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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.
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
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
Chaplain
Mr. Shih has over 20 years experience in restoration, community-building, and leadership training. A former gang member become pastor, Drew has lived in 4 different countries serving international cities such as Taipei, Seoul, Vancouver, and Montreal. He has been on the front page of ESPN.com and once fooled 10 gang members about to beat him up that he knew kung fu and escaped unscathed. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds a Master of Divinity from Regent College. He currently lives in Redwood City with his family.
NANCY TAUFOOU
Vice President
Mrs. Taufoou holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Menlo College, Atherton, California, and a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), from Grand Canyon University, Arizona. She has been a volunteer for Passion for the Lost Prison Inc. in San Mateo, Solano, and Santa Clara Counties for 12 years. Mrs. Taufoou has a very strong background in marketing and fundraising and is an asset to the Passion for the Lost Inc. She is married with children and grandchildren and is currently residing with her husband in Redwood City, CA.
DANIELLE ROBERTSON
Programs
Ms. Robertson is currently a Case Management Specialist in which she is responsible for verification of patient’s benefits, eligibility, interacting with medical directors, primary and specialty care doctors and health plans via written or verbal communication regarding confidential patient information. Her passion is working with the underprivileged and troubled youth who are often times written off. She loves helping families find the necessary resources in order to thrive and live better lives.
KEIR ROBERTSON
Mentor
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.
YUKARI SHAW
Finance
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!"
LUIS VERGARA
Mentor
Mr. Vergara has over 16 years of experience in counseling with the Child Protective Services (CPS) in San Mateo County. He brings extensive in working with families and adolescents in crisis counseling. Luis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii in Hilo as well as a Master in Social Work from San Jose State University, California. Mr. Vergara is married to Mrs. Vergara, they have three children and are currently residing in Redwood City, California.
Giancarlo Savini
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).
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
Wednesdays, 7-9 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
Bi-Weekly (2nd and 4th Sunday of each month)
CAMP GLENWOOD
La Honda, CA
San Mateo County
Sundays, 9 AM - 12 PM
Monthly (3rd Sunday of each month)
