In Illinois, an inspiring partnership is taking shape: First Lady M.K. Pritzker and former prisoner Willett Benford have joined forces to help women who have just been released from prison begin a new life.
Willett Benford spent nearly 24 years in prison, but managed to use that time as constructively as possible: she finished school, earned a higher education degree, became a mentor, and helped other women go through a process of rethinking their lives. After her release, Benford completed the Grace House social program and then began working with lawmakers in Chicago to push for reforms.
Her activism and results were noticed by the Illinois First Lady. M.K. Pritzker invited Benford to serve as her senior adviser on women’s issues, emphasizing her real involvement and life experience that cannot be replaced by theory. Now they are preparing a pilot support program for 100 women who have recently left prison. Each participant will receive temporary housing, access to free childcare, psychiatric care, and vocational training. And this is not a matter of charity, but a deliberate investment in the future of society.
