Living in a Fatherless Era

1:15 PM | Hall A
14th Annual Reentry Conference & Expo
September 18, 2026

Dear Community,

Across the United States, an estimated 18.2 million children, or one in four children, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home.

[fatherhood.org], [help.fatherhood.org]

Father absence does not determine a child's future. Children raised by single mothers, grandparents, relatives, foster parents, and other caregivers can and do thrive. Their dedication, sacrifice, and resilience deserve our respect and support.
At the same time, communities cannot ignore the challenges that may arise when children grow up without a consistent father figure, positive male mentor, or healthy model of manhood.

A Different Conversation About Reentry
Much of the conversation about reentry focuses on employment, housing, education, healthcare, and other essential services.  These resources are critical. But another question often receives less attention:

Who Is Helping Men Become Fathers When They Return Home?
For many men returning from incarceration, the journey is about finding a job or securing housing, but it is also about rebuilding relationships, restoring trust, and becoming a father, mentor, role model, and positive presence in the lives of their children.

Many are asking:

• How do I reconnect with a child who grew up while I was away?
• How do I rebuild trust after years of separation?
• How do I move from being someone my child sees on a screen to someone my child can depend on?
• How do I respond when my child is angry or reluctant to reconnect?
• How can I support the caregiver who assumed responsibility while I was incarcerated?
• How do I become the father I may never have had?
• How can I prevent my children from repeating the same cycle?

These questions are central to a family restoration and successful reentry.

Join the Conversation:

• Fatherhood and Parental Incarceration
• Reconnecting After Incarceration
• Healthy Fatherhood and Manhood
• Mentorship and Community Responsibility
• Breaking Generational Cycles

Moderator

Reverend Dr. Stewart Perrilliat, Sr. 
Founder and Executive Director
Man 2 Man, Urban Youth Advocate, Inc.

Reverend Dr. Stewart Perrilliat, Sr. has dedicated his work to mentoring young people, strengthening families, and helping men develop the discipline, relationships, and sense of purpose necessary to become positive leaders.
He will guide this important conversation about fatherhood, mentorship, accountability, family restoration, and the responsibility communities share for the well-being of the next generation.Honorable Judge Gail Brewster Bereola
(Retired Judge)

Judge Gail Brewster Bereola will bring a judicial and community perspective to the discussion of accountability, rehabilitation, family stability, and the long-term effects of justice-system involvement on parents and children.

Reverend Floyd Thompkins Jr. 
Pastor

Reverend Floyd Thompkins Jr. will offer a faith-based perspective on fatherhood, reconciliation, character, spiritual leadership, and the role faith communities can play in accompanying families affected by incarceration.

Dr. Flor-Mari Crisostomo, PhD
Behavioral Scientist

Reentry, Systems Change and Human Resilience
Dr. Flor-Mari Crisostomo will explore resilience, identity, relationships, and the social and behavioral factors that can help individuals and families interrupt generational patterns and create healthier futures.

Ron Klinger
Nurse
Partnership Health Plan of California

Ron Klinger will contribute a healthcare perspective to the conversation, considering the connection between family relationships, emotional and physical well-being, community stability, and successful reintegration.

Jonathan Lamons
In-House Paralegal

Man 2 Man, Urban Youth Advocate, Inc.
Jonathan Lamons will offer insight into advocacy, legal and community support, and the importance of helping individuals navigate barriers while assuming responsibility for their future and their families.

David Bishop
Lead Painter
City of Oakland Department of Transportation

David Bishop will share a workforce and community perspective on responsibility, perseverance, meaningful employment, and the role personal growth can play in strengthening families.

www.sfarch.org/reentryconference-expo