Amy Wickes has committed her life to helping people in prison and is dedicated to prison reform. When someone in prison is in need, is sick or is preparing to leave -- Amy is there to support them. She assists families in the care of children whose parents are incarcerated. She meets with prosecutors, police and jail personnel to advocate for better law enforcement and prison conditions. She encourages more humane treatment for mentally ill prisoners. She advocates for more prison rehabilitation programs. She is currently very concerned about the number of veterans in prison and the growing heroin epidemic in jails.
  Amy's motivation comes from her own unfortunate personal experience. She was born and raised in a wealthy family who, at one point, had a multimillion-dollar home, an airplane and a beach house. She attended an all-girls elite boarding school. She was married with two children and occasionally modeled. But, after struggling with addiction and alcohol issues, at age 37 Amy was convicted of aggravated burglary and escape. Amy spent four years in prison.
  The horrible conditions and trauma of her prison experience inspired Amy's current volunteer work and her recent book "From Privilege to Prison: Finding Purpose in a Dark Place." The book is a raw and frightening story filled with eye-opening details about the prison system. Amy now speaks to classes and groups about her book and her prison experience. She started a "Stay Out" program to keep people from returning to prison. Amy's tireless work on behalf of prisoners is what makes her our Free Press hero.