Friends Outside to honor 20 people for their successful community re-entry

A ceremony in Friday night will honor 20 people who have successfully transitioned from incarceration to community re-entry.

Friends Outside is a program of the Volunteer Center providing volunteer-based mentoring and immediate-needs services for incarcerated and released prisoners. They’ll be celebrating their clients’ success at their 5th Semi-Annual Client Recognition Ceremony in Aptos.

Friends Outside works to provide individuals with a network of rehabilitative services and other support to help them as they transition back into the community. Last year, volunteers provided more than 5,000 hours of client support and more than 1,500 jail visits for 2,500 inmates, post-release clients and their families.

Among the 80 family members and client advocates expected to attend Friday night’s event at Twin Lakes Church are Santa Cruz County Probation Staff, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, and representatives from the Sheriff’s office.