Congresswoman Laura Richardson Announces Grant Award of $1,212,000 to Friends Outside in Los Angeles Inc.

Statement

Today Congresswoman Laura Richardson announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Friends Outside in Los Angeles Inc. a grant in the amount of $1,212,000 to support the reinstatement of ex-offenders back into our communities.

"Friends Outside in Los Angeles or FOLA has for 40 years has been vital community partner and I look forward continuing to support the organization's ongoing work of integrating formerly incarcerated persons back into their communities. As a member of Congress I have strongly supported legislation authorizing and funding the Second Chance Act, which supports the families of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated family members," said Congresswoman Richardson.

"The Reintegration of Ex-Offender (RExO) grant is a prestigious grant, only 18 such grants are handed out per year. I am proud of the work my friends from Friends Outside in Los Angeles are doing in the Watts and Long Beach communities," said Congresswoman Richardson.

Friends Outside in Los Angeles Inc. (FOLA) which operates satellites facilities in Watts and Long Beach, has been helping families and children, and their incarcerated and formerly incarcerated family members for the past 40 years. Providing employment-focused services, occupational training that leads to industry recognized credentials in demand industries, mentoring and assistance connecting to supportive services such as housing, substance abuse programs, and mental health treatment.

"Addressing the unintentional consequences of incarceration is a must to break the cycle of recidivism and the disconnect between parents and children. Friends Outside in Los Angeles actively ameliorates the burdens that families of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated family members face. FOLA will partner with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board and churches in metropolitan Los Angeles, adding to the family community we are striving to rebuild," said Congresswoman Richardson.

"I am proud to have supported the authorization of the programs that made the funding of this grant possible," said Congresswoman Richardson.

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