"I was 17 years old when I got locked up as a juvenile. Right now, I'm 54. I've been locked up for 37 years. Since I've been incarcerated, I changed my life.

 

I received numerous programs and certificates of achievement since I've been incarcerated. And I've been in here helping a lot of the young inmates out."

"It's hard to sum up in 30 seconds all that I've done to bring about my personal transformation.

 

All I can say is that I am not the man I was 34 years ago. I need a second chance to be my best self going forward. I believe that society is owed that."

Hello, I am Ronald, a 65 year old prisoner, who has perhaps deservedly served over 25 years for what were essentially property crimes, albeit a whole slew of them all in the pursuit of a career in drug abuse.

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In the serving of this last sentence, I have honed marketable skills in media production, participated in behavior modification therapies, and have simply aged out of further criminal involvement or the vices that encouraged the intent. I also have suffered and I'm still recovering from a severe stroke that left me half paralyzed for nine months. Truly, truly, I've surrendered."

"Hello, my name is Larry, I'm 62 years old. To date I have served 33 years and 10 months.

 

During this transformative period I have achieved personal growth and development through education, responsibility for my actions, and spiritual counseling."

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"I have been incarcerated for over 20 years. I have two surviving children and six grandchildren.

 

In this time, I've completed numerous programs, become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and I have a perfect prison record. I am also a barber which I have been for 20 plus years.

 

I've made a lot of positive changes in my life. I just need another chance."

"I'm 61 years old. I have served 36 years. I need a second chance to make amends for my past.

 

Maturity, my Christian faith, commitment to behavioral and therapeutic programming have contributed to my transformation to a reformed man ready to make a positive contribution to society."

"My name is Dennis AKA Truck. I'm 73 years old. Have been incarcerated for 40 years.

 

I'm hardly the person I was in 1983. I have made significant progress during this period of incarceration, through completing numerous programs, therapy, and obtaining a master's degree in psychology.

 

I've been denied parole twice.

 

Contrary to popular opinion of the parole board, I do have remorse and have insight into my past bad behavior. I would like a chance to go home."

"Sixty-three years old.

 

I've been in prison for 26 years. My sentence, a life sentence. I have a heart disease.

 

Over the past two decades have taken every program the prison offers. I have a steady prison job and have no charges."

"I'm 60 years old. As of today I'm 29 years in prison. When I was who I was is not who I am now.

 

I'm currently at Rutgers University worked on a BA degree in Social Justice.

 

The person I am today can give to the society in the form of helping out the youth which will make the world better for us, all of us together."

"Hi, my name is Deborah. I'm a 65 year old, have been confined for many years now.

 

It's very difficult for me to be away from my family. I have three children and two grandchildren. If not for my two brothers, I would be lost.

 

The support of my family keeps me going. I have a life sentence because I chose to defense myself."

"I'm hoping that there's some relief offered to people over the age of 60, for several reasons.

 

First, and most importantly, I don't believe we would pose any threat to society at this point in our lives. We have been in jail for many decades, we have maintained good disciplinary records, and we have taken the relevant programs required by the state to show rehabilitation."

"My name is Omari Shabazz and I'm 61 years old. I deserve a second chance because it's the only way for me to prove that I've benefited from my incarceration.

 

I've used my religion and available programs to become a more mature and responsible man.

 

I only want to be a productive member of society and to be with my family. I deserve another chance to be with my family."