"I got to be somebody": Woman spared jail time now running a nonprofit for women 

I just cried this entire story. I was given a second chance. I grew up so, so incredibly poor. And was homeless off and on for 12 years. At one point, I was sitting in the back of a police car for having too many tickets. I remember telling the cop: "I'm on my way to school. I don't have any money and I'm living out of my car - that's why my tags haven't been renewed. If you make it a crime for a poor person to get to where they are going to improve their situation, then you really aren't serving justice." He let me go right then and there. Today, I hold three degrees, I'm married, a mom, and I'm building my first home. And - I graduate tomorrow with that third degree. :) I'm so happy to see her story. This type of kindness is especially what Black women need. People would say not to "make it about race." But this time, it is. It is a Black woman who too, was facing adversity and had the will to pull herself out of it, simply from being shown kindness. And I can definitely respect that. :)

Aww a judge that can see potential. Sometimes jail isn't the answer.

Beautiful story, in tears. The past doesn’t define you. Sometimes all we need is someone to believe in us.

I’m literally bawling right now. How did she get 27 Felonies for that? It seems a bit disproportionate but then again I don’t know the details so I have no idea. I’m so glad she got to go back to school and put that behind her. What a beautiful soul.

27 felonies for petty theft during work study cause her family was in abject poverty?? Why did the prosecutors go so hard at her? That is the real story to me… the PROSECUTOrs and the discretion they have to be so absurd! Come on…people commit far worst crimes and it’s like a none issue

She is truly an amazing young lady, I wish her all the success in the world!

The woman who killed her husband I don't think she should be serving 20 years.

I was going to skip this story. I’m so glad I didn’t. This was beautiful!!!! Kindness and love can change people’s hearts.

We NEED more people/stories like these in this world. So very uplifting and inspirational! Thank you for finding and sharing this example of kindness, spirit, and triumph with the world!

Disgusting 20 years for manslaughter in Domestic Violence case for the victim? Hope they rot for giving out that backwards sentence. Get that woman's conviction overturned

Girl , I’m so proud of you! People get amnesia quick when the realities of life set in! Let us know what you need because we want to help.

My beautiful mother and family friend, Ms. Perry!! They are both so strong, beautiful, and brave. Keep our family in your prayers everyone and that our mom comes home soon and thank you for the kind and positive comments 💕

Grace, mercy and humanity go a long way. The judge took a chance because he saw her worth. He was not wrong and now, she is showing grace, mercy and humanity to others by paying it forward. That’s what we need more of.

Soror you're EVERYTHING our organization embodies, so proud of you!! I'm sorry that you were shunned when you needed your sisters the most. However, know that there are thousands more that support you!!❤️🔺️❤️

I was fighting back tears😭...this story was definitely meant for me... lately I've been struggling trying to follow my dreams... I'm late on my rent...but as a underdog...this give me HOPE❤️MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS HER✝️

I’m so glad that the judge could see something in her, and I’m so glad to see she’s doing so well. God bless both of them 🙏🏽

God bless this judge, God bless this young lady. Love hearing stories like this

This was a breath of fresh air. Sometimes people see where you are without recognizing what you went through on that path. Youngest of 16 children Mother and father not educated past grade school Mother died a few s weeks before high school graduation Abused as a young wife and mother Betrayed by friends Associates degree nursing Bachelors degrees nursing Masters degree in nursing education Working on PhD to help the community even though I am old Giving back is in my blood. This yiung lady’s story is beautiful and reminds me of the mission.

To the CBS Mornings team, Appreciate the reminder about the difference one person can make in another's life. Mr. Perry made a difference and was an example to his daughter Gabrielle Perry and the men he hired; the judge who was able to think outside of the box and give Gabrielle a second chance; Gabrielle's ability to accept responsibility for what she did and to make amends, and for helping women in prison; and Gayle King for her encouraging words about Black women's natural hair. Beautiful way to start a day. Namaste.

We need so many more judges like this, show mercy and grace. The world would be better because sometimes most ppl just need to know someone cares.

This story is so filled with God's love,grace & mercy ... Thank you God! Blessings to the Judge for giving her a second chance.😇

Your daddy is smiling down on you and you have made this world a better place simply by your compassion, action and self sacrifice… you are a beautiful woman inside and out☺️🙏❤️

The judge gave her a second chance and she gave the incarcerated woman a second chance. Pay it forward 💯

She has her father's heart. He set a great example. That's a great judge with the ability to see potential and not simply dismiss her.

I love her hair too! That Judge, a really special somebody, God Bless Him!

God bless the judge...he is an amazing human and a blessing.

An inspirational story. God bless the judge for the second chance

This story had me in my feelings early in the morning!! I’m so proud of this young woman!!

Love this story, so inspirational! CBS This Morning, please produce more of these meaningful stories. People need to see them.

Wow, I started crying when she said she was in a collaboration with Judge Higganbotham. She pays it forward to help others - such a beautiful soul.

This story gives me hope for the future. Thanks to a caring and compassionate judge and someone who has proven second chances can beat the odds.

She is a voice and a blessing from God! She will be blessed. God bless the judge, who gave her a 2nd chance. What a story!

She is beautiful, inside and out. I hope that life continues to shine for her as brightly as her smile.

Gabrielle Perry is an Amazing Woman!!!

