FATHER ZACH PRESUTTI
PRESENTER
Fr. Zachariah F. Presutti, SJ, LMSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive For Life Prison Project, Inc., a national Catholic prison ministry whose mission is to transform lives both behind and beyond the prison walls. A Catholic priest of the East Coast Province of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Zach leads a growing apostolate that accompanies justice-impacted individuals through a holistic, faith-centered model of reentry and human development.
Under his leadership, Thrive For Life operates the only Houses of Studies in the United States for individuals who are highly committed and motivated to continue their education after incarceration while living in supportive community. These houses—Abraham House in the South Bronx and Ignacio House in Manhattan, both located in the Archdiocese of New York, and Joseph House in Milwaukee, located in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee—provide a structured environment where resident scholars pursue academic, vocational, and personal growth. Through partnerships with leading institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, St. John’s University, and Marquette University, residents are supported in achieving educational and professional success as they navigate reentry. Residents are supported in achieving their educational and professional goals as they continue to grow into the loving and generous people God created them to be.
Thrive For Life provides a comprehensive continuity of care rooted in the development of the whole person—integrating purpose, education, employment, and housing—while fostering spiritual growth and long-term stability. The organization continues to expand nationally, with future initiatives underway in the Archdiocese of Boston and the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida.
Fr. Zach holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Canisius College, as well as an honorary doctorate from Canisius University. He earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Saint Louis University and a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology. A licensed social worker, he and his team are dedicated to accompanying individuals on their journey toward permanent and successful reentry.
In addition to his leadership at Thrive For Life, Fr. Zach serves as the Catholic chaplain at Rikers Island, where he ministers directly to incarcerated men and women, embodying the mission he leads.
FATHER ZACH PRESUTTI
PRESENTER
Fr. Zachariah F. Presutti, SJ, LMSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive For Life Prison Project, Inc., a national Catholic prison ministry whose mission is to transform lives both behind and beyond the prison walls. A Catholic priest of the East Coast Province of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Zach leads a growing apostolate that accompanies justice-impacted individuals through a holistic, faith-centered model of reentry and human development.
Under his leadership, Thrive For Life operates the only Houses of Studies in the United States for individuals who are highly committed and motivated to continue their education after incarceration while living in supportive community. These houses—Abraham House in the South Bronx and Ignacio House in Manhattan, both located in the Archdiocese of New York, and Joseph House in Milwaukee, located in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee—provide a structured environment where resident scholars pursue academic, vocational, and personal growth. Through partnerships with leading institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, St. John’s University, and Marquette University, residents are supported in achieving educational and professional success as they navigate reentry. Residents are supported in achieving their educational and professional goals as they continue to grow into the loving and generous people God created them to be.
Thrive For Life provides a comprehensive continuity of care rooted in the development of the whole person—integrating purpose, education, employment, and housing—while fostering spiritual growth and long-term stability. The organization continues to expand nationally, with future initiatives underway in the Archdiocese of Boston and the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida.
Fr. Zach holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Canisius College, as well as an honorary doctorate from Canisius University. He earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Saint Louis University and a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology. A licensed social worker, he and his team are dedicated to accompanying individuals on their journey toward permanent and successful reentry.
In addition to his leadership at Thrive For Life, Fr. Zach serves as the Catholic chaplain at Rikers Island, where he ministers directly to incarcerated men and women, embodying the mission he leads.