![\"Jacquin](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2026/06/jacquin-webb-reconnect-180.jpg?resize=300%2C278&ssl=1\")
Join us for our Embraced:Fully Monthly Interview Series on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Pacific) on Zoom. Everyone is welcome!
\nOur special guest will be Jacquin Webb, founder and executive director of Reconnect 180 in Carson City, Nevada. Jacquin brings both lived experience and practical program leadership to one of the hardest questions in reentry: what actually helps someone come home with direction, support, and a real chance to rebuild?
\n
After 20 years of incarceration, Jacquin came home into a world that felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. Basic questions – where to get a meal, how to apply for a driver’s license, how to use transportation, where to start – became immediate barriers. That experience shaped his commitment to make sure other people returning from incarceration do not have to face the same confusion and isolation alone.
\nOver the past five years, Jacquin has focused his work on helping people navigate reentry with dignity, clarity, and support. Through Reconnect 180, he helps connect returning citizens with resources, guidance, and community so they can rebuild their lives with purpose and hope.
\n\nReconnect 180 is a Carson City-based nonprofit working to transform the reintegration process for formerly incarcerated people. Its 90/90 focus serves people in the final 90 days of their sentence and the first 90 days after release, when preparation, practical help, and steady support can make a decisive difference.
\nThe organization addresses critical needs such as identification, employment, housing, transportation, medical care, life skills, and community support before and after release. Its work is grounded in a simple but urgent conviction: people coming home need more than encouragement; they need real tools, real relationships, and a clear path forward.
\nThis conversation is for Angel Team members, chaplains, families, volunteers, reentry partners, and anyone who wants to understand what practical, human-centered reentry support can look like when it begins before the prison gate opens.
\nJoin our mailing list to be notified about upcoming interviews and events.
\nCatch up on past interviews and inspiring stories at Embraced:Fully Videos.
\n![\"Embraced:Fully](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2025/03/embraced_fully_videos_lg.jpg?resize=600%2C454&ssl=1\")
In partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship, building bridges of hope and belonging.
\n![\"Marshall,](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2024/12/David_Byron_Marshall_cropped.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1\")
![\"Embraced](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2023/11/Embraced_Fully_Dropdown1.png?resize=800%2C481&ssl=1\")
![\"Embraced](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2023/11/Embraced_Fully_Dropdown2.png?resize=636%2C334&ssl=1\")
![\"\u2197\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2197.png\")
Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nIn this Embraced:Fully Interview Series conversation, Alfredo (Al) Cruz and Sister Mary Sean Hodges from the Partnership for Re-Entry Program (PREP) talk with David Fowler about what real parole board preparation requires: accountability, honesty, insight, community support, and the long work of preparing to come home.
\nThe replay also includes a short Ready for Reentry course clip from Carlos Vasquez near the end of the interview.
\nPrefer audio only? Use the player below, or download the MP3 for offline listening.
\n\n\nSister Mary Sean Hodges, O.P., a Dominican Sister of Mission San Jose, founded PREP after years of ministry with crime victims, incarcerated people, and their families. PREP grew out of a restorative justice vision and serves incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people through courses, parole preparation, and reentry support.
\nAlfredo (Al) Cruz was paroled in 2015 after more than 28 years of incarceration. He returned to PREP as a volunteer reviewing Spanish Insight work and later joined the staff. His work is grounded in the conviction that people who want to help themselves prepare well should have meaningful support as they work toward coming home.
\nThis interview is for Angel Team members, chaplains, families, volunteers, and anyone who wants to understand how serious preparation, community support, and spiritual growth can help open a path toward successful reentry.
\nJoin our mailing list to be notified about upcoming interviews and events.
\nCatch up on past interviews and inspiring stories at Embraced:Fully Videos.
\n
In partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship, building bridges of hope and belonging.
