Fr. Zach Receives Humanitarian Award from Columbus Citizens Foundation

This month was made all the more special for Thrive For Life Prison Project as we celebrated the Columbus Citizens Foundation recognition of our founder and Executive Director, Fr. Zach Presutti, SJ! As many of our followers may know, Fr. Zach was honored by the Columbus Citizens Foundation as this year’s Humanitarian Award recipient in recognition of his and Thrive For Life’s work to transform lives both behind and beyond prison walls. 

The award ceremony earlier this month saw Fr. Zach celebrated alongside other luminaries such as the 2023 Grand Marshal Beth Paretta, and honorees Don T. DeCarlo, Tom DiNapoli, and Janet DiFiore. What made the evening even more special was the presence of Thrive For Life's resident scholars and team members, who joined Fr. Zach in this joyful moment of celebration and thanksgiving. Their participation was a vivid reminder of not only the work of Fr. Zach, but of their own tenacity and dedication to continuing the good work of education in their own lives. 

But the festivities did not stop at the gala. In a heartwarming show of solidarity and celebration, Thrive For Life's scholars and team members marched alongside Fr. Zach in this year's Columbus Day parade down Fifth Avenue here in Manhattan. We are grateful for this opportunity to cherish our accomplishments and build stronger bonds of community as we walk together to transform lives both behind and beyond the prison walls. 

In reflection, October has been a month of affirmation, celebration, and gratitude. Thrive For Life extends heartfelt thanks to the Columbus Citizens Foundation, not just for the honor bestowed upon Fr. Zach but for their continued support and belief in their mission.