How a Priest's Nonprofit Helps Formerly Incarcerated Men Rebuild Their Lives Through Housing and Education
By
Rufus Walker
Summary
A deeply reported feature about Rev. Zach Presutti and his nonprofit Thrive For Life, which supports formerly incarcerated men with safe housing and pathways to higher education. The article follows Italo Sanchez, who spent much of his life in and out of prison and solitary confinement, and his transformative experience at a prison spiritual retreat led by Presutti. It explores the challenges of reentry, the stigma faced by the formerly incarcerated, and how Thrive For Life provides a holistic support system — housing, community, education — to help men rebuild their lives after prison.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledHe didn't judge us. He didn't look at us like we were monsters. He looked at us like we were human beings.
I was in a bad way. I'd been in and out of lockup, first in juvie, then prison, since the age of 13.
The gathering would be more about healing the past than chanting hymns and Hail Marys.
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