Buddhist Prisoner who started Folsom Sangha, being relased on parole in Berkeley

One of the members of our Folsom Prison Sangha will be paroled soon. He is from Berkeley and he said he will return there. He is the reason we have a Sangha at California State Prison, Sacramento. He petitioned for Buddhist Services. He has practiced Tibetan Buddhism on his own for ten years, and we have been a sangha in that facility for three years now. Joel has been incarcerated for 21 years. To quote his letter to me, "I will have been in prison for 21 straight years. I am so frightened. I don't want to think about it. But I'm going to need some serious help." What resources can I refer him to? He wants to be part of a sangha when he is released, to continue his study and meditation. He also needs the mundane resources of a job, apartment, etc. Any help or advise is appreciated. I will be visiting him at Folsom on May 6 and would like to be able to provide some solid advise.
With a bow. Diane

Tags: Folsom, inmate, release, resources

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Permalink Reply by L.J. Davis on July 16, 2008 at 1:22pm
Dear Genko Blackman: Joel won’t be released for several years. There was a little mixup about this. So he has not been released but I know he appreciates your response. I will send it to him. Many thanks, Linda Davis (Joel’s mom)
Permalink Reply by Diane Wilde on July 16, 2008 at 2:07pm
Dear Genko and others who were interested in helping Joel upon his release. Linda explained the situation. Joel is not being released anytime soon, I am sorry to say. Thanks for all you advise and wishes for Joel.
Diane
Permalink Reply by Genko Blackman on July 16, 2008 at 4:06pm
Thank you for the update. Linda, when you pass these messages on to your son, please let him know that he has the support of all of us whether he is inside or released. I hope he is able to tap into some of that energy.

Genko
Permalink Reply by mary riechers on August 1, 2008 at 6:40pm
Hope this is timely!
General Program Classes

Mondays in Berkeley
7:00-8:30pm

Chochmat HaLev
2215 Prince Street (at Fulton), Berkeley
with Buddhist Teacher, Bee Uytiepo

These drop-in meditation classes consist of a talk, guided meditation and a chance for questions and answers. Each talk is a part of a series, yet is self-contained. This means that you can drop in at any point and still feel that you have something worthwhile to take home with you. Each month we present a different series of classes.

Visit: http://www.kadampas.org/pages/berkeleyclasses.php

Everyone welcome!
Permalink Reply by mary riechers on March 28, 2009 at 3:20pm
Hi,
Look into http://www.kadampas.org/

This is Tibetan Buddhism for the 21st century designed for all of us. Everyone is welcome. You can also help him get Buddhist books free by contacting:

Tharpa Publications USA
PO Box 430
47 Sweeney Rd.
Glen Spey, NY 12737, USA

Tel: +1 845-856-5102
Toll-free: +1 888-741-3475
Fax: +1 845-856-2110
Email: info.us@tharpa.com
Permalink Reply by L.J. Davis on March 28, 2009 at 8:01pm
Thank you so much. I am printing out this information and sending it to Joel. I know he will appreciate it. Thanks again, Linda Davis
Permalink Reply by Mark Maxey on March 28, 2009 at 7:33pm
also some community programs are listed state by state on this website

http://www.rjcusa.org/about_us.htm

hope this helps.
Permalink Reply by L.J. Davis on March 28, 2009 at 8:02pm
Thank you! I am printing out this information and sending it on to Joel. It means a lot for him to know what support systems might be available to him when he is released. Linda Davis
Permalink Reply by EG on December 6, 2010 at 8:18pm
The bay area is relatively rich with resources. I'm only now getting plugged into what might be accessible. I was delighted to see the resources listed on the PDN website (& there are so many more!)

For very practical items whether being released to be w/ family or independent:

One of the best resources I'm aware of is BOSS (Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency) - http://www.self-sufficiency.org/

I've heard enthusiastic words about, but have no personal experience with Project Homeless Connect, which I've been told is a great resource for plugging in to /services/ (be ye homeless or no). http://www.projecthomelessconnect.com/

I also hear good things about Options Recovery Services: http://www.optionsrecovery.org/ (if 'recovery' is a part of the struggle)

Oakland has a pretty good work-training program run by the city & the department of labor -- you have to be "of a certain age" to participate, but if you've been 'away' for 21... you might be of that age (I don't know what the cut off is) -- look up ASSETS sr. employment program: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/DHS/s/SAD/OAK022069

As for the Tibetan Buddhists, you kinda can't miss 'em. Someone already mentioned Shambhala. There's also the Nyingma Institute (http://www.nyingmainstitute.com/) -- I'm not so familiar w/ the Tibetan Lineages but that could be a pretty good start!

I'm happy to see the already collected list of resources on the PDN website. I'd like to see more resources.

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