FIRSTHAND

Season 5: FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison

FIRSTHAND: LIFE AFTER PRISON offers an intimate look at the challenges and opportunities facing people returning to society after spending time in prison, as they seek to restart their lives while carrying the stigma of a criminal record. WTTW explores re-entry in a documentary series, expert talks, text and visual journalism, and community discussions.

Video thumbnail: FIRSTHAND Marcelo de Jesus Velazquez

FIRSTHAND

Marcelo de Jesus Velazquez

S5 Ep5 | 27m 30s

After 20 years behind bars, Marcelo is fighting for prison reform.

Marcelo de Jesus Velazquez

S5 Ep5 | 27m 30s

Video thumbnail: FIRSTHAND Tawana Pope

FIRSTHAND

Tawana Pope

S5 Ep4 | 27m 59s

Tawana Pope gave up drugs and alcohol, and is giving hope to other Chicago-area residents.

Tawana Pope

S5 Ep4 | 27m 59s

Video thumbnail: FIRSTHAND Paul S.

FIRSTHAND

Paul S.

S5 Ep3 | 26m 29s

Convicted sex offender tries to turn his life around, and finds true love along the way.

Paul S.

S5 Ep3 | 26m 29s

Video thumbnail: FIRSTHAND Kyle Hilbert

FIRSTHAND

Kyle Hilbert

S5 Ep2 | 37m 7s

Kyle hit rock bottom more than once. This time, he hopes to put his life back on track.

Kyle Hilbert

S5 Ep2 | 37m 7s

Video thumbnail: FIRSTHAND Nicholas Crayton

FIRSTHAND

Nicholas Crayton

S5 Ep1 | 51m 41s

Nicholas is spending the final days of his sentence at an innovative prison.

Nicholas Crayton

S5 Ep1 | 51m 41s