IN THE HOUSE
MEET THEODIS BEASLEY
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Second chances hold profound meaning for personal redemption and transformation. Theodis Beasley, a case manager at Hospitality House, exemplifies the transformative power of second chances.
Theodis Beasley came to Hospitality House after he was released from prison. Theodis was seeking a path that would allow him to give back to the community he felt he had previously taken from. His search for meaningful work led him to the social service field, where he began working at shelters and engaging in nonprofit work. This experience ignited a passion within him to continue helping others. Theodis shared, “I was fresh out of prison…[and] I made a promise to myself…on this side of the fence as a free person, in a positive light. I need to do something constructive. I need to make a change.” Theodis started at Hospitality House as an on-call janitor, with a strong desire to become a case manager to help others in ways he wished he had been helped. Theodis’s aspiration was about more than career advancement; it was about making a tangible difference in the lives of those in similar situations to what he had once faced. The journey from janitor to case manager was not without its challenges. The support Theodis received from his colleagues at Hospitality House (in particular Executive Director Joe Wilson and Program Manager at the time, Dewayne Cobb) played a crucial role in his transformation. One of the pivotal moments for Theodis was being encouraged by Joe and Dewayne to apply for a case manager position. Their belief in his abilities and their insistence that he step out of his comfort zone were key factors in his decision to apply. Theodis recalls the anxiety he felt during the interview process, but with the encouragement and advice from Dewayne, he was able to successfully overcome his fears. “That interview was one of the scariest days for me and Dewayne [said], ‘You know everybody here(on the interview panel). Calm down, chill, make somebody laugh or something, and then roll into it.’ So I took his advice and I rolled into it. The outcome is me being a case manager!” Throughout his time at Hospitality House, Theodis has faced and overcome significant challenges in letting go of his old life and the mentalities associated with it. He learned to be “empathetic rather than sympathetic”, and to be open to the positive and negative possibilities that come with change. “Hospitality House allowed me to be me and still showed me that there was something I was running from, which is my true self, right? That was a challenge for me in the early stages. In order to become something that you want, [sometimes] you have to let go of what you were. I had to get over my old life because it made me feel like I was somebody that I wasn't,” Theodis reflected. Theodis’ influential presence at Hospitality House has helped deepen our commitment to peer-based training and development for all our staff, as a necessary investment in community empowerment. Theodis’ commitment to his own family, his quiet but steady leadership, and his renewed sense of purpose inspire those around him. The future holds promise for Theodis, and he continues to help others realize it as well. Theodis adds, "Letting people know that whatever you went through last night, how can we build today?" Theodis Beasley. A voice of experience. The power of second chances. |
New Doors to Opportunity:
A new location for Hospitality House's Employment Program
Hospitality House's Employment Program's new location in the Tenderloin at the corner of Hyde and Eddy Streets.
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Hospitality House’s Employment Program’s new location at 259 Hyde Street marks a pivotal moment in the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting San Francisco’s unemployed and under-employed community. Kris Sosa, the new Employment Program Manager - with an inspiring journey of her own - is committed to continuing to transform the landscape of employment services in the Tenderloin and Civic Center neighborhoods.
For years, Hospitality House’s Employment Program operated out of two separate locations, creating some logistical challenges. "We were successful, but it was demanding," Kris said, reflecting on the difficulties of running a program divided across different spaces. It was clear that bringing employment services under one roof was necessary, and practical. After an almost two-year search, the solution was found near the corner of Hyde and Eddy, a single location for both the Neighborhood Job Center and the Employment Resource Center! The difference was immediate. "Bringing it all [together] has definitely added to the dynamics. Staff are happier, and there's more inclusivity in decisions," Kris shared. The cohesive environment has not only improved internal communication but has also enhanced the Program’s s ability to serve its community. Hospitality House Employment Program officially opened at its 259 Hyde Street location on July 3rd, with a soft launch that saw an overwhelming response. "There was literally a line wrapped around the block," Kris recalled. The community had been eagerly awaiting the re-opening, and within days, the center was bustling with activity. The new location has already served over 140 people in its first month of operations, and Kris anticipates that they will surpass their annual goals. "Last fiscal year, we saw over 450 people and we placed 75% of those job-seekers in full/part time jobs at two different locations! I know we’re going to surpass that," Kris stated. Community members have noted the positive energy and sense of safety they feel as soon as they walk through the doors. "I’ve been to a ton of job centers, and this is the only place where I feel safe," one client remarked. This welcoming environment is a testament to Kris’s commitment to maintaining the high standards set by the previous Employment Program manager, the remarkable Tiffany Jackson who now runs Hospitality House’s Tenderloin Self-Help Center on Leavenworth Street, a few blocks away. “I want to carry on what Tiffany started. She would say ‘Nobody leaves our program without something, a handshake, a business card, an appointment, a snack-something’” Looking to the future, Kris has ambitious plans for the Employment Program. Beyond meeting employment placement goals, they are focused on expanding its offerings, particularly for underserved populations such as undocumented individuals. "I want to build workshops for the undocumented community, teaching them about their rights and how to navigate the employment landscape," Kris explained. There are also plans to deepen Hospitality House’s collaboration with other partners , including Dolores Street Community Services (Mission Action), to create more pathways for undocumented job seekers to secure jobs and build stable lives. Moreover, Kris envisions the new ERC as a hub for skill development through its signature Resource Center, where clients can attend workshops on resume writing, cover letters, and mock interviews, and conduct their own job searches. "I want a monthly calendar where folks can drop in, attend a workshop, connect with other job seekers, and leave feeling more prepared," Kris said. Hospitality House’s Employment Program is more than a relocation ; it’s a reimagining of how employment services can inspire and connect residents with viable job options, and promote community building throughout the neighborhood. |
Jesse Finds His Voice
Poet, community activist, and Hospitality House board member Jesse Johnson configures his laptop to reveal his newly found voice.
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At Hospitality House's Community Building Program (CBP), Jesse Johnson sits quietly by a speaker with flashing disco lights. His laptop screen illuminates his determined face as he navigates a new app to reclaim something he feared lost forever: the sound of his own voice. As a dedicated poet and community advocate who believes deeply in the importance of public engagement, losing his voice was devastating. For over a decade, Jesse has led creative writing workshops and poetry readings at CBP for local residents.
Determined to continue participating in public dialogue, Jesse enlisted the help of his close friend and longtime supporter of Hospitality House's community artists, Allen Ellison-Saavedra. Together, they recreated his voice using an AI voice generator. Once ready, Jesse approached Director of Community Engagement/Associate Director Windy Click and CBP manager James Wren to unveil his newly reclaimed voice and publicly present poems that had been waiting to be heard. Watch the moment when Jesse unveils his new voice and shares his latest poetry. |
