About Us

Freeman Outreach Center is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 with a mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of youth and families. Witnessing the increasing number of youth becoming involved in crime, we were compelled to take action. Our work is rooted in the belief expressed in Hebrews 12:15: “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

At the helm of Freeman Outreach Center is Ms. Candis Freeman, founder and president. Ms. Freeman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and a senior administrative professional with over 20 years of experience. Her leadership in juvenile justice reform is demonstrated through her service as the former chair of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI), which aims to build a continuum of alternatives to detention for justice-involved youth in Shelby County. She also chaired the Shelby County Government Juvenile Justice Consortium, advocating for the fair and equitable treatment of all juveniles.

Ms. Freeman is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed General Civil and Family Mediator, a member of the Memphis Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and a State of Tennessee Notary Public. A dedicated servant leader, Ms. Freeman’s community involvement includes:

*Member, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth Council

*Partner,  Memphis/Shelby County Juvenile Court Cease Fire Program

*Founder, Catering 2 Kids Summer Feeding Program, providing meals to youth

*Partnered with the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services, creating summer job opportunities for youth

*Partnered with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Bureau to lead youth-focused workshops on drug awareness, decision-making, gang prevention, and bullying

*Collaborated with TN Achieves, enabling 24 students to earn two-year tuition-free scholarships through community service

 Ms. Freeman is a committed and reliable team member who leads with professionalism and compassion. She has built trust at all levels of service, government, community, and families, and remains steadfast in her mission to uplift, empower, and guide today’s youth toward a better future.

Our mission is to empower children and families by providing compassionate support and resources that help them  effectively navigate and overcome behavioral, social, and emotional challenges, fostering resilience, healing, and long-term well being. Our comprehensive programs focus on meeting the foundational needs of the family which will strengthen the family unit as a whole and enhance lives. We are passionate about empowering families to become stronger. We hope to enhance practices that will provide optimal growth and development for parents and children.  Our target population are youth ages 13-18 who have demonstrated interest in the program and/or have behavioral problems in school, at home, or in the community