The William P. Hobby Unit is a Texas prison located six miles southwest of Marlin, Texas. The facility was named after William P. Hobby, a former governor of Texas, and is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The prison is a maximum-security facility that houses female inmates, and it has a capacity of 1,990 inmates.
The William P. Hobby Unit offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. In addition, the prison has a number of hobby programs, such as arts and crafts, sewing, and gardening, to help inmates develop new skills and hobbies. The facility also has a dog training program, where inmates work with rescue dogs to help them become more adoptable.
Overall, the William P. Hobby Unit is an important correctional facility in Texas that provides a range of programs and services to help female inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society. While the prison system is often criticized for its harsh conditions and lack of rehabilitation programs, the William P. Hobby Unit is one example of a facility that is working to make a positive difference in the lives of its inmates.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,990 |
| Physical Address | 742 FM 712 Marlin, TX 76661 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 660400 Dallas, TX 75266-0400 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (254) 883-5561 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Hobby Unit: An Overview
The William P. Hobby Unit, also known as the Hobby Unit, is a women’s prison located in Marlin, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The unit is named after former Texas Governor William P. Hobby, who served from 1917 to 1921.
The facility houses female offenders of various custody levels, including minimum, medium, and maximum security. As of 2023, the unit has a capacity of 1,990 beds. The address of the facility is 742 FM 712, Marlin, TX 76661.
The Hobby Unit offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help offenders prepare for reentry into society. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. The unit also has a pre-release program that provides intensive case management and support services to help offenders successfully transition back into the community.
The unit has been subject to audits under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to ensure that it is in compliance with federal standards for preventing, detecting, and responding to sexual abuse and harassment. The most recent audit was conducted in March 2021, and the unit was found to be in compliance with PREA standards.
Inmate Information
The William P. Hobby Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison facility that houses female inmates. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,990 inmates and is located six miles southwest of Marlin, Texas. Inmates at the facility are classified according to their custody level, which ranges from G1 to G5.
The TDCJ website provides an inmate search tool that allows users to search for inmates by their TDCJ number or their last name and first initial. The search tool provides information such as the inmate’s current location, custody level, projected release date, and offense history.
Inmates at the William P. Hobby Unit are subject to a set of rules and regulations that govern their behavior while incarcerated. These rules cover a wide range of topics, including visitation, mail, phone calls, and disciplinary procedures.
The facility provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services. Inmates are also allowed to participate in hobby craft activities, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.
Overall, the William P. Hobby Unit provides a secure and structured environment for inmates of various custody levels. The facility’s programs and services are designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Facility Details
The William P. Hobby Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison located at 742 FM 712, six miles southwest of Marlin in Falls County. It has an approximate acreage of 1,500 acres and houses approximately 1,990 inmates in 24 dormitories. The facility is named after former Texas Governor William P. Hobby.
Facility operations at the Hobby Unit include manufacturing and logistics operations, unit maintenance, and facility maintenance. Inmates at the Hobby Unit are involved in various vocational programs, including automotive technology, welding, and horticulture. The facility also employs security pack canines to assist in maintaining order and security.
The Hobby Unit comprises fifteen buildings, including a medical facility, visitation area, and administrative offices. The facility has a capacity of 1,990 inmates and is staffed by approximately 400 employees. The senior warden of the Hobby Unit is Janet Harry-Dobbins.
Unit maintenance at the Hobby Unit is responsible for the upkeep and repair of the facility’s buildings and grounds. Inmates who participate in the unit maintenance program are responsible for tasks such as painting, plumbing, and electrical work.
Overall, the Hobby Unit is a well-maintained facility that provides inmates with opportunities to learn vocational skills and participate in various programs.
Educational Opportunities
The Hobby Unit offers a variety of educational opportunities to inmates to help them acquire new skills and knowledge that can be useful for their future. The educational programs offered include GED classes, adult basic education, literacy, special education, computer information systems, career and technology programs, and more.
