Synopsis

Four ex-convicts, Vilma Ortiz Donovan, Kenneth Harrigan, Casimiro Torres and Angel Ramos find a way to overcome their traumatic histories and chronic criminal behavior to become exemplary citizens. It is the ultimate redemption story—the powerful journey of four extraordinary characters who bare their souls and who have climbed mountains to get where they are today. Vilma Ortiz Donovan, Kenneth Harrigan, Casimiro Torres and Angel Ramos- defy the grim statistic that two out of every three prisoners released in the United States will be back in prison within three years.

Vilma Ortiz Donovan, a vibrant Puerto Rican woman from a solid family, became addicted to cocaine, was seduced by the drug world, and became a formidable drug dealer—one of the first women ever in such a role.  She served six years in prison. 

Kenneth Harrigan, an “A” student from a stable African American family, fell into drug use and graduated to crack.  Hopelessly addicted, he took to burglary to sustain his crushing habit.  With only three arrests and no history of violence, he was sentenced to twelve years to life.

Casimiro Torres, half Puerto Rican and half Irish, grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, fatherless, with five siblings and an alcoholic mother.  Caz’s childhood was beset by crime and violence and he did regular stints in juvenile facilities where as a boy he experienced horrors at the hands of sadistic and sexually deviant staff.  Caz got into drugs at age ten and eventually moved to crack.  He became a hardened criminal, doing burglaries, armed robberies, or whatever it took.  He was arrested sixty-seven times and served sixteen years in prison.  

Angel Ramos, Puerto Rican, grew up desperately poor with an abusive mother and father who also had serious mental problems. At the age of seventeen, a friend made an offhand remark that offended him.  When a heated argument ensued, a hidden reservoir of rage erupted in Angel and he murdered his friend right there.  He got 30 years to life and served 16 years in prison.

Vilma, Kenneth, Caz and Angel’s stories are harrowing, filled with struggle, pathos, desperation and hope. Yet they are familiar too, and parallel the lives of so many in our bloated prison system.  As our principals have so dramatically experienced, what ought to be the final redemptive chapter -- getting released—is often the hardest challenge of all.