Friends Outside in Los Angeles County has a proud tradition of presenting events that inform, inspire, and create community. We are grateful to the many community members and partners who have been part of these successes over the years. Here are some moments captured from our past events.
Faces 2024: The Seeds We Sow
See event highlights on YouTube:
Introduction and Welcome by Jackie Goldberg, LAUSD Board Member
Liz Watts on the Impact of Volunteering at FOLA
Participant Panel, moderated by Susanne Whatley
Staff Awards, presented by Mary Weaver
From Tragedy to Transformation: The Impact of Friends Outside’s Jail Visitation Project
Reentry Against the Odds, 2023, Registrants, Day One
Funded by a grant from the California Workforce Development Board, Reentry Against the Odds, 2023, focuses on registrants (“sex offenders”), a subset of the reentry population which has been largely overlooked in society’s efforts to move society from tough on crime policies to smart on crime policies. Day one includes attorney Janice Bellucci who provides a history of the law in this area, explains common myths about registrants, and discusses important recent changes to California’s state registry. You will hear from registrants themselves who share the challenges in their lives and how they think the therapy they receive could be modified for greater healing.
View the presentation on YouTube
Day Two
Day two of Reentry Against the Odds, 2023, includes keys findings by researchers Drs. Barrera-Castanon and Murillo. Research about registrants is inadequate and a major reason why facts about them are largely unknown, thus enabling the myths about them to be perpetuated. The final presentation from the Ahimsa Collective receives rave reviews. Their restorative justice approach responds to harm in ways that fosters wholeness for everyone.
View the presentation on YouTube
Golden Anniversary: 50 Years of Transforming Lives
Celebrating our Golden Anniversary, “50 Years of Transforming Lives” shares four success stories that are guaranteed to touch your hearts! You will also hear from the President of the Board and Executive Director along with esteemed Superior Court Judge Terry Smerling about why our work is important and has lasted for five decades. Enjoy!