We could not do it without you. Thanks to our donors, volunteers, and others who supported us during the past year. Here’s hoping for a 2022 that brings us all good health, success, and a sense of normalcy!

Thank you to the following supporters because of whom we were able to assist the children and families we serve throughout the year during the December holidays:

  • Good +Foundation
  • Pasadena Community Foundation/Yes, Virginia Fund
  • Spark of Love, Pasadena Fire Department
  • Children’s Center, Encino Presbyterian Church
  • Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church
  • W. Elizabeth Watts, C.P.A.
  • Hannah Almstead
  • Melvin Sacks, Attorney-at-Law
  • Jamie Tullo
  • Carolyn P. Harris
  • New Guinea Travel
  • United Methodist Women, Northridge
  • Demaris Koenig
  • Mary Anne Amitin

Because of you, we . . .

  • Distributed toys and $15 gift cards to 277 children to purchase toys
  • Distributed $25 or $50 gift cards (depending on family size) to 297 families so they could purchase food

“Love isn’t love until you give it away.”

FACES 2021

Thanks to all who spent a fun and engaging afternoon with us for FACES! We also send our appreciation to Congresswoman Judy Chu and her assistant, Lindsay Plake, for creating a video message especially for the day (see below), our clients who shared their stories of transformation and how Friends Outside LA helped to make it possible, the talents of our emcee, Liz Watts (Liz Watts and Company), the amazing magic of Brian Ochab, International Magic Champion, the interviewing skills of Susanne Whatley (Host, 89.3 KPCC Morning Edition), and, finally, to the person behind the scene who made sure the day went off without a hitch, Marlene McCurtis (Persimmon Productions).

Caring is Contagious is a short fundraising film highlighting the pioneering work FOLA has done for almost fifty years serving the needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Several clients and staff members are featured in the film as well as FOLA’s executive director, Mary Weaver. See how our caring ripples forward and restores hope. fola_paypal-button *All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Why I Give – Giving Tuesday

    A friend of mine brought me to be a guest speaker as part of an arts program at a prison in Oregon.

  • 2021 Year End Report

    2021 Year End Report – Friends Outside Los Angeles County

  • New Publication – Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses

    Friends Outside Los Angeles County is pleased to announce the release of its publication, “Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Offenses.” Written in partnership with two researchers, Luis Barrera Castanon, Ph.D., and Marco Murillo, Ph.D., the publication is our final report that to the project funder, the California Workforce Development Board.

  • Fatherhood Project

    We are excited to announce the return of our reentry fatherhood program, the Dads Back! Academy F.I.R.E.!

  • FOLA Stands Against Hate

    I am using this space to condemn racism of all kinds.  I hope that everyone who reads this post will take a moment to ask what they can do in defense of these appalling acts.