New Welcoming Mural to be Installed on West Fremont and A Call for Input

Hope and Second Chances is the theme of a new mural to be installed at 1148 W Fremont in Stockton. Friends Outside was awarded a grant from the City of Stockton, Stockton Arts Commission to paint a mural on the West end of our headquarters building. The intention is to paint an inspiring mural using the themes of Hope and Second Chances, but the design has yet to be conceived.

As a part of our grant proposal, we said that we would ask the community to share their thoughts on these themes as inspiration for the mural's design. Friends Outside has chosen a team of three female muralists led by Naghina Khan who will consider this community input to create a design for approval and execution. “This [mural] is a great opportunity to welcome visitors and residents alike, to our city,” said Marlene Sotelo, Director of Operations and Administration. “I have lived in Stockton for 36 years and this mural will be a statement piece for the city and a proud moment for me as a long time employee of Friends Outside. I have seen what second chances did for my dad who was in and out of prison while was a kid. He now owns a successful business, a home and gets to see his grandkids grow up. I believe in second chances.”

All who participate in this project will be invited to a "street party" for the mural's unveiling, date to be determined.

Friends Outside and the muralists are asking you to offer your input on the design using this survey link.

About Friends Outside

Nearly 70 years ago, the first “friend outside” aided a woman and her children who were in need of help because their husband/father was in jail and could not provide for them. Today, we are still doing the same thing. Our mission is to offer caring, evidence-based services to adults and youth who are incarcerated, reentering the community, or are at risk, so that they, their families, and neighborhoods can be safe and thrive.

Today, Friends Outside offers services at all 30 California State Prisons, staffing Visitor Centers and providing education and reentry supports to the currently incarcerated. We also operate a Family and Friends Neighborhood Center in Stockton, providing on the ground support to those released to San Joaquin County. We gratefully acknowledge the early support we received from the Religious Society of Friends, Palo Alto Meeting, who provided us with encouragement, volunteers, space, and our founding mothers. We remember our Quaker roots and continue to strive for social justice by providing compassionate support and assistance to justice impacted people in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, lifestyle, or gender orientation.