Congratulations, Meza! We are proud to congratulate, Meza on her new home! This is her first apartment, EVER. She had been homeless since her release until she found Friends Outside. Meza said, “Friends Outside made it all happen. I showed up to the office with literally the clothes on my back and I felt like giving up. Tone (Case Manager) was a blessing. He was always consistent and pushed me as I had doubts. He always told me – ‘Don’t Give Up!’ And those words really helped.” She has been in and out of prison all her life - almost 14 years combined. She was first incarcerated at 16 years old with the California Youth Authority. She recently served 2 years in prison and is on parole. She is on track to successfully complete her parole August 2025. She now works at Popeyes and will be receiving a promotion this summer. The barriers to finding housing after incarceration are many. Leaving prison after serving a sentence is bitter sweet. You are free but you have no money and if you have no family, you likely have no home. Friends Outside is proud to have been there for Meza and so many others. We believe in Second Chances! (fb)

Need a job in San Joaquin County/ Valley? Goodwill has several openings! (fb)