Parenting From Prison a Father's Day Event

SAN QUENTIN, CA and SOLEDAD, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 3, 2014) - On June 6^th and June 14^th, Get On The Bus, a local program that connects children with their parents serving time in prison, will bus over 330 children to San Quentin State Prison, Salinas Valley State Prison and the Correctional Training Facility to visit with their dads. Now in its 15th year, Get On The Bus provides transportation, lunch, and trained volunteers to accompany the children, plus a breakfast reception or a dinner reception provided by local community members who will be there to welcome them. In an effort to enhance public awareness of this unique program, the media is invited to cover these events between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. inside the prisons.

"Every child yearns to feel loved and connected to his or her parents. But children with parents in prison have a tough time keeping that connection," says Sr. Suzanne Jabro, Founder and Executive Director of the program.

Suzanne explained, "Get On The Bus offers these children the priceless chance for a father's hug, a family photo, a private conversation." Post-event counseling and a dinner for the return trip home are also provided. For many of these children, this will be the first time they've seen their fathers in many months. Said one 11-year-old after last year's event: "I had not seen my Dad since I was very small. I thought we'd never be together again. Now I know that I can see him and that he loves me." Press credentials are required for entry to either prison.

For San Quentin State Prison (June 6^th), please contact: Sam Robinson, (415) 342-1826, Samuel.Robinson2@cdcr.ca.gov
For CTF Soledad (June 14^th), please contact: Roland Ramon, (831) 678-5952, Roland.Ramon@cdcr.ca.gov 
For SVSP Soledad (June 14^th), please contact: Darren Chamberlain, (831) 678-5554, Darren.Chamberlain@cdcr.ca.gov

Get On The Bus is a statewide program established to unite children with their incarcerated mothers and fathers around Mother's Day and Father's Day. In 2013, Get On The Bus brought 535 families together at 12 prisons in California. For more information, please visit www.getonthebus.us.