. Through growth, determination, and patience incarcerated fathers can still have a positive impact on their childrens’ lives.

“I’m proud of my kids because they have accomplished all of their goals without me being there,” said Sams, who urges fathers to “never give up” and remember to listen to their kids.