\n", "content_text": "In this Embraced:Fully Interview Series conversation, Alfredo (Al) Cruz and Sister Mary Sean Hodges from the Partnership for Re-Entry Program (PREP) talk with David Fowler about what real parole board preparation requires: accountability, honesty, insight, community support, and the long work of preparing to come home.\nThe replay also includes a short Ready for Reentry course clip from Carlos Vasquez near the end of the interview.\nAudio-only version\nPrefer audio only? Use the player below, or download the MP3 for offline listening.\nhttps://embracedfully.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/517/files/2026/06/prep-parole-board-interview-audio.mp3\nDownload the MP3 audio\nLinks mentioned in the interview\n\nPREP course list\nEmbraced:Fully homepage\nSubscribe for future interviews and Angel Team events\nSupport Embraced:Fully\nMore Embraced:Fully Interview Series replays\n\nIn This Interview\n\nHow PREP helps people prepare for parole hearings through correspondence courses, reflection, accountability, and practical support.\nWhat parole boards are listening for when someone speaks about responsibility, growth, remorse, and readiness.\nWhy honesty matters in the hearing room and in the years of preparation before the hearing.\nHow community can help without taking over the work that the person coming home must own.\nWhat Ready for Reentry adds to the broader preparation ecosystem for people working toward a safe and successful return.\n\nAbout Our Guests\nSister Mary Sean Hodges, O.P., a Dominican Sister of Mission San Jose, founded PREP after years of ministry with crime victims, incarcerated people, and their families. PREP grew out of a restorative justice vision and serves incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people through courses, parole preparation, and reentry support.\nAlfredo (Al) Cruz was paroled in 2015 after more than 28 years of incarceration. He returned to PREP as a volunteer reviewing Spanish Insight work and later joined the staff. His work is grounded in the conviction that people who want to help themselves prepare well should have meaningful support as they work toward coming home.\n\nThis interview is for Angel Team members, chaplains, families, volunteers, and anyone who wants to understand how serious preparation, community support, and spiritual growth can help open a path toward successful reentry.\n\nJoin our mailing list to be notified about upcoming interviews and events.\n\n\nVideo Replays\nCatch up on past interviews and inspiring stories at Embraced:Fully Videos.\n\n\nOur Mission\nIn partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship, building bridges of hope and belonging.", "date_published": "2026-05-27T12:00:30-07:00", "date_modified": "2026-06-09T20:09:48-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://embracedfully.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://embracedfully.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2026/06/revised-dark-shirt-v1.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1", "tags": [ "Embraced:Fully Interview Series", "Interviews", "Video" ], "attachments": [ { "url": "https://embracedfully.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/517/files/2026/06/prep-parole-board-interview-audio.mp3", "mime_type": "audio/mpeg", "size_in_bytes": 45270911 } ] }, { "id": "https://embracedfully.org/?p=2524", "url": "https://embracedfully.org/interview-with-michael-james/", "title": "Sentenced to 26 Years to Life \u2014 Michael James Interview [Video]", "content_html": "\nSentenced to 26 years to life, Michael James found something inside prison that he says set him free eight years before he ever came home — Christian Science. In this Embraced:Fully Interview, Michael talks with David Fowler about how a chance encounter with Science and Health rebuilt his thinking, his relationships, and his life — from a violent prison yard to Cal State LA, marriage, and a life of helping others.
\n![\"Michael](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2026/04/Michael_James.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1\")
Michael James was sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison. Today he is rebuilding a life shaped by faith, discipline, service, and purpose.
\nChristian Science played a defining role in that transformation. Michael is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at California State University, Los Angeles, working with Caltrans as a Back-Up Driver, building his car hauling business Catch a Ride Service, teaching financial literacy through Trap House Trading Academy, and developing the Community Chess Blueprint to help keep resources circulating within the community.
\nThe conversation explores what real transformation actually looks like — not as an idea, but in practice: faith, accountability, reentry, work, and building something that lasts.
\n\n\n
Catch up on past interviews and inspiring stories:
\n
In partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship — building bridges of hope and belonging.
\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nRhonda Bear shares how addiction, incarceration, faith, and community became the foundation for She Brews Coffee & Transition Program, a growing network of transitional homes, and reform work across Oklahoma.
\n![\"Rhonda](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2026/03/rhonda-bio-image.jpg?w=800&ssl=1\")
A mother, wife, daughter, sister, and former inmate 377488, Rhonda Bear has dedicated her life to restoration and breaking generational cycles. As a social worker, founder of She Brews Coffee & Transition Program, and Program Director for Stand in the Gap Ministries, she helps formerly incarcerated women rebuild their lives with dignity, structure, and purpose.
