In the heart of Los Angeles, where the shadows of the War on Drugs loom large, Susan Burton’s life took a devastating turn with the tragic death of her five-year-old son. Engulfed by an ocean of grief and lacking access to professional help, she found solace in the very thing that would lead her down a path of destruction: drugs. This choice spiraled into a fifteen-year cycle of addiction, incarceration, and silence—no therapy, no treatment, just the cold confines of a prison cell. Yet, within this cycle of despair, Susan found a spark of resilience that ignited a profound transformation. "Becoming Ms. Burton" is not just the story of one woman’s journey from the depths of addiction to the forefront of the national justice reform movement; it’s a testament to the power of hope and the possibility of redemption. Upon reclaiming her life, Susan Burton embarked on a mission to extend a lifeline to those who tread the path she once walked. With the founding of A New Way of Life, Susan opened her home—and heart—to formerly incarcerated women and their children, offering them not just a safe haven, but a chance at a new beginning. Through her unwavering commitment, she has become a beacon of hope and a force for change, challenging the societal structures that perpetuate cycles of incarceration and advocating for the dignity and rights of those who have served time. "Becoming Ms. Burton" is more than a memoir; it’s a rallying cry for justice, a blueprint for reform, and a deeply moving account of one woman’s unshakeable belief in the power of second chances.