Inside-Outside Circle Foundation

The Inside-Outside Circle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in California. The foundation focuses on empowering individuals who have been impacted by the justice system, including both those who are currently incarcerated and those who have been formerly incarcerated. Its mission is to provide opportunities for personal growth and community service, with the ultimate goal of reducing recidivism and all forms of violence—physical, emotional, and psychological—in prisons and communities[1][3].

History and Programs

Inside Circle, as it is commonly known, began its work in 1996 and has since offered healing circles for thousands of individuals. These circles provide a transformative environment where participants can heal, find purpose, and build meaningful lives of service. The foundation operates in 10 prisons across eight states, including three adult facilities and seven juvenile facilities[2][4].

Inside Circles

• In-Prison Programs: Inside Circle facilitates ongoing, weekly healing circles for men in Northern California prisons. These circles integrate various therapeutic elements to transform lives[4].
• Young Adult Empowerment: This program is designed for incarcerated and justice-involved youth, providing fluid life skills training to address problem behaviors and build confidence, social connections, and personal identity[4].

Bridging Programs

• Reentry Support: Inside Circle offers support during and after incarceration, helping youth transition to healthy, productive lives[2].

Impact

The organization's efforts have led to significant personal growth among participants, who have reported improved insight, empathy, accountability, and resilience. Many participants have dropped security levels within prisons, and the program has shown potential in reducing recidivism rates[2].

Partnerships and Expansion

Inside Circle collaborates with organizations like the Annie E. Casey Foundation to integrate its model into juvenile justice reform at a national level. It has also partnered with Continuity Consulting to incorporate its approach into juvenile justice systems. The foundation aims to expand its successful prison programs into the broader community, focusing on disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline and fostering a less violent society[1][2].

Leadership and Operations

Eldra Jackson III serves as a Co-Director of the Inside-Outside Circle Foundation. The organization's financial metrics are part of its broader commitment to transparency and accountability in its mission to empower system-impacted individuals[1][5].

Revenue and Financials

In 2022, the foundation reported a revenue of $874,735, supporting its extensive programmatic efforts[1].