Image by San Francisco Archdiocese
CV NEWS FEED // Nearly 1,200 people attended the 12th annual Restorative Justice Reentry Conference, Resource & Jobs Fair organized by the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Restorative Justice Ministry, which provides resources for formerly incarcerated individuals.
According to a report from the Archdiocese, the fair was held on September 13 at St. Mary of the Assumption Event Center in San Francisco and featured 160 organizations dedicated to offering “hope and a second chance” to formerly incarcerated youth and adults.
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone opened the day with a prayer, emphasizing the need for healing and reconciliation in society, according to the report.
A keynote discussion followed the prayer. It focused on the rehabilitation of incarcerated adolescents and young adults and featured a panel of community leaders including multiple judges and probation officers.
According to the report, in a notable first, directors of restorative justice ministries from eight California dioceses participated in a panel discussing the Church’s mission in this field.
“This conference plays a vital role for those transitioning from jail or prison,” Deacon Fidel Carillo Jr., the Director of Restorative Justice for the Diocese of Stockton, stated in the report. “San Francisco offers numerous resources, from education to trade services, to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the community. We urge everyone to get involved in these efforts.”
According to the report, one attendee reflected that “Hearing survivors speak about their faith journeys was amazing,” and that “We must all contribute to creating a supportive environment for all.”
