What do I need to know?
We’ve done all the homework necessary to get you to and from prison so you won’t have to waste time online. Also included here is all the information you’ll need about the event—like what you can’t bring in to prison, the schedule and so on.
When is Graduation?
Friday, February 23, 2024
Family check-in is from 1-2p. The ceremony itself will start by 3p and will last approximately 75 minutes. Afterward, you may enjoy something to eat and drink together, take some pictures and visit until around 5p. (This does not count against regular visitation.)
What is the dress code?
We will have a number of male business executives attending graduation dressed in suits and ties, while female executives will be dressed in a business suit (nice pair of pants, a blouse and a blazer). We encourage family members to keep this in mind when selecting an outfit. However, we are NOT asking anyone to go shopping for an event that lasts one afternoon, so if you do not own business professional attire, here some guidelines:
- DO NOT WEAR ALL-WHITE CLOTHING OR WHITE TENNIS SHOES.
- Please wear the nicest pair of pants you own (NO HOLES) and a nice top (more than a t-shirt/no cleavage or belly showing); ladies can also wear long skirts or dresses (at least mid-calf).
- No sleeveless tops or any sheer (see-through) material allowed. Any form of clothing where knees are showing when seated is prohibited.
- Closed-toed shoes are preferred; open-toed shoes are acceptable, as long as they are not flip-flops.
- Ladies, please remember that this is an all-male prison … so for everyone’s sake, please do not wear skin-tight clothing that leaves nothing to other inmates’ imagination.
- QUICK CHECK: sit down in your graduation outfit of choice – if you can see your knees, pick another outfit please!
Where is it?
Sanders “Sandy” Estes Unit 1100 Hwy 1807 Venus, TX 76084 (972) 366-3334
Lodging Recommendations
We recommend staying at the Alvarado’s Comfort Inn & Suites 400 Village Park Drive Alvarado, TX 76009 (817) 783-2900.
Where do I park?
When you arrive at the Estes Unit, park anywhere in the parking lot, except in the reserved spaces. Lock your car—unlocked vehicles on TDCJ property will be towed. As a reminder, you may stand in line at the front door up to 5 minutes prior to your assigned check-in time. If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact your Family Liaison ASAP by filling out the fields at the bottom of this page.
What can I bring?
Bring
– Car keys – Driver’s license, state ID or passport.
Do Not Bring
– Cell phone, pager, smart watch or any internet-enabled device (This is a felony in Texas!)
– Wallet, purse or briefcase
– Cash, coins or stamps
– Business cards
– Firearms or weapons – those with a license to carry must ensure unloaded firearm is double-locked inside vehicle
– Tobacco products
– Camera
– Balloons, gifts or cards
– Medication – if you need to take medication during your visit, please notify us so we can make appropriate arrangements
– Anything else not pre-approved by PEP staff
What is my role?
You are here to celebrate this remarkable achievement in the life of your loved one! Each graduate has labored toward this goal for months — and only the strongest have made it through! These men have formed a unique bond while in prison, and they have each carried one another through the immense challenges presented by both life in prison and the experience of our Business Plan Competition. Please share in the joy of our community and applaud everyone’s accomplishments. Sadly, there will be some men whose families could not – or would not – join them for this special day. While you are obviously here for your loved one, we hope you’ll take some time to meet these PEP brothers and learn about all that they have experienced together.