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Community leader 'Uncle Damien' tells oversight board his reentry work reaches youth and seniors
Summary
Damien Posey, known as Uncle Damien, told the Sheriff's Department Oversight Board about his reentry nonprofit Us For Us, mentorship work and pandemic mutual-aid efforts, and asked the board to share resources and publicize his programs to help formerly incarcerated youth and seniors.
Damien Posey, who introduced himself to the board as a San Franciscan and leader of the nonprofit Us For Us, described a life that included juvenile detention, a 10-year federal prison sentence and extensive reentry work on his return. He spoke at the March 7 meeting about mentorship, a youth lounge, and partnerships with organizations including United Players and Mission Neighborhood Centers.
Posey described program activities — from after-school work and reentry Mondays to delivering more than 200 meals a day to seniors during the pandemic — and said Us For Us offers internships, resume help and youth-led initiatives focused on employment and mentorship. "I did 10 years in prison," Posey said, telling the board that lived experience shapes his approach to connecting with young people.
Board members praised Posey's leadership and asked to connect his group with City resources and events. Member Amber Palmer and others highlighted the importance of father figures and mentorship and said they would help publicize Posey's programs and events. Posey provided flyers and invited continued collaboration, and several board members encouraged cross-referrals, support for internships, and hosting youth at his lounge.
The exchange was framed as a community introduction and capacity-building opportunity rather than a formal board action. The board indicated interest in ongoing collaboration and asked staff to help disseminate Posey's materials.