Female inmates can also benefit from the educational opportunities provided by the Hobby Unit. The prison offers a range of programs that are specifically designed for women, such as adult basic education/ GED, career and technology programs, and automotive specialization. These programs can help women inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can be useful for their future, both inside and outside the prison.
The adult basic education program at the Hobby Unit is designed to help inmates who have not completed high school acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the GED exam. The program covers a range of subjects, including math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who complete the program and pass the GED exam can improve their chances of finding employment after their release.
The literacy program at the Hobby Unit is designed to help inmates who struggle with reading and writing. The program covers basic reading and writing skills, as well as more advanced skills such as critical thinking and analysis. Inmates who complete the program can improve their literacy skills and increase their chances of success both inside and outside the prison.
The special education program at the Hobby Unit is designed to help inmates with disabilities acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life. The program covers a range of subjects, including math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who complete the program can improve their chances of finding employment after their release.
The computer information systems program at the Hobby Unit is designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the field of computer technology. The program covers a range of subjects, including computer programming, database management, and networking. Inmates who complete the program can improve their chances of finding employment in the computer technology field after their release.
The career and technology programs at the Hobby Unit are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of careers. The programs cover a range of subjects, including business computer information systems II, automotive specialization, and more. Inmates who complete these programs can improve their chances of finding employment in their chosen field after their release.
Vocational Programs
The Hobby Unit provides a range of vocational programs to help inmates acquire job skills and certifications, increase their chances of finding employment after release, and reduce recidivism rates. These programs are designed to teach inmates about general employment skills or skills needed for specific jobs and industries.
Some of the vocational programs offered at the Hobby Unit include:
- Print shop: Inmates can learn about printing and graphic design, and gain hands-on experience in a print shop environment. This program teaches inmates about various printing techniques, including screen printing, offset printing, and digital printing.
- Restaurant management: Inmates can learn about the food service industry, including food preparation, cooking, and restaurant management. This program teaches inmates about menu planning, inventory management, customer service, and other important aspects of running a restaurant.
- Automotive brake servicing: Inmates can learn about automotive brake systems, including how to diagnose and repair brake problems. This program teaches inmates about brake system components, brake system maintenance, and brake system repair.
- Painting/decorating/design: Inmates can learn about painting and decorating, including color theory, interior design, and exterior design. This program teaches inmates about various painting techniques, including brushwork, spray painting, and stenciling.
- Vocational studies: Inmates can learn about a variety of vocational fields, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. This program teaches inmates about job skills and certifications needed for various vocational fields and provides hands-on experience in those fields.
- Design: Inmates can learn about graphic design, including typography, layout, and illustration. This program teaches inmates about various design software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Overall, these vocational programs provide inmates with valuable job skills and certifications and help reduce recidivism rates by increasing their chances of finding employment after release.
Additional Programs and Services
The William P. Hobby Unit offers a variety of additional programs and services to support the rehabilitation process of its inmates. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the tools and skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Education and Literacy Programs
The unit offers an Adult Education Program, which includes GED preparation courses, basic education, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The program is available to inmates upon availability. The unit also has a library that provides inmates with access to a wide range of reading materials.
Substance Abuse Education and Treatment
The unit offers a substance abuse education program to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills needed to avoid relapse. The program includes group therapy, individual counseling, and educational classes on the dangers of drug abuse.
Mental Health Services
The unit provides mental health services to inmates who need them. These services include individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management.
Religious and Spiritual Services
The unit has a chaplaincy program that provides inmates with religious and spiritual services. The program offers religious services, bible studies, and counseling to inmates of all faiths.
Parenting Programs
The unit offers a parenting seminar to help inmates develop the skills they need to be effective parents. The seminar covers a range of topics, including child development, discipline, and communication.
Arts and Crafts
The unit offers an arts and crafts program that allows inmates to express their creativity through painting, drawing, and other art forms. This program provides inmates with an outlet for their emotions and helps them develop valuable life skills.
Reentry Planning
The unit offers a reentry planning program that helps inmates prepare for their release. The program includes assistance with job placement, housing, and other resources needed to successfully reintegrate into society.
