Specialties
We are a non-profit organization which helps families, children, and incarcerated individuals cope with the trauma of arrest and incarceration.
History
Established in 1955.
Friends Outside was founded 70 years ago by Rosemary Goodenough, a Quaker woman, in San Jose, California and incubated by the Friends Service Committee. Friends Outside is a visionary, pro-active child and family advocate helping families, children and incarcerated individuals cope with the trauma of arrest and incarceration, find a new direction, and to move forward with their lives. Numerous years of experience of work with adults and young people involved in the criminal justice system have provided Friends Outside with the necessary information to address the special needs of families and children.
Meet the Manager: Michael S.
Michael Sorensen, MPA is Executive Director at Friends Outside, a statewide nonprofit supporting justice-involved individuals and families, headquartered in Stockton CA.
Michael has more than 30 years of experience as a community leader in government and nonprofits in California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon. He has led work to alleviate the pain caused by HIV and breast cancer. He has served as an advocate for healthcare services and healthcare access. He has also served the Native American community as a consultant to the National Native American HIV/AIDS Prevention Center and as an employee of the Native American Rehabilitation Association, among others. Michael has a deep commitment to equity and has chosen work that allows him to embrace this commitment daily.
Finally, Michael is a proud member of the SJC Health Commission, Stockton Rotary, a former missionary, a past Americorps VISTA volunteer, and a graduate of Portland State and Marylhurst Universities.