Prisoner Testimonials

Here are few words from prisoners that have gone through our program:

Former Prisoner Michael

"In my opinion, the program has thrown a pontoon to a bunch of swimmers who do not believe they're going to make it 'cause they can't see the shore. I am very grateful to all of those who spend their valuable time with us."

Former Prisoner Joseph

"My name is Joseph. I arrived in H-unit in May 2004. I entered the Success dorm in hopes of a chance in changing and bettering myself. I took as many classes as were available to me, to help obtain my goals..."

Former Prisoner Richard

"I hope you remember me? I was in several of your classes before moving to the Firehouse. I've been out about 5 months now and I'm doing great..."

James Fox (IPP Yoga Teacher) talk with ex-inmate Patrick Seymore

"Life aint easy on the streets, but you can do it..."
A conversation with Patrick Seymore, who left the Success Program 2 years ago.

Letter from former inmate to Success Dorm

"Just a few lines to inspire and give hope because I was in exactly the same spot as you all are. After 8 years of incarceration, I'm happy to share that life is good and that freedom is the greatest gift we have!..."

Former Prisoner Jon

"Things have been going great, I have been out for a month now, and everything has gone smoothly...I just wanted to let you know that the Meditation classes, Katargeo, Substance Abuse classes has helped me adjust and get my life together. I'm going to AA meetings and meditation classes in Santa Cruz and things could not be better...IPP helped me attain the tools I need to get on with my life, now it's alot of work but worth every minute of it. I have never known the peace of mind that I have today. I like who I see in the mirror today. And I just wanted to let you know that the work you're doing there at San Quentin can change lives."

Former Prisoner James

"I've learned about early warning signs and about recognizing when I am about to get into trouble-and then how to come back to myself. This stuff really works; I know what to do because I have choices now..."

Former Prisoner Allen

"Let me start off by saying everything is going as good as can be expected for my first couple of weeks being out. I'd really like to thank everyone who participated in our Katargeo group with their heart, because you definitely touched mine."

Former Prisoner Don

"It has meant so much to me to be part of the Katargeo Group...Some of the things said there stayed with me for a long time. I had to start being honest. I had to take off the mask I showed everybody. When I spoke up in class, I knew that without a doubt in my mind that I needed recovery and couldn't do it alone. I never want to see the inside of H-Unit again. No Thanks! Recovery is a blessing, I appreciate that Katargeo was there."

Former Prisoner Donald

" I look forward each Wednesday to seeing facilitators Jacques and Bill. These two men give me the feeling of belonging and that I am worthy. IPP has given me the ability to think, to pause and come up with a decision which could be a life changing one. It has given me the ability to witness my feelings and emotions and to understand I can experience them and not react but respond.
I hope and pray your program will be a lasting part of San Quentin and spread to other prisons."

Current Prisoner Phillip

"I can't believe that I finally got a date. Even if Governor Davis overturns the Board's decision, which he does with almost every lifer because of his 'tough on crime' stance, it will only be two or three years before I will be free. That is nothing compared to what I could be looking at if I hadn't been found suitable. And that's a walk in the park after doing fifteen years not knowing if I would ever get out...I will be a shining example of a lifer that gets out, not only doesn't break any law ever again, but I will be an asset to my community. Maybe working with Man Alive; or with troubled youth to help them through whatever challenges they may face, starting with my own two sons!"

A Crime Victim's Story

Crime victims can find healing for themselves, and in the process help bring sobering new realizations to offenders to assist in their self-rehabilitation. This is Christopher's Gifts, the story of Radha Stern, the mother of 21 year old Christopher who was shot to death by his roommate in an argument over the dishes... and her encounter with the men in IPP's Katargeo class.