September Greetings!
"Release is a date. Reentry is a journey. Excell Network supports that journey 365 days a year."
Every reentry journey is different, but one thing remains constant: transformation is possible when people are given the opportunity, support, and determination to build a new future.
This month, Excell Network is honored to welcome two individuals whose stories reflect the power of recovery, resilience, and personal growth. Jael Serrano and Gerry Madriz have each overcome extraordinary challenges and are now focused on education, healing, service, and creating meaningful lives beyond incarceration.
Rather than defining themselves by their past, they are choosing to be defined by the lives they are building today. Their experiences offer hope to anyone facing obstacles and serve as a reminder that lasting change is possible at any stage of life.
Please join us this Saturday as Jael and Gerry share their journeys, lessons learned, and the people, programs, and opportunities that helped them find a new path forward.
Your $20 breakfast contribution supports the Excell Network Scholarship Fund, helping justice-impacted students pursue education and career opportunities.
View all upcoming breakfast dates at www.sfarch.org/excellnetwork-breakfast
"Release is a date. Reentry is a journey. Excell Network supports that journey 365 days a year."
Every reentry journey is different, but one thing remains constant: transformation is possible when people are given the opportunity, support, and determination to build a new future.
This month, Excell Network is honored to welcome two individuals whose stories reflect the power of recovery, resilience, and personal growth. Jael Serrano and Gerry Madriz have each overcome extraordinary challenges and are now focused on education, healing, service, and creating meaningful lives beyond incarceration.
Rather than defining themselves by their past, they are choosing to be defined by the lives they are building today. Their experiences offer hope to anyone facing obstacles and serve as a reminder that lasting change is possible at any stage of life.
Please join us this Saturday as Jael and Gerry share their journeys, lessons learned, and the people, programs, and opportunities that helped them find a new path forward.
Your $20 breakfast contribution supports the Excell Network Scholarship Fund, helping justice-impacted students pursue education and career opportunities.
View all upcoming breakfast dates at www.sfarch.org/excellnetwork-breakfast
Jael Serrano
For Jael Serrano, recovery became the doorway to a new beginning.
Raised in Modesto by migrant farmworker parents, Jael struggled with addiction for many years. Despite numerous attempts to change her life, lasting recovery remained out of reach. It was during a period of incarceration that she found the opportunity to confront her addiction, embrace healing, and begin building a different future.
Today, Jael is celebrating more than five years of sobriety and is focused on rebuilding relationships, advancing her education, and creating a stable foundation for herself and her family. While incarcerated, she began taking college courses and discovered a passion for learning that continues to shape her journey today.
Jael is currently attending Chaffey College, where she is pursuing an associate degree for Transfer (AA-T) in Sociology. Her goal is to continue her education and use her lived experience to support and advocate for individuals seeking recovery, healing, and a second chance.
She currently resides at a CROP Organization residential program in Oakland and participates in the Ready 4 Life Program, where she continues to strengthen the skills and support network needed for long-term success.
In addition to her studies, Jael is pursuing training in peer support services and hopes to work alongside others who are overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives after incarceration. She believes that genuine transformation is possible when people are met with compassion, encouragement, and opportunity.
One of Jael's greatest motivations is reconnecting with her teenage daughter and restoring family relationships affected by years of addiction. Her commitment to recovery is deeply rooted in her desire to be present for her loved ones and to help create a brighter future for the next generation.
Today, Jael approaches life with gratitude, determination, and hope. Her story is a testament to the power of recovery, education, and second chances, reminding us that no past mistake is greater than a person's capacity to change and grow.
For Jael Serrano, recovery became the doorway to a new beginning.
Raised in Modesto by migrant farmworker parents, Jael struggled with addiction for many years. Despite numerous attempts to change her life, lasting recovery remained out of reach. It was during a period of incarceration that she found the opportunity to confront her addiction, embrace healing, and begin building a different future.
Today, Jael is celebrating more than five years of sobriety and is focused on rebuilding relationships, advancing her education, and creating a stable foundation for herself and her family. While incarcerated, she began taking college courses and discovered a passion for learning that continues to shape her journey today.
Jael is currently attending Chaffey College, where she is pursuing an associate degree for Transfer (AA-T) in Sociology. Her goal is to continue her education and use her lived experience to support and advocate for individuals seeking recovery, healing, and a second chance.