Volunteer Initiatives
The unit has a volunteer program that allows community members to get involved in the rehabilitation process. Volunteers can participate in a range of activities, including tutoring, mentoring, and teaching.
Peer Education
The unit offers a peer education program that allows inmates to teach each other about a range of topics, including life skills, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships.
Women’s Storybook Project
The unit participates in the Women’s Storybook Project, which allows female inmates to record themselves reading children’s books. The recordings are then sent to their children, helping to maintain bonds between mothers and their children.
Saturday Programs
The unit offers Saturday programs that provide inmates with additional opportunities for education, recreation, and socialization. These programs include sports, games, and other activities that help inmates develop social skills and build positive relationships with their peers.
Medical Services
The William P. Hobby Unit provides a range of medical services to its inmates, including ambulatory medical, dental, and mental health services. The unit is managed by the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and is equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure quality care.
Inmates can access medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all services are on a single level, including CPAP accommodating housing. The unit also provides telemedicine and digital medical services (DMS) to ensure that inmates receive prompt medical attention, regardless of their location within the facility.
The Correctional Managed Health Care Program (CMHC) at the Hobby Unit is responsible for providing basic medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates. The program is staffed by medical professionals who are trained to provide comprehensive medical care to inmates.
The CMHC program at the Hobby Unit is fully staffed with a 13-bed infirmary, including two mental health beds, to provide medical care for inmates with acute medical or mental health needs. In addition, the unit has a fully equipped dental clinic to provide dental care to inmates.
Overall, the medical services provided at the William P. Hobby Unit are comprehensive and designed to meet the medical needs of the inmate population. The unit’s commitment to providing quality medical care to inmates is evident in its use of the latest medical technology and its highly trained medical staff.
Community Work and Projects
The William P. Hobby Unit offers a range of community work programs and projects for inmates. These programs aim to provide vocational training, develop work skills, and give back to the community. Some of the initiatives offered by the unit are:
- Literacy/Education Programs: Inmates can participate in literacy and education programs to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. These programs help inmates to prepare for their future and increase their chances of finding employment once they are released.
- Substance Abuse Education: The unit offers substance abuse education programs to help inmates overcome addiction and prevent relapse. These programs provide inmates with the tools and strategies they need to manage their addiction and maintain sobriety.
- Life Skills Programs: The unit also offers life skills programs to help inmates develop essential skills that they can use to succeed in life. These programs cover topics such as financial management, communication, and problem-solving.
- Community Work Projects: Inmates can participate in community work projects to give back to the community and develop their work skills. These projects include initiatives such as park clean-ups, road maintenance, and building affordable homes for low to moderate-income families.
Before participating in any community work project, inmates must sign the Work Responsibilities Form, acknowledging their understanding of the rules and regulations. The eligibility criteria for community work programs or projects include classification as a minimum custody inmate, with a suitable work history and disciplinary record.
Overall, the community work programs and projects offered by the William P. Hobby Unit provide inmates with valuable skills and experience that can help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Inmate Funds and Visitation
The William P. Hobby Unit allows visitors to meet with inmates during designated visiting hours. Visitation hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Inmates at the William P. Hobby Unit can receive funds from family and friends to purchase items at the commissary. Funds can be sent via mail or electronically through JPay. When sending funds through mail, the sender must include the inmate’s full name and TDCJ number on the money order or cashier’s check. The funds must be made payable to the inmate and sent to the following address:
Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060It is important to note that funds sent through mail may take up to two weeks to be credited to the inmate’s account. Alternatively, funds can be sent electronically through JPay, which is a faster and more convenient option. Visitors can also deposit funds into an inmate’s account during a visit.
Inmates at the William P. Hobby Unit are allowed to have up to $100 in their account at any given time. Any funds in excess of $100 will be held in a savings account until the inmate’s release. Inmates are allowed to spend up to $60 per week at the commissary.
Overall, the William P. Hobby Unit strives to make visitation and inmate funds as accessible and convenient as possible for both inmates and their loved ones.