Business Spotlight – Friends Outside: Creating Second Chances for Families and Communities

Founded in 1955, Friends Outside is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals, their families, and communities throughout California. Based in Stockton, Friends Outside strives to break the cycle of incarceration by offering a range of vital services aimed at improving family connections, reducing recidivism, and aiding reintegration.

Mission & Impact

Friends Outside's mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. They provide support for families navigating the justice system, particularly children impacted by parental incarceration. The organization offers an array of practical services—from family liaison programs to emergency clothing for visitors—ensuring that family bonds are maintained during incarceration. By fostering these connections, Friends Outside helps mitigate the trauma of separation and works to reduce the likelihood of re-offense, contributing to healthier communities overall.

Unique Services

Friends Outside provides critical services that address both the immediate and long-term needs of families affected by incarceration. Their programs emphasize family unity, emotional support, and the transition back into society for incarcerated individuals. Notable offerings include:

• Visitor Centers: Located on prison grounds, these centers provide essential resources like rule-compliant clothing, emergency child care, and guidance for family members visiting incarcerated loved ones.
• Family Liaison Services: Helping the incarcerated stay in contact with loved ones, prepare for release, and build prosocial skills.
• Reentry Assistance: Providing crucial support for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration, helping them rebuild their lives.
• Advocacy & Education: Advocating for policy changes that support families impacted by incarceration.

Reasons to Reach Out to Friends Outside:

• Family liaison services that keep families connected to their incarcerated loved one.
• Resources like emergency clothing for visitors who, without it would have their visit canceled.
• Reentry programs to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate and remain free.
• Advocacy for legislative changes to support the family bond.

Community Involvement

Friends Outside is deeply embedded in its local community, actively working to reduce the generational impacts of incarceration. They partner with various agencies to support children whose parents are incarcerated, offering them stability and resources. Their contributions to public awareness and advocacy around criminal justice reform are critical to reshaping policies that affect families long after a sentence has been served.

With a compassionate, family-focused approach, Friends Outside continues to make an invaluable difference for families affected by incarceration—offering them hope, support, and second chances.

For more information, visit their website or connect with them on social media through Facebook and LinkedIn.