FRIENDS is established to provide quality of life assistance to ex-offenders prior to and upon release from custody.

Among the services offered are:

1.  Immediate (within 48-hours of release) start-up capital.  These funds are provided for acute needs such as public transportation costs, personal necessities and shelter.

2.  Immediate sources for employment while incarcerated with the guidance and counseling needed to successfully re-acclimation into the community.  Micro-Business loans will be offered to those who complete our specialized training.

3.  The aim is to reduce recidivism using a tripartite model designed to address Spirit. Soul, and Body

FRIENDS' Staff

The staff respects clients as individuals who have the right and responsibility to participate in and make decisions regarding their future employability.

•           To work in concert with ex-offenders to individually shadow, assist in obtaining and maintaining employment or entreprenuelism suited to their abilities and interest and leading to financial independence.
•           To provide individualized services to the client in an organized, planned manner and to exercise sound professional judgment in carrying out that responsibility.
•           To provide technical assistance and guidance to individuals who require it to exercise informed choices, select an appropiate business, and develop a plan of services.

                Opening Doors

An ex-offender is considered to have applied for FRIENDS' services when the following criteria has been met:

•           Completed an application or otherwise requested assistance.
•           Providing information necessary to initiate an assessment to determine eligibility and priority for assistance.

   Determining Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, a client must be an inmate 12 and 48 months prior to release, an ex-offender on Parole, a family member affected by the past criminal behavior and those accessed worthy of consideration.

FRIENDS' will continue to provide follow-up services to ensure long-term success.

FRIENDS' is excited about assisting in making a better life for men, women, and youth who have fallen through the cracks of society.

From a rocky road to a milky way is the only way.

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