Reentering the larger society following a prison term poses daunting challenges and restricted opportunities. For those anticipating the end of their terms, breaking down some of those barriers and opening doors to opportunities can begin prior to parole, if resources are available.

With that in mind, Mount Tamalpais College hosted a reentry resource fair in San Quentin to connect reentrants with fair-chance hiring organizations, vocational programs, educational opportunities, and housing assistance.

MTC Alumni Affairs Associate Corey McNeil said the goal is to eliminate impediments to reentry and pursue partnerships with the private sector to create a workforce and job-opportunity pipeline for justice-impacted individuals. He strongly advocates fostering relationships with organizations prior to paroling. 

SQ resident Ken Osako has experienced leaving prison without the sort of support McNeil promotes. “First time I paroled, the only resource was the $200 gate money,” Osako said. “After my release, I went into survival mode real quick and fell back into my old criminal ways.”

This time it will be different for Osako. Parole commissioners found him suitable for parole after 13 years on this term. He has served 25 years in total. “This time my success is based on my personal transformation and the availability of resources I obtained networking prior to my release,” Osako said. “Utilizing all the services out there gives me hope and optimism.”

During his incarceration, Osako obtained an associates degree, certifications through Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, and certification as a drug and alcohol counselor.

Osako recalled that parole is rife with challenges, including strict weekly check-ins, urinalysis, and economic hardships. Parolees may be subject to electronic monitoring, curfews, attending mandated groups, and unannounced visits and searches from parole agents. Other hurdles are transportation, relocation, and housing instability. Any of these requirements or issues can lead to minor, non-criminal violations, resulting in prolonged parole or re-incarceration.

Osako said when he paroled last time, he believed the parole agents looked for reasons to violate him. This time he is committed to staying actively engaged in his recovery, education, and service to others. Osako said he appreciates the higher-educational opportunities provided through the on-site college and hopes to obtain a master’s degree after release.

“A big part of my support network is the individuals that have been released from prison and been successful. I have stayed in contact with them and they will help me upon release,” he said.

The resource fair addressed some of the obstacles Osako associates with life on parole. He visited the Initiate Justice table, where he found critical information on legislation that could affect him. Another table for the Stay Out Solutions employment services could help him with a career in business ownership.

Dozens of other outside participants in the fair, many formerly incarcerated, disseminated information on program services and handed out pertinent pamphlets and business cards. Services on display included information on technical training, counseling, transportation, internships, and health and recovery resources. Workshop information on life skills and financial planning covered tables staffed by representatives from several reentry organizations.

Further offers of auxiliary support included obtaining a driver’s license, passport, real California ID, public benefits, and other community services.

Formerly incarcerated Damon Cooke, founder of The Uncuffed Project, paroled in 2022. He said that paroling after 31 years in prison was difficult and there were several barriers. “Access to the resources available [at San Quentin] is different than other prisons.”

Cooke recalled paroling with no license, no identification, and no transportation. To help make navigation from prison to freedom easier, Cooke worked to provide more resources and tools, customized to each individual’s needs. Of the current parole scenario, Cooke said, “Something is wrong. The $200 gate money today is not the same as it was in 1978.”

McNeil foresees that the kind of resources provided at the fair can also be available to incarcerated individuals digitally.

“Now with the availability of tablets, hopefully organizations will engage with CDCR to put information and resources on the tablet. Knowledge and direct interaction are critical for success upon reentry,” he said.

The Uncuffed Project

690 Walnut Ave #210

Vallejo, CA 92592

The Arrive

2021 Shoreline Dr. #1663

Alameda, CA 94501