\nSince 2008, Rhonda has opened transitional housing for people leaving incarceration, beginning with a single women's house and growing into a network that now includes housing for men, women, mothers with children, and families. In Oklahoma, she has also become a leading advocate for reform, serving on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as the first formerly incarcerated person in the United States appointed to that role.
\nRhonda's work is rooted in the conviction that when a life is restored, entire families and future generations can be changed. Through highly structured programming, practical life training, faith, accountability, and community, she continues to help women move from survival to lasting transformation.
\n\n\n
Catch up on past interviews and inspiring stories:
\n
In partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship – building bridges of hope and belonging.
\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nBryson McCalley was sentenced to 30 years in state prison at just 18 years old for gang violence. Inside, he found mentors, shed his old identity, and discovered his purpose: impacting lives through storytelling. Now free, he’s the founder of Last of a Dyng Seed, a platform that uses film analysis to decode the stories that shape our lives.
\nSubscribe to Bryson’s YouTube channel here.
\n![\"Bryson](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2026/02/bryson-mccalley.jpg?resize=247%2C300&ssl=1\")
After being sentenced to 30 years in prison as a young man, Bryson made a radical decision: he would not allow his circumstances to define his future. During incarceration, he committed himself to education, discipline, and study — ultimately developing a framework he calls MQ—Movie Intelligence, centered on rewriting one’s internal story through the lens of film to reclaim power and purpose.
\nToday, Bryson is the author of the Pearls of IZM series, and speaks at the intersection of resilience, responsibility, narrative identity, and cultural awareness. His message challenges audiences to confront the story they’re living — and to decide whether they are the author of it.
\n\n\n
Catch up on past interviews and inspiring stories:
\n
In partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship—building bridges of hope and belonging.
\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nRuben Davis shares his incredible transformation from a 16-year-old sentenced to life in prison to a man who found freedom through faith and now helps others reenter society. A powerful story of surrender, redemption, and second chances.
\n![\"Ruben](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2026/01/Ruben_Davis.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1\")
Ruben Davis was sentenced to 27 years to life at the age of 16 and spent nearly three decades in California prisons, where he ultimately chose a radically different path—leaving behind addiction, gang culture, and violence to pursue recovery, education, and spiritual renewal.
\nThrough sustained self-examination, faith, and action, Ruben rebuilt his life from the inside out. After earning his release, he dedicated himself to helping others successfully reenter society. Today, Ruben serves as a Senior Retention Specialist, supporting probationers and parolees with employment, recovery, and long-term reintegration.
\nDrawing from lived experience, he is a powerful voice on identity, redemption, and what real transformation requires—both inside prison walls and beyond them.
\n\n![\"\ud83d\udd04\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f504.png\")
The turning point — What sparked the decision to change?![\"\ud83d\ude4f\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f64f.png\")
Faith and recovery — How spiritual renewal shaped his journey![\"\ud83d\udcda\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4da.png\")
Education behind bars — Pursuing growth in the hardest conditions![\"\ud83d\udcbc\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4bc.png\")
Supporting reentry today — His work helping others avoid re-incarceration![\"\ud83d\udd11\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f511.png\")
What real transformation requires — Insights for individuals and communities\n
![\"\ud83c\udfa5\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3a5.png\")
More Video ReplaysCatch up on past interviews and inspiring stories:
\n
![\"\ud83c\udf0d\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30d.png\")
Our MissionIn partnership with others, Embraced:Fully supports incarcerated and returning citizens in their moral and spiritual journey toward successful reentry. Through Angel Team members, we help connect individuals with community, faith, housing, employment, transportation, friendship, and mentorship—building bridges of hope and belonging.
\n\u2197\ufe0f Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
\n\n\n\nIf you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nWatch the replay of our interview Charles Jones:
\n\nAbout our guest
\nCharles Jones was arrested at 14 and incarcerated at 16 for a murder he didn’t commit. The real killer? The detective who arrested him.
\nAfter 27 years maintaining his innocence, Charles is finally free. During those decades behind bars, he earned his GED, Associate’s degree, and studied law\u2014using that knowledge to advocate for himself and fellow inmates. Now 43, he’s preparing to have his record vacated as Kansas faces a lawsuit over his wrongful imprisonment.
