How Illinois' First Lady and Willette Benford Aid Women Transitioning from Prison

An unexpected partnership has been instrumental in offering new beginnings to women coming out of the prison system.

Willette Benford, who spent 24 years behind bars, now serves as a senior advisor to Illinois first lady M.K. Pritzker. Together, they tackle the challenges women face after incarceration.

In 1995, Benford was handed a 50-year sentence for first-degree murder stemming from a volatile relationship. She recounts fleeing in her car one night, unaware of hitting her partner.

Legal counsel discouraged revealing domestic abuse incidents in court, fearing it would be detrimental, a decision that meant significant details were left unheard in Benford's trial.

A 2016 amendment allowed domestic violence to be considered in sentencing, enabling Benford's early release in February 2019.

Finding Opportunities Post-Incarceration

After her release, Benford joined a residential program in Chicago that offered vital reintegration support.

During incarceration, she completed her GED, achieved an associate's degree, and mentored fellow inmates.

She later worked with Chicago alderman Walter Burnett Jr., eventually securing a role as a legislative assistant.

In 2022, Benford was appointed as Chicago's inaugural director for reentry initiatives, focusing on amending employment procedures to ease job access for former prisoners.

Collaboration with Illinois First Lady

M.K. Pritzker's initial public role involved visiting a women's prison, where she found systemic barriers for those leaving incarceration, prompting her to advocate for change.

A legislative change in 2023 aimed to simplify the process for obtaining personal identification prior to release, facilitating smoother societal reentry.

Recognizing Benford's tenacity and accomplishments, Pritzker extended an advisory role offer to her focused on female inmates' concerns.

Together, they are developing programs that address housing, employment, and mental health needs for former inmates, acknowledging poverty as a root cause of incarceration.

A new pilot initiative aims to support women returning home, providing essential resources such as housing and job training.

Pritzker emphasizes the transformative potential of grace and understanding, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments achievable through their combined efforts.

About David Begnaud

David Begnaud serves as a contributor to CBS News, previously anchoring national stories for "CBS Mornings."