RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – CBS 17 is taking viewers inside the North Carolina women’s prison in Raleigh.
The prison granted CBS 17 evening anchor Angela Taylor rare access to see how the inmates are being rehabilitated before they re-enter society.
Every morning, Lea starts her day off with prayer.
It’s her first semester as a student at the College of Southeastern.
“I really just want to make my children and my mother proud,” said Lea.
But unlike other college programs, this one takes place inside the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women.
Lea said, “We are still people. Yes, we made a mistake. Yes, we are here, but yes we are still people.”
The field minister program is a first of its kind at this facility. Classes began in January of 2024.
These inmates just finished up their first semester. For inmates like Lea, it’s giving her a purpose.
“People said, ‘Oh, that’s the worst you could ever do with your life. That’s it. You’re just canceled. You’re just another number. You don’t even have a name anymore,’” said Lea.