Restorative Justice

Dave Snider brings a powerful story of transformation and purpose. After being
sentenced in federal court in 2009 as a career offender, Dave spent over 14 years in
prison—an experience that ultimately became a turning point in his life. While
incarcerated at FMC Rochester, he served in the inmate hospice program, supporting
men at the end of their lives and gaining a deep appreciation for service, accountability,
and the value of each life.
During his time inside, Dave also spent seven years speaking to high school and
college students about the impact of life choices, learning to turn his past into a tool for
growth and education. He is trained in Restorative Justice and advocates for its broader
application in communities.
Dave helped shape the founding mission of the Redemption Project through his insights
on reentry and was part of its first cohort. Today, he continues to invest in the program’s
growth, using his journey to inspire change and help others break cycles of harm and
build meaningful futures.