On February 7th, Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast (Oro Valley) welcomed Second Chance Tucson, a coalition of non-profit, faith-based, governmental, law enforcement agencies, and employers focused on helping people experiencing jail, prison or criminal justice supervision a fair chance to succeed, a real “second chance”. One of the founders of the organization and currently its Executive Director, Retired Judged Charles Pyle along with one of the program’s participants, Michael Ray, shared details about the work of Second Chance Tucson as well as a personal emotional and touching story of redemption and success.
Michael Ray, a lower-leg amputee and former foster care youth and now a successful actor and filmmaker, shared his life story of crime, the challenges of incarceration, recovery, and rebuilding his life, and the lessons he’s learned through both struggle and perseverance. Through film and storytelling about his lived experiences, Michael now helps others see that change is possible.
Judge Charles Pyle, a former US Magistrate, has spent his life looking for better ways to treat and rehabilitate justice-impacted individuals and reintegrate them as productive contributors into society. He co-founded Second Chance Tucson with former Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. During his career, he practiced law in Tucson for 27 years and served as a judge for seven years. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law. Judge Pyle is committed to finding ways to help justice-impacted individuals deal with addiction and trauma and avoid recurrent justice-system involvement.
The breakfast began with opening remarks by the group’s Chairman, Alan Bergstrom. Committee member Ken Shepard provided the blessing. Alan Bergstrom led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the guest speakers. A hearty breakfast, prepared by Kevin Risner of Flaming Heart BBQ Catering, was served prior to the presentation. 40 men attended the breakfast.
The RLC Men’s Breakfast will meet next on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. The featured speaker in March is Joe Findysz, Director of the “Rolling Thru Time Museum”. Joe will share with us a look into the museum and its collection of antique cars and fire engines. The museum is an iconic Tucson landmark.
The Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast meets on the first Saturday of each month from October through May at the Outreach Center on the church’s main campus in Oro Valley. Doors open for coffee at 7:00 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Registration is available online at orovalley.org or by calling (520) 575-9901. A $15 donation is appreciated. All are welcome.
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