About
In December 2009, Friends Outside launched the Friends and Families Neighborhood Center (FFNC) in Stockton, California to assist formerly incarcerated people and their families in leading positive and productive lives after release. The Center is a model of carefully crafted services available pre and post release.
Utilizing a strengths-based, family-centered treatment model, the Center is designed to:
- Increase the likelihood of positive reintegration into the community,
- Successful family reunification, and
- Reduce recidivism
Current Programs at the Friends and Families Center:
Friends Outside staff provides reentry assistance to program qualified individuals that includes case management, facilitated educational and support groups, employment readiness, and housing and basic needs assistance. For needs beyond what is offered at the Center, staff will make quality referrals to supportive community services. Family members may benefit from additional programs offered by Friends Outside. The first step is to call for an intake assessment. The first step is to give us a call to talk about how we can assist you. Call (209) 955-0701 for an appointment.
Case Management and Mentoring
Center staff, after assessment, work to help make the reentry process easier where possible with an individualized plan for success. Assigned Center professionals can help those engaged in case management with the basics of reestablishing oneself. Case management plans can address:
- Employment
- GED and other education
- Housing and rental assistance
- Basic needs
- Parole/ probation compliance
- Family unity issues
- Sobriety support
- Health and mental health care access
- Anger Management
- Access to other programs through referral
- Warrant reduction efforts
- And other concerns identified by clients
Employment Readiness
Friends Outside provides employment readiness services that focus on job readiness and building employment skills. This is a free program that is available to any person in the community who has been incarcerated at any point in their life.
The program deals with typical employment seeking issues and offers a supportive avenue for individuals with a criminal record. Services include information on or assistance with:
- Resume building
- Job search assistance
- Mock interviewing
- Help explaining your record
- Communicating your needs in the workplace
- Assistance completing applications
- Referrals to specialized employment training programs
- Skill building workshops
Group Education and Support
Friends Outside offers education and support groups to those engaged in case management and in most cases to anyone in need. In groups of 3-20, in person or online, groups are facilitated by a trained professional. Groups may be open continuously or open in calendar cycles. Topics include:
- Anger Management
- Conflict management
- Parenting
- Sobriety support
- Managing a dual diagnosis
- Financial literacy
- Support while a loved one is incarcerated
Support for Children and Families
Friends Outside realizes that incarcerated individuals need connection on both sides of the prison walls. The health and wellbeing of both the incarcerated and the family is positively affected when there is connection. Reentering society requires the support of the community to be successful as well.
Support for children and families programing aims to address the unique issues that arise when a loved one is incarcerated and those experienced when the same person comes home. This support may include:
- Education about the justice system and how to stay connected
- Information and referral
- Topic specific support groups
- Inclusion in the case management plans of their loved one.