Simon is passionate about re-entry support and criminal justice reform because he was sent to prison at the age of 16 for a crime he did not commit, spending 21 years in prison. He knows the struggles of trying to navigate obstacles as an ex-con. Fortunately, he has had good friends to give support along the way, including when he was looking for a job, and when he needed advocates to help when he faced deportation. Today, Simon runs BAFC alongside his friends and allies, balancing his advocacy while he continues to work as a software engineer for a start-up. here

Terry currently works at a nonprofit organization outreaching the AAPI community. He is inquisitive, like challenges, and is not afraid to learn new things. This is why he transitioned from his former career as a designer/builder. Though he does not possess all the required skill sets to assist people in need, it sustains his passion and drive. Terry met Simon five years ago and from there, his dreams started a movement that has led to BAFC. Along the way, Terry had many opportunities to experience the outcome of success working alongside people of similar caliber. He believes all people deserve a second chance.

Jessica is a CTO at a Bay Area tech company. She met Simon after he was released from prison, as he was starting his job search. Together, they worked on interview prep, and ultimately became coworkers when Simon joined her company as a software engineer. Since they, the two have partnered on many re-entry support initiatives, including starting BAFC. When the community identifies a need, she works to bring together resources and networks to help meet that need. In addition to working with BAFC, Jessica works to help people with records to find jobs, especially as software engineers. She has taught coding classes at San Quentin State Prison, and helped start Underdog Devs, an online community of formerly-incarcerated aspiring programmers.

Deandrea is a college student studying computer science and business ownership, focusing on investments in the technology industry. He is a formerly incarcerated individual who served 12 years and was released in January of 2022. He was a facilitator of a financial literacy program at Old Folsom State Prison and over his years of incarceration facilitated numerous programs dealing with reentry. He is dedicated to helping those in need through financial literacy education.

Alan achieved his BA in Social Science from SJSU through a Pell Grant, and became a Crisis Intervention Advocate counselor via Brother’s Keepers while incarcerated. In 2018, he was paroled after 35 years. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer. BAFC was there through Alan’s entire fight with cancer. He joined BAFC in 2020, as one of the first residents of the re-entry house, and with BAFC support, he was able to beat cancer, move into his own apartment, and find a job. He works to pay forward the kindness from the BAFC community and help others achieve the same success.

Allisa served 23 years in the California Department of Corrections, from age 17 to 40. Having been incarcerated, and having faced all the challenges of returning to society, she brings a unique insight to BAFC. Since her release, Allisa has worked to build a network of individuals and traditional service providers. She met Simon through her work with Green Life via the Earth Island Institute and learned about Freedom House clients delivering healthy food options from the Ahimsa Collective. She went on to join BAFC, because she is passionate about helping recently released individuals reach their optimal success. Today, she works for Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and Arsola House.

Maurice is a published poet, dancer, and musical artist. While serving time in San Quentin State Prison he was active in performing groups such as Marin Shakespeare and The Artistic Ensemble, and was a part of Forward This Production’s film crew which is operated exclusively by incarcerated men. Maurice was also a facilitator in numerous group programs that focused on rehabilitation and restorative justice. After serving 13 years in prison Maurice was released December 2021 and is looking forward to continuing his creative endeavors and collaborating with likeminded artists.