San Quentin Archives • Love Does

Love Does Scholarships Awarded Inside San Quentin

Love Does — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:25:03 +0000

Last week, we had the honor of awarding six college scholarships inside San Quentin to an incredible group of men. The Love Does Scholarships are more than just financial support, they remind us that education can open new doors of opportunity. They affirm that, no matter where we are, our stories are still unfolding and some of the best chapters are yet to be written.

One recipient couldn’t attend the ceremony, so a friend delivered his certificate back to his cell. Overcome with emotion, he said, “I thought God had forgotten about me. I didn’t think I was worthy.”

Another recipient shared, “thank you again for the scholarship, it was a true blessing and I’m inspired to use it to help other people and make a difference. I want to build this country up, and help the community while doing it.”

And lastly, an incarcerated person who is pursuing work in the Deaf community, said, “I thank you for believing in my mission and encouraging me to dream big. Forevermore, my work in ASL interpreting and Deaf education will be embedded with the DNA of Love Does.”

These stories are a powerful reminder that when we show up with love, hope multiplies.

Watch this video to check out all of our programs at San Quentin!

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-The Love Does Team

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Celebrating 50 Graduates from the Dream Big Program!

Love Does — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 21:28:01 +0000

We’re thrilled to share an incredible milestone with you—50 students from the Dream Big program at San Quentin graduated!

We couldn’t be more proud of these inspiring individuals who’ve embraced this journey with courage and determination.

During the celebration, we had the joy of honoring our scholarship winners, recognizing their hard work and vision for the future. We were so happy to connect with those who are part of our Christmas gift program. We had the privilege of sharing the gifts we are giving their kids and family members on their behalf, so they can know exactly what their loved ones will receive from them this Christmas. It was a beautiful way to bring hope and joy to the holiday season!

Our team celebrated Oak and Michelle, San Quentin’s chief deputy warden and his wife, on their retirement. They have been working and faithfully serving the incarcerated population at San Quentin prison for many years.

None of this would be possible without your wild generosity. Thank you for standing with us and supporting this transformative program. Your support changes lives in ways we can’t fully measure.

If you’d like to learn more about the Dream Big program and the impact it’s making, check out this video:

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-The Love Does Team

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Christmas at San Quentin

Love Does — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:43:31 +0000

Next to the San Francisco Bay sits San Quentin State Prison, the oldest prison in California. Every other month, Bob Goff teaches a Dream Big class there, and we at Love Does are honored to be a part of it. Together, we tackle big questions like: Do you still have purpose? What do redemption, grace, and justice look like?

Love Does has also launched a university scholarship program for graduates of our class and is committed to funding their big dreams to serve others through love in action. Our programs bring hope, love, and dignity to incarcerated individuals and their families.

This Christmas, we’re offering the men in our program a special opportunity: to send Christmas gifts to their children, families, and loved ones. These gifts, directed by the men themselves, are a way to show their families that they are not forgotten, but cared for and loved.

Watch this video to learn more about the impact of these Christmas gifts.

Want be a part of making Christmas more special for these families?

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Check out the latest episode of The Love Does Podcast which was recorded inside San Quentin.

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-The Love Does Team

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San Quentin Update

Love Does — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 19:27:45 +0000

For the last several years, we’ve been leading teams monthly into the oldest prison in California. San Quentin is the state’s only death row, though governors have imposed a moratorium on executions since 2006. What we’ve learned through building friendships with these men and women is that they have a remarkable authenticity. They are kind, compassionate, and have worked hard to create a different life for themselves even through the confines of prison. After a year hiatus due to Covid, we’re back facilitating our Dream Big Program with them.

And just two weeks ago, we held a graduation ceremony for 34 inmates. We all hummed the Pomp and Circumstance melody while men cried who had never put on a cap and gown or graduated before. Their humility was beautiful.

We’re currently working on a scholarship program so that our friends at San Quentin can get their bachelors degrees and continue to dream big about their futures.

Thank you for loving people intentionally and being part of the Love Does family.

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