\nJoin us to hear Charles’s remarkable story of resilience, self-education, and unwavering hope.
\n\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nWatch the replay of this very special musical gathering featuring Matthew Hammond, Laura Lapointe, family and friends!
\n\n\n
![\"Matthew](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2025/11/Matthew_Hammond_Laura_Lapointe.jpg?resize=800%2C432&ssl=1\")
Matthew Hammond and Laura Lapointe
\nSpecial Guest Alert!\u00a0Mathew Hammond of Love Only Grows Music Ministry along with Laura Lapointe, his family and friends will be performing live at our next Embraced:Fully Zoom Meeting, December 4th at 6PM (Pacific Time). You will definitely want to attend. For what better way could there to celebrate the joy and spirit of the Christ spirit than with the healing and transformative music and abundant goodwill that emanates from Matthew’s deeply effecting voice and sweet guitar work? He, along with his wife Liz, family and friends look forward to sharing some of their original songs and Christmas carols with you, your church and friends. This promises to be a truly special evening of uplifting spiritual music that brings healing and transformation…. and oh did we mention joy?! There will be plenty of that.
\nLinks:
\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nWatch the replay:
\n\n\n
Our 2nd interview with Carlos Vasquez, author, speaker, and CEO of How to Battle and co-founder of the Pathway to Purpose Project.
\nWe discussed how to come out of prison with a true purpose in life. Carlos served 17 years and experienced true moral character transformation. Today, his inspiring podcast reaches thousands of listeners.
\n![\"Carlos](\"https://i0.wp.com/embracedfully.org/files/2025/10/Carlos-Vasquez.jpg?resize=800%2C971&ssl=1\")
About our guest
\nCarlos Vasquez is a speaker, author, and the Founder and CEO of HTB Consulting. After overcoming homelessness, addiction, and a 17-year prison sentence, Carlos transformed his life through faith, education, and personal development. He walked out of prison with just $200 in gate money and rebuilt his life from scratch.
\nCarlos is also the co-founder of the Pathway to Purpose Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth, including those in foster care and juvenile detention. Through his work and podcast platform, Carlos strives to inspire individuals to embrace resilience, overcome fear, unlock their potential, and create lasting change in their lives and communities.
\n\nLinks:
\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\nWatch the replay of our interview with Rob Smith, San Diego County Director, Center for Employment Opportunities:
\n\n\n
About our guest
\nRob Smith is the Site Director of the CEO San Diego office, overseeing all aspects of the Social Enterprise and our vocational services. Rob has 20 years experience as a nonprofit leader, specifically focused in underserved communities. He is also a lived experience expert in understanding the challenges of extreme poverty, domestic violence, sexual assault, drug addiction and incarceration from early childhood until his release from state prison in 2000 that was the existence of his life. Overseeing the CEO office in San Diego Robert has been able to combine the best of both his worlds; his relentless hustle and grind mentality has propelled San Diego\u2019s office to the second largest site next to NYC; his deep understanding of and ability to partner/broker between justice involved communities and public systems has contributed to expanding San Diego CEO\u2019s footprint across the local region.
\nAbout CEO
\nCenter for Employment Opportunities (CEO) offers individuals returning home from incarceration the ongoing support necessary to build career capital and financial stability. We believe that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the chance to work toward a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
\nAs the largest reentry employment provider in the country, CEO is using our scale, experience, and data \u2013 backed by our participants\u2019 feedback on what works \u2013 to change the way government invests in criminal justice and workforce development.
\nLinks:
\n\n\n Note: Please be sure to select “Embraced Fully” in the “Fund” drop-down list on the donation page.
If you would like to support the work of Embraced:Fully with a check instead of an online donation, please make it out to:
\n\n\n\nThe Principle Foundation
Memo: Restricted – Embraced:Fully Project
Mail to: 10670 Barkley St, Overland Park, KS 66212-1861
View additional donation options here
\n\n\n\nPlease remember to specify Embraced:Fully as the program you’d like to support.
\n\n\n\nEmbraced:Fully is a fiscally sponsored program of The Principle Foundation, registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 43-0816306.
\n