Friends Outside can help in the following areas:
• Basic hygiene products and reading glasses
• Referrals for food and shelter
• Clothing and clothing vouchers
• Transportation assistance
• Assistance complying with probation terms
• Legal and criminal justice agency referrals
• Job search assistance
Re-Entry Advocacy: Comprehensive Re-entry Support and Post-Release Planning is available to AB 109 clients referred by the Santa Cruz Probation Department. Services are available both in-custody and post-release, and services include intensive reentry planning, mentoring and support for compliance with mandated supervision terms.
W.R.A.P.: The Warrant Reduction Advocacy Project a community-based alternative to incarceration. It offers probationers an opportunity to receive support and assistance to
Benefits Assistance: Benefits advocacy assists clients with assistance in accessing benefits, including:
• Food Stamps and government benefits
• Educational aid and school enrollment
• Medical insurance and other benefits to care for mental and physical health
Life Skills Workshops-Monthly Life Skills Workshops are offered to help clients and community members better reach their full potential. Professionals facilitate workshops on a variety of topics geared toward guiding participants on their journey to self-sufficiency.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Friends Outside offers various cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) curricula through referrals from the Santa Cruz Probation Department. CBT offerings focus on cognitive restructuring, social skill development, problem solving skills, and other criminogenic needs.