Dear Community!
Blessed Veteran's Day!
Sometimes the most important chapter of our story is the one we are just beginning to write.
For Jacque Baskin and Ivan Gonzalez, coming home has opened a new chapter shaped by education, community, personal growth, and the desire to give back.
At this month’s Excell Network Breakfast, they will share what it means to start over, accept the support of others, and begin building a future with purpose.
Please join us on November 14 and November 21 as Jacque and Ivan 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
Blessed Veteran's Day!
Sometimes the most important chapter of our story is the one we are just beginning to write.
For Jacque Baskin and Ivan Gonzalez, coming home has opened a new chapter shaped by education, community, personal growth, and the desire to give back.
At this month’s Excell Network Breakfast, they will share what it means to start over, accept the support of others, and begin building a future with purpose.
Please join us on November 14 and November 21 as Jacque and Ivan 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
Jacque Baskin
After serving 31 years, Jacque Baskin is embracing his second chance with gratitude and a desire to serve others.While incarcerated, Jacque Baskin began pursuing higher education. Today, he is continuing his studies in sociology while preparing for a career in counseling and human services.
An important part of his reentry journey has been discovering the value of community and support. Through CROP Organization's Ready 4 Life program, he is participating in leadership development, financial literacy, digital skills training, career preparation, and vocational training.
Jacque Baskin hopes to use his life experiences to serve others. As he continues his education and prepares for a career in counseling, he hopes to help younger people navigate challenges, make positive choices, and build healthier futures.
His journey is one of reflection, growth, education, and learning to embrace a second chance.
“A second chance means more than coming home. It means choosing to grow, continuing my education, and using what I have learned to help someone else find a better path”
Ivan Gonzalez
Ivan Gonzalez is also beginning again, this time with a new understanding of the importance of community.
Following his release, Ivan Gonzalez made an intentional decision to separate himself from the environment and patterns that had shaped much of his earlier life. Through CROP Organization, he found mentors, peers, and a supportive community that have helped him see new possibilities for his future.
One of the most significant lessons in his life has been learning that asking for help and accepting support can be part of becoming stronger. Mentorship, peer support, recovery resources, and community are helping him build a different foundation for his life.
Ivan Gonzalez is pursuing the Peer Support Specialist pathway and hopes to continue his education toward certification. He especially wants to encourage younger people who may feel trapped or unable to imagine a different future.
His message is simple but powerful: change is possible when we are willing to pursue it and allow others to walk with us.
Ivan Gonzalez is also beginning again, this time with a new understanding of the importance of community.
Following his release, Ivan Gonzalez made an intentional decision to separate himself from the environment and patterns that had shaped much of his earlier life. Through CROP Organization, he found mentors, peers, and a supportive community that have helped him see new possibilities for his future.
One of the most significant lessons in his life has been learning that asking for help and accepting support can be part of becoming stronger. Mentorship, peer support, recovery resources, and community are helping him build a different foundation for his life.
Ivan Gonzalez is pursuing the Peer Support Specialist pathway and hopes to continue his education toward certification. He especially wants to encourage younger people who may feel trapped or unable to imagine a different future.
His message is simple but powerful: change is possible when we are willing to pursue it and allow others to walk with us.
I’m learning that I don’t have to do this alone. Asking for help, accepting support, and surrounding myself with people who want to see me succeed have shown me that change really is possible.
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.
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 |