FRIENDS OUTSIDE

Description

Nearly 70 years ago, the first "friends outside" provided assistance to a woman and her children who were in need because their husband/father was in jail and could not provide for them. They were frightened, ashamed, and they didn’t know where to turn. This friend helped with food and reassurance. Then went inside the jail and encouraged that husband and father to make a better life for his family when he was released. And we showed him how. This was the beginning of Friends Outside.

Today, we are still doing the same thing.

Since 1955, Friends Outside has been a visionary, pro-active child and family advocate helping families, children and incarcerated individuals cope with the trauma of arrest and incarceration, find a new direction, and move forward with their lives. 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 people in need, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, lifestyle, or gender orientation.