Quotes from Susan Burton

The American Bar Association documented 45,000 legal sanctions and restrictions imposed upon people with criminal records, a near-impenetrable barrier denying access to employment, student loans, housing, public assistance, custody of your children, the right to vote—in many places, the formerly incarcerated are even blocked from visiting a loved one in prison.

We keep a woman in prison for decade after decade at a cost of $60,000 a year, and then give them $200 when they hit the gates for release. And, adios. People have to get their IDs, Social Security cards. They have to get clothing, housing, apply for benefits and services, and it's impossible to do with 200 bucks.

It's important the sheriff and the D.A. work with the community to realize real-world solutions. If they make decisions in silos, it will fall short.

I got caught back up in the underworld because the upperworld really doesn't have a place for people with criminal histories.

Morning meditation is important to start every day on a positive note.

People are released from prison so unprepared. They give you $200. We call it gate money. And you have to pay for a bus ticket back to L.A. You get off the Greyhound bus, downtown Skid Row, and you're supposed to make a life from that.

Education, hard work, dedication, a support system, and knowing my life had value - these were what had made all the difference.

When you get locked up, you get locked out.