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LEADERSHIP
The Leadership Team is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s activities. We are comprised of a diverse group of community leaders and business professionals, who have offered their expertise and experiences to help guide the Passion for the Lost, Inc., on its critical journey.
Dan Torunian
President
Board Member
Mr Torunian is a native Californian with over 40 years of professional experience as a technology executive and senior leader at diverse businesses such as PayPal, The Gap, Adecco and Wells Fargo Bank. Dan assumed the role of President of Passion for the Lost in 2017 after previously serving as Treasurer since its inception. Although recently retired, Dan is an active member of the community, serving as an advisor to several start-ups and was recently appointed to the Redwood City Police Advisory Commission. Dan and his family currently reside in Redwood City.
Drew Shih
Director of Religious Programs
Board Member
Mr. Shih is a social impact entrepreneur and brings over 20 years experience in restoration, community-building, and leadership training. Once a gang member, he transformed his life with a unique story of resilience and faith. Drew has lived in 4 different countries working in diverse international cities such as Taipei, Seoul, Vancouver, and Montreal. He has been on the front page of ESPN.com and in a memorable encounter, once convinced a group of hostile gang members that he was skilled in kung fu, allowing him to escape unharmed. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds a Master of Divinity from Regent College.
Yukari Shaw
Treasurer
Board Member
Mrs. Shaw is a Senior Financial Analyst at Kaiser Permanente. Prior to 2016, she has 10 years of experience in finance and has worked in various financial roles including auditing, accounting, and financial analysis at Deloitte and Touche, Lockheed Martin and various other Silicon Valley companies. Yukari has been with Passion for the Lost, Inc. since August 2019 serving as Treasurer. "I am excited to be on of the Board of Directors for Passion for the Lost, Inc. I can see that this organization wants to truly make a difference in the lives of the former inmates and their families. With God's blessing and guidance, lives will be changed!"
River Nakamura
Social Media & Videographer
River is the creative force behind our social media and videography, bringing stories to life with his camera and a heart of compassion. A dedicated team member with a passion for serving the marginalized, River combines his artistic talents with a mission to make a difference. When he's not behind the lens, you'll find him dreaming up new ways to inspire, create, and be entrepreneurial. He is currently a student at Canada College studying Finance.
Giancarlo Savini
Director of Community Outreach
Board Member
Giancarlo is a Climate Tech Venture Capitalist committed to empowering entrepreneurs in their quest to preserve our planet and reduce emissions. Just as he fosters innovation to transform our energy future, he is equally devoted to offering hope and opportunities for inmates seeking to rebuild their lives. Based in the Bay Area with his family, Giancarlo has lived in the Netherlands, Norway, and the Middle East. He studied at University of Oxford (UK) and IMD Business School (Switzerland).
Rob Zabala
Mentor & Speaker
Rob was formerly incarcerated gang member that transformed his life through the faith, hope, and love of Christ. He is a sought after speaker, mentor, and community leader. With a passion for training leaders and giving words of encouragement to those that are at the end of their rope, Rob regularly helps facilitate our religious services for both Maguire and Maple Correctional Facilities. He and his wife Sarah have five kids and live in California.
Keir Robertson
Mentor & Speaker
Mr. Robertson faced multiple challenges upon his return home from prison: no clothing, no home, and no vehicle. When he discovered Passion for the Lost, he found both practical and spiritual support. He completed barber school, gained full-time employment, and purchased a vehicle and a home. He has now been crime-free since April 2008, with no arrests or new convictions. He actively mentors other former offenders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNAaLv0zTGs
Bill Hooper
Mentor & Speaker
Board Member
Bill Hooper is an entrepreneur, business owner and investor. His business experience includes owning and managing hotels, private equity, and venture capital businesses. He has served on numerous public and private company and non profit boards. Bill is a longtime member and former elder at Menlo Church in Menlo Park. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Luis Vergara
Mentor & Speaker
Luis Vergara has been a part of Passion for the Loved since the beginning. As a troubled youth and having served time, he understands the importance of having positive mentors and hope to those that may feel rejected. He frequently goes into the jails to tell his story, offer encouragement, and share a smile. Luis and his family live in Redwood City and are deeply committed to the mission and values of Passion for the Loved.
OUR WORK
PRE-RELEASE SERVICES
(< 1 YEAR)
* Provide bibles and bible study
* Visitations from Volunteer Shepherds
* Religious Services
* Video Library for Personal Development
POST-RELEASE SERVICES
* First Hour/Day/Week Support
* Transportation (bus tickets, etc.)
* Shelter Referral/Emergency Motel Voucher
* Emergency Food Bag, Hygiene Kit, Clothing
* Transitional Housing
(case-by-case basis)
MOBILIZING & TRAINING VOLUNTEER SHEPHERDS
* Identifying & Vetting
* Shepherding Training
* Boundaries Training
* Building support systems to empower volunteers towards faith, hope, love for inmates
* Ongoing education through technology, tools, and leadership development
CORE VALUES
HUMAN DIGNITY & THE GOLDEN RULE
Every human being should be treated with dignity, empathy, and fairness regardless of past mistakes, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. We work to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated.
PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
We depend on the expertise and support of law enforcement agencies, corporations, churches, and other non-profits with one purpose to reduce recidivism. Developing partnerships with like-minded groups brings mutual strength and covers weaknesses.
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE
There is darkness, evil, and limitations to humanity. Burnout, jadedness, and discouragement can easily overwhelm us without relying on a source outside of ourselves. We believe, starting with ourselves, faith/hope/love are keys to breaking the cycles of crime and incarceration.
VOLUNTEER SHEPHERDS
Our greatest resource are our vetted and trained volunteers become shepherds. We empower them to be a consistent source of spiritual encouragement, person of safety, and loving guide for the inmates both pre-release and post-release.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Whether it’s equipping our volunteers to establish proper boundaries or raising up former inmates to be volunteer shepherds themselves, we want to provide the highest quality education for our leaders.
FOUNDER & CHAPLAIN EMERITUS
Chaplain David Taufoou
Chaplain Taufoou is the founder and inspiration behind Passion for the Lost. He was one of the first to represent Tonga in the Olympics and previously worked for the San Francisco Forty-Niners for 9 years. He also used to be a youth pastor and coached Pop Warner Football, AYSO Soccer during the 90’s. Working tirelessly with one focus to bring the love of God to inmates, he has been a father and friend to many. Through this journey, he has helped empower thousands of inmates and enjoys the support of notable community leaders. Chaplain Taufoou is currently residing in Redwood City, CA, with his wife and children. He continues to offer encouragement, chaplaincy support and wisdom to the PFTL team.
ORIGINAL LOGO
This was our original logo. It reflects our mission with the hope and optimism of the yellow rays of the sunrise and the lighthouse while acknowledging the blue-green waves and choppy water of the challenges we all face. Our current logo as seen on our website captures the mission and sentiment of our organization in a beautiful shade of blue and with a compass indicating the accepting, loving, and nonjudgmental direction we share with our participants as they continue on their personal journeys.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES WE HAVE SERVED
We provide ongoing support at a number of sites in the Bay Area during different stages of incarceration.
Check the schedule below for more details.
MAPLE STREET CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Sundays, 2-4 PM
ELMWOOD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Milpitas, CA
Santa Clara County
Saturdays, 7-9 PM
HILLCREST JUVENILE HALL
Belmont, CA
San Mateo County
Sundays, 9-11 AM
MAGUIRE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Sundays, 2-4 PM
CAMP GLENWOOD
La Honda, CA
San Mateo County
Sundays, 9 AM - 12 PM
Monthly (3rd Sunday of each month)
