James Spingola

James Spingola was born and raised in San Francisco's Fillmore District. From an early age, James became attracted to the opportunities available to young, impressionable men in his neighborhood, which ultimately led to his incarceration. Defeating the odds after several tries, James took a fruitful path to reentry, working three jobs - one at Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, which would prove life changing - and then landed a position at a local hospital. He was able to focus on helping community, mentoring young men and women struggling with the same issues and poor choices that he had. In recognition for his providing quality support and services since 2004, in October 2018 James was appointed to the Juvenile Probation Commission of the City & County of San Francisco. James, "Uncle" to many, understands the connection that young people are craving; his approach is centered around ensuring those critical connections are in place. Knowing his own successes are tied to someone taking a chance on him, James extends that same courtesy to every person who comes through the doors.