Rising Phoenix mural: We Believe In Second Chances.
Five Friends Outside clients stand together in front of the Rising Phoenix mural.

Support for people and families affected by incarcerationHow can we help you today?

Since 1955, Friends Outside has stood with people in California prisons, people coming home, and the families who love them. Choose what fits, or start an intake and we'll find the right team for you.

In-prison & visiting support

Visitor Centers at all 30 California state prisons help families on visiting day, and Family Liaison Specialists help people inside plan for release and stay connected to family.

In-prison services

Reentry services

Help with jobs, housing, transportation, health care and parole or probation for people coming home in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.

Reentry services

Family &
children's support

Support groups for families, letter-writing kits that help children stay in touch with a parent inside, and guidance for talking with kids about incarceration.

Family & children's support

Not sure where to start?

Answer a few questions on our secure intake form and a staff member will contact you. We never ask for Social Security, CDCR or case numbers online.

Start a secure intake
Or call(209) 955-0701

Second chances, in their own words

Marcus N. smiles while seated at a table in front of a brick wall.
Marcus N.
Once you’ve stood up, you don’t want to fall again.

Marcus N.Reentry Services, San Joaquin County

Marcus earned an associate’s degree in human behavior in prison and now studies at Delta College to become a counselor. Friends Outside helped him find an apartment, and he works full time.

Read Marcus’s story

Seven decades of keeping families connected

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70+ Years of service

Serving incarcerated and reentering people and their families since 1955.

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30 California state prisons

Friends Outside operates the Visitor Centers at all 30 state prisons.

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130+ Staff statewide

Visitor Center staff, Family Liaison Specialists and reentry case managers.

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114,350 Visitors served at Visitor Centers

Including 10,753 children who received childcare or activities during parent visits.

Coming up

Free!

Classes Nov 26, 2026

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We Believe In Second Chances: the Rising Phoenix mural artwork

Since 1955, support for people in California prisons, people coming home, and the families who love them.

Get help

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Visit or call

Main office & Resiliency Lab
1148 W. Fremont Street
Stockton, CA 95203
(209) 955-0701
info@friendsoutside.org

Stanislaus County (by appointment)
422 McHenry Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 486-0473

Mail: P.O. Box 4085, Stockton, CA 95204

© 2026 Friends Outside. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID 94-1539901.