Inspiring America: Susan Burton overcomes tragedy to save others from prison, addiction
Susan Burton's Journey: From Incarceration to Empowerment
Early Life and Struggles
- Susan Burton describes her challenging upbringing, marked by violence, poverty, and neglect. She had to learn to navigate these hardships while holding onto hope.
- Her young life in South Central Los Angeles was marred by sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy, culminating in the tragic loss of her five-year-old son, KK. This loss deeply affected her mental health and led to increased drug use.
Cycle of Incarceration
- Susan became trapped in a cycle of incarceration due to committing petty crimes to support her drug habit. Each prison sentence stripped her of her identity and dignity.
- Upon release from prison, she faced a precarious future on LA's Skid Row with no resources or support systems in place, often leading back into the same destructive patterns.
Turning Point
- At age 45, Susan found a break when she entered a private rehab center that provided safe housing, job opportunities, and essential support for recovery. She questioned why such resources were not available in her community.
- After two years of hard work, she purchased a small house in her old neighborhood and established a nonprofit called "A New Way of Life" aimed at helping formerly incarcerated women reintegrate into society.
Creating Community and Support
- Susan welcomed women who had just been released from prison into her home, fostering an environment filled with laughter, shared experiences, and mutual support as they worked towards recovery together. They created not just a house but a true home where they felt valued.
- The program offers more than food and shelter; it includes job training, healthcare counseling, and legal assistance—an approach that significantly aids their transition back into society rather than leaving them on the streets without guidance.
Impact and Expansion
- Over 2,000 women have benefited from "A New Way of Life," with only six percent returning to prison—a stark contrast to national averages—demonstrating the effectiveness of this supportive model for rehabilitation.
- Susan’s success has inspired partnerships with other formerly incarcerated women across the country to open additional houses for those seeking similar fresh starts after incarceration. Women like Pamela Zimba share how this initiative has transformed their lives completely through community support and stability.