Creating pathways that lead to a flourishing future
Building lives and pursuing happiness, just like those who never lost their freedom.
Founded by a formerly incarcerated individual over a decade ago, Bonafide is an organization providing holistic support to individuals reentering society after 15+ years in prison, guiding them through the lengthy process of release, parole compliance, regaining life skills, connecting with mentors, and building community to give them confidence in their reintegration for a lifetime.
Our Mission
It is our mission to ensure that people affected by incarceration have the material, emotional, and advocacy support they need to both integrate into society and build healthy, productive lives going forward.
What We Do
Welcome Home
We meet people at the gate and provide them with material necessities and logistical support on this joyous and frightening day.
Critical Adventures
Critical Adventures teach critical life skills while building friendships and community on a fun adventure around town.
Peer Support
We host group events focused on relationships, teach computer and phone skills, celebrate special occasions, and more.
Pre-Integration Support
Our Pre-Integation Support program helps individuals transition from incarceration to successful reintegration into the community.
Project Candlestick
One-on-one support with a professional life coach
Stories
UnCommon Heroes Award
Founding Director, David Cowan, accepts the 2019 award from UnCommon Law. Hear him talk about his motivation to do this work in an excerpt from his acceptance speech. Read more.
How You Can Help
Donate Today
Your donation helps us deliver critical support to more beneficiaries, from basic necessities to crucial advice and life skills that will help them thrive.
Volunteer
Volunteer your time working with our community or share your talents behind the scenes at Bonafide. Call us at (415) 659-8406 or click below.