>> christy has been denied parole multiple times, but she hopes her new skill will make a difference if she leaves valley state. >> when i think about paroling, it's going to be a whole new world. you know? i've been in almost 20 years. i'm looking forward to residing in a community, being a community-oriented citizen, a homeowner, living the american dream just like everybody else. so that's what i plan on doing. >> because a large part of the population at valley state is here for drug-related offenses, the substance abuse program remains many inmates' only hope. >> good afternoon, family. my name is vonita. >> hi, vonita. >> first of all, i want you ladies to put your legs down and i want you ladies to relax. >> vonita lee used to be a drug addict herself. today as a counselor, she has a unique appreciation for the struggles the inmates face. >> it hurts me. it hurts because i feel irresponsible. i feel hardness. i feel unworthy.