She currently resides at a CROP Organization residential program in Oakland and participates in the Ready 4 Life Program, where she continues to strengthen the skills and support network needed for long-term success.
In addition to her studies, Jael is pursuing training in peer support services and hopes to work alongside others who are overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives after incarceration. She believes that genuine transformation is possible when people are met with compassion, encouragement, and opportunity.
One of Jael's greatest motivations is reconnecting with her teenage daughter and restoring family relationships affected by years of addiction. Her commitment to recovery is deeply rooted in her desire to be present for her loved ones and to help create a brighter future for the next generation.
Today, Jael approaches life with gratitude, determination, and hope. Her story is a testament to the power of recovery, education, and second chances, reminding us that no past mistake is greater than a person's capacity to change and grow.
“Every
day is a second chance to become the person I was meant to be.”
Gerry Madriz
For Gerry Madriz, transformation began when he discovered that true freedom starts from within.
Growing up in San Jose amid addiction, violence, and instability, Gerry faced significant challenges from an early age. After receiving a lengthy prison sentence, he struggled with feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty about the future. Yet through education, recovery, mentorship, and a commitment to personal growth, he began a remarkable journey of transformation.
While incarcerated, Gerry dedicated himself to rehabilitation. He overcame learning barriers, became a literacy mentor, completed numerous self-help and recovery programs, studied law, and committed himself to lifelong learning. Through prayer, meditation, and service to others, he found healing, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.
Today, Gerry is living at a CROP Organization residential program in Oakland and is enrolled in the Ready 4 Life Program, where he continues building a strong foundation for his future.
Gerry is currently studying sociology while pursuing goals in business, counseling, and community leadership. His mission is simple yet powerful: to help others discover the same hope, opportunity, and inner freedom that transformed his own life.
His story reminds us that people are capable of profound change when given support, encouragement, and a second chance.
For Gerry Madriz, transformation began when he discovered that true freedom starts from within.
Growing up in San Jose amid addiction, violence, and instability, Gerry faced significant challenges from an early age. After receiving a lengthy prison sentence, he struggled with feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty about the future. Yet through education, recovery, mentorship, and a commitment to personal growth, he began a remarkable journey of transformation.
While incarcerated, Gerry dedicated himself to rehabilitation. He overcame learning barriers, became a literacy mentor, completed numerous self-help and recovery programs, studied law, and committed himself to lifelong learning. Through prayer, meditation, and service to others, he found healing, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.
Today, Gerry is living at a CROP Organization residential program in Oakland and is enrolled in the Ready 4 Life Program, where he continues building a strong foundation for his future.
Gerry is currently studying sociology while pursuing goals in business, counseling, and community leadership. His mission is simple yet powerful: to help others discover the same hope, opportunity, and inner freedom that transformed his own life.
His story reminds us that people are capable of profound change when given support, encouragement, and a second chance.
"The
first step to freedom is discovering the freedom within yourself."
______________________________________________________________
2026 EVENTS / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
2026 EVENTS / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
February - November 2026: Restorative Justice Reentry Monthly Breakfasts, visit Excell Network Breakfast - Archdiocese of San Francisco for more information.
Sep. 17: 14th Annual Reentry Conference Expo - - Setup at ADSF - Pastoral Center
Sep. 18: 14th Annual Reentry Conference Expo - Event
Oct. 14: SQRC - In-Custody Reentry Resource Fair (by invitation)
Nov. 2: Restorative Justice Webinar: Restorative Justice Month
Nov. 13: Personalize Thanksgiving Cards for Prisoners at San Francisco Jails
Nov. 19: Deliver Thanksgiving Meals inside San Francisco County Jails
Dec. 11: Prepare Christmas Cards and Treats for Prisoners at San Francisco Jails
Dec. 17: Deliver Christmas cards and treats inside San Francisco County Jails
Dec. 18-19: Volunteer at the Christmas Angels - Set Up
Dec. 20: Volunteer at the Christmas Angels - Christmas costumes are required.
Website link: sfarch.org/rjvolunteer
Warm regards,
Julio Escobar
The Archdiocese of San Francisco
Restorative Justice Ministry, a ministry of presence
1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109
Office and Fax (415) 614-5572 | Cell (415) 244-5594 |