Dear Community!
October is a time to celebrate growth, perseverance, and the power of second chances. As part of the Excell Network Speaker Series, we are honored to welcome two individuals whose journeys reflect the transformative impact of faith, education, personal accountability, and community support.
Through their stories, Jesse Cornish and Tyun Dodson remind us that the future is not defined by our past, but by the choices we make and the hope we embrace each day.
Please join us on October 17 and October 24 as Tyun and Jesse 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
October is a time to celebrate growth, perseverance, and the power of second chances. As part of the Excell Network Speaker Series, we are honored to welcome two individuals whose journeys reflect the transformative impact of faith, education, personal accountability, and community support.
Through their stories, Jesse Cornish and Tyun Dodson remind us that the future is not defined by our past, but by the choices we make and the hope we embrace each day.
Please join us on October 17 and October 24 as Tyun and Jesse 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
Tyun Dodson
Tyun Dodson's journey is one of profound transformation. After serving more than three decades in prison, he began questioning the life he was living and the legacy he hoped to leave behind. Through faith, mentorship, education, and self-reflection, he embraced a new path centered on authenticity, accountability, and service to others.
Tyun has earned an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology and Counseling, become a certified Peer Support Specialist, and dedicated himself to helping others navigate recovery and reentry. He is currently continuing his education through the CROP Ready 4 Life Program and pursuing certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling. Today, he uses both his lived experience and professional training to encourage others and demonstrate that meaningful change is possible.
A defining part of Tyun's story is his commitment to helping others avoid the mistakes he once made. Having experienced the power of mentorship, forgiveness, and personal growth, he now invests those same gifts in the lives of others. Through peer support, counseling, and community engagement, he hopes to help individuals discover hope, healing, and the confidence needed to build a new future. Tyun was released from prison August 4, 2026.
Tyun Dodson's journey is one of profound transformation. After serving more than three decades in prison, he began questioning the life he was living and the legacy he hoped to leave behind. Through faith, mentorship, education, and self-reflection, he embraced a new path centered on authenticity, accountability, and service to others.
Tyun has earned an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology and Counseling, become a certified Peer Support Specialist, and dedicated himself to helping others navigate recovery and reentry. He is currently continuing his education through the CROP Ready 4 Life Program and pursuing certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling. Today, he uses both his lived experience and professional training to encourage others and demonstrate that meaningful change is possible.
A defining part of Tyun's story is his commitment to helping others avoid the mistakes he once made. Having experienced the power of mentorship, forgiveness, and personal growth, he now invests those same gifts in the lives of others. Through peer support, counseling, and community engagement, he hopes to help individuals discover hope, healing, and the confidence needed to build a new future. Tyun was released from prison August 4, 2026.
“Today I am free to be myself. I value authenticity and am focused on building a future grounded in purpose, faith, and doing good.”
Jesse Cornish
After years of incarceration, Jesse Cornish made the decision to change the direction of his life. Through faith, personal reflection, and a commitment to growth, he began building a future focused on opportunity rather than limitations. A key turning point came when someone encouraged him to start reading, thinking, and praying, planting seeds that would eventually transform his outlook on life.
Today, Jesse is participating in the CROP Ready 4 Life Program, where he is developing leadership, financial literacy, digital skills, and vocational training. He has earned associate degrees in Psychology and Liberal Arts and hopes to one day start his own highway paving business. His favorite prayer, "Be still and know that I am God," continues to guide him as he moves forward with faith and purpose.
What stands out most about Jesse is his determination to build a stable and productive future despite the challenges of reentry. He recognizes that success requires patience, discipline, and continual learning. Through education, workforce development, and personal accountability, he is creating a foundation for long-term success while demonstrating that change is possible at any stage of life. Jesse was released from prison May 4, 2026.
After years of incarceration, Jesse Cornish made the decision to change the direction of his life. Through faith, personal reflection, and a commitment to growth, he began building a future focused on opportunity rather than limitations. A key turning point came when someone encouraged him to start reading, thinking, and praying, planting seeds that would eventually transform his outlook on life.
Today, Jesse is participating in the CROP Ready 4 Life Program, where he is developing leadership, financial literacy, digital skills, and vocational training. He has earned associate degrees in Psychology and Liberal Arts and hopes to one day start his own highway paving business. His favorite prayer, "Be still and know that I am God," continues to guide him as he moves forward with faith and purpose.
What stands out most about Jesse is his determination to build a stable and productive future despite the challenges of reentry. He recognizes that success requires patience, discipline, and continual learning. Through education, workforce development, and personal accountability, he is creating a foundation for long-term success while demonstrating that change is possible at any stage of life. Jesse was released from prison May 4, 2026.
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.
TBA: SQRC - In-Custody Reentry Resource Fair (by invitation)
Oct. 16: Manna Circle Volunteering
Nov. 3-4: Restorative Justice Webinar: Restorative Justice Month
Registration Link: 2026 Restorative Justice Webinar
Nov. 13: Personalize Thanksgiving Cards for Prisoners at San Francisco Jails
Nov. 19: Deliver Thanksgiving Meals inside San Francisco County Jails
Dec. 11: Personalize Christmas Cards & 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 |