FOLA Receives S. Mark Taper Foundation Grant

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Mary Weaver

Friends Outside in Los Angeles County (FOLA) is honored to announce receipt of a $50,000 general operating support grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. Grant funds will be used to update our Strategic Plan, increase board and staff capacity through trainings, and develop funding through social media. According to its website, “The S. Mark Taper Foundation, founded in 1989, is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of people’s lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their work in our communities.”

We are extremely grateful to the Foundation for its generous support.

SAVE THE DATE – SUNDAY MAY 6!

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Mary Weaver

Please Save the Date for our upcoming benefit in support of the programs and services provided by Friends Outside in Los Angeles County. Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 6, and see you there!

Season’s Greetings!

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Mary Weaver

A big thank you to all of the persons who sent donations in support of our holiday activities for children and families with incarcerated loves ones and services to them throughout the coming year!

We have raised $7,540 as of yesterday and are seeking to raise a total of $10,000 before year end. Can you help us reach this goal? I just made my donation and I hope you can make yours as well! Your tax-deductible donation can be made via PayPal through our website, www.friendsoutsidela.org, or through a check made out to “Friends Outside in Los Angeles County” and mailed to our administrative offices at 261 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste., 217, Pasadena, CA , 91101.

Thank you for your support and wishing all a safe and productive 2018!

Mary Weaver
Executive Director

Appreciation for a Most Fulfilling Year…FOLA 2017 Report Year-End

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Mary Weaver

As each year flies by more quickly than the one before it, we pause for a moment of gratitude in appreciation for a very fulfilling year. We are honored to have been selected (either as an organization or as individuals) to receive three awards just in the past six months. Click here to download the entire four page PDF of our Annual 2017 Year End Report.

Click here to read about our sponsorship levels. And click here to donate via Paypal. You may also send a check to:
Friends Outside Los Angeles County
261 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 216
Pasadena, CA 91101

FOLA Staff Member Ernest Melendrez Recipient of Harriet Tubman Award!

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Mary Weaver

Job Specialist Ernest Melendrez (Ernie) was a recent recipient of the the Harriet Tubman Distinguished Award at the inaugural Beyond the Bars LA Conference. The conference is “reserved for special individuals who have experienced incarceration and dedicated their life’s work to abolishing the current state of mass incarceration.”

Here is an excerpt from Ernie’s award letter…
“Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman, a noted abolitionist, subsequently escaped only to come back and free others trapped in slavery. It was during this time the Underground Railroad was born – a network of antislavery activists and safe houses. Tubman was a brave champion of freedom and equality, and it is in this respect that we intend to honor you and your work.”

Ernie participated in a Friends Outside in Los Angeles County (FOLA) program, Project New Start, in which FOLA was sub-contracted under the City of Los Angeles. He was offered a job with FOLA and is quickly approaching his eighth year anniversary with our organization. We are fortunate to have him on “Team FOLA” and congratulate him on this wonderful accomplishment and well-deserved recognition.

Mary Weaver, Executive Director