Grace Goes to Prison

In 1975, a 37 year-old homemaker named Marie Hamilton started visiting a group of prison inmates with one simple idea: to look for and affirm the good in them. In the 30 years that followed, she expanded that vision, creating unique programs to educate, empower and support inmates to be successful when paroled. Her volunteer work has challenged the conventional wisdom about how to deal with criminals. She’s had no formal education in criminal justice, she isn’t part of the “system”, yet her programs have become an integral part of Pennsylvania’s prison system.

Discover how this quiet woman touched the lives of thousands by tearing down the walls of mistrust, bringing respect and humanity to people on both sides of the prison bars.