Michael Thomas, a cook at the esteemed Flour + Water restaurant in San Francisco, discovered his love of cooking and baking while serving a 27-year prison sentence. Upon release in February 2024, he set his sights on a culinary career. But the path to fulfilling his dream wasn’t easy–he faced barriers due to his conviction, including being let go from a cooking job despite his work ethic and potential. 

Michael’s transition from incarceration to civilian life was aided by Jay Sutter, a reentry career advisor at Goodwill SF Bay. Michael stood out from other reentry clients from their first meeting:

“What struck me from the very first conversation was his clarity. He knew exactly what he wanted—a career in culinary arts. That’s rare. Many people come out of prison just hoping for any job, but Michael had a vision.” 

Jay helped Michael reframe his experience, contextualizing his prison kitchen job and even helping him imagine what his own bakery might look like. And when Michael’s past proved to be a barrier for many traditional culinary jobs, Jay connected him with Farming Hope, a nonprofit that provides culinary training.

In Farming Hope, Michael received more than basic training and support services. He also found a community that saw him as a full person deserving of a better life. As Jay says: “Farming Hope is special. It’s not just about food. It’s about community, joy, and giving people a second chance.” 

Michael graduated from Farming Hope’s paid apprenticeship program with new skills and glowing recommendations. But it wasn’t just his attention to detail and knife skills that made him stand out.

“Michael’s soft skills—his ability to build meaningful relationships and his confidence—were key to his success,” Jay says.

Now Michael is thriving at Flour + Water, where his food delights the restaurant patrons and his positivity lifts up his coworkers.

For those who haven’t experienced it, it can be difficult to understand how complicated, arduous, and emotional reentry can be. Jay emphasizes the importance of helping formerly incarcerated individuals distinguish between guilt and shame, so that they may grow into a better future. He says, “Michael knows he did something terrible in his past, but he’s forgiven himself, even if not everyone has. That’s how he’s able to move forward.” Being able to allow oneself to be given a second chance is crucial, as is the existence of organizations like Goodwill and Farming Hope. With dedicated people like Michael and Jay working together, lives can be transformed and dreams can be achieved. 

Want to learn more about Michael Thomas's story? Read about his journey in SFGate.