So inspiring! The Lord bless this Judge who showed compassion. Gabriel you are amazing & it is evident how grateful you are for the second chance you were given. You truly are touching lives🙏🏽

She’s right kindness has gone away weather you go to jail or are a drug addict in recovery

I've been following her on Twitter. Very strong sista right here.

This story melted my cold dead heart. We need more like Judge Higgenbottam!!

You Go Girl - Breaking Shackles! Empowerment

She was a beautiful baby. The judge showed humanity by giving her a 2nd chance. He had faith he saw she was struggling to make ends meet

He showed mercy. And she is really blessed and doing a great job

This was such a beautiful, beautiful story. The judge and his kindness… more people like him are needed. Her testimony, her ability to completely change her life not only for the better, but paying it forward is so inspiring. It truly bought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing this story!

The judge is amazing, kindness matters!

She is playing it forward.great story

Wonderful story, we need more like this today!

The Lord used this man so that many other humans can be blessed through this one act of grace and mercy!

Smart beautiful woman. May she stay on the right path.

Ms. Gabrielle Perry's beautiful spirit shined through this interview! Have not seen another human lately who has radiated so much positive energy. She did not let her one poor judgement of error lead her into a negative direction. Her choice to go back to college and get THREE DEGREES, is amazing! She had so little but is giving back so much of herself to help other women. Her smile and her hair WOW! Ms.Perry, you are being lead all you have to do is keep following whatever positive journeys life has in for you in your future. Mr. Begnaud, thank you for interviewing this remarkable young lady.

Self defence and she is in prison??? Wth

This judge is a guardian angel more men like him is needed we would have a better world.

This made me cry!! So beautiful

I can’t stop crying. Happy Tears. Bless the Perry foundation. Kindness matters so much.

Love this! My church just an expungement event this weekend. & Over 235+ Charges were expunged!! Given returning citizens a second chance.

This brought tears to my eyes! What an amazing Judge to see past the crime and change a life! This is where compassion plays a huge role!! So many are not the present or past crime! So proud of you young woman for playing it forward! Amazing!!

I cried and cried and cried.....this story screamed so many loving messages and lessons.....thank you CBS for feeding us something of fulfilling

Thank you for this story. Stories like this are so needed at this time. Your stories are beacons of hope and light for me. 💖

The ripple effect of the judge's decision. Not everyone should be incarcerated. People are not their mistakes. They have the potential to be all they were created to be, with love and kindness to guide them on the right path. Such an inspiring story!

What a beautiful story, I am still in tears as I write this note. God bless the judge who had a kind soul. God bless the young lady who had the sense to better herself and now is such a blessing to so many others. This goes to show that love and kindness goes a long way in life. My parents always taught me to be kind to others and I have taught my daughter the same.

I just can't get over how beautiful she is 💖

Wonderful and inspiring, she made power out of her second chance, also a judge who choose to go with his better judgement, compassion goes a long way, GOD bless both of them, also her dad who was her foundational inspiration.💙

I love this story!! So inspiring! WHAT a beautiful young woman! I love you David for bringing this story to us!!🙂💜

I really hope she goes far, and her organization helps a lot of people. I’m just jaded by seeing so many people abuse their second chances and commit crimes.

Such a beautiful & inspiring story ❤️ One act of kindness can have such an impact!!

I definitely shed tears🥲 What a beautiful story. Stories like this remind me that kindness and humanity still exist. I only hope that similiar stories continue with generations to come😌 I am a firm believer that kindness can make a difference in a person's life❤

What an amazing story!! Thank you so much for sharing…

What satan meant for harm GOD made for GOOD!!! Great Judge, Great Young Woman!!! ❤️🙏🏽⚔️👑🤲🚀✝️

Simply beautiful!….May God continue to bless her 🙏🏾

I am crying! I love it!

Great job Soror you epitomize the heart of our organization. Sorry those others didn't come along side to help you. Not everyone knows the meaning of sisterhood.

How beautiful is this? Kindness has infinite power.

27 felonies for what though and she paid it back. These rich people embezzling money get far less that judge can kick rocks. I’m writing a note obviously thinking let me fake till I make it because this is bull. Glad she changed her life around and thank god she didn’t go to jail, I’m still shocked 27 felonies like for what.

Oh the Judge is an amazing human, we need more people like him! Thank you Judge!

This makes me proud to be born and raised in Louisiana. It's the only state that has parishes in our country.

While this is a BEAUTIFUL story, absolutely beautiful. But can someone tell me how a woman who has a history of calling in for domestic violence gets a manslaughter charge?

My cousin Shellie Cole Mickens in Grand Rapids Michigan reached back from her own past demise open for women "House of Blessings" women upon being released from jail/prison a place to stay helps to obtain hs diploma, ged & college etc. and getting their children back she helps rehabilitate them like this young lady giving back. God bless them both💕

This was a beautiful story, that bought tears to my eyes and a smile to my heart. I wish this young lady all the best. I think she is going to do great things. I send blessing to her and her family god be with you

Great story

This was such a moving, beautiful story! What a wonderful young woman!

What a story, God bless her through the journey of her life. Amen

I still don't understand how she got that many felonies. Did she take money repeatedly?

My man Your Honour there doing his bit in life...i mean she can go and do right or wrong many times after but he done his bit of brotherly love in the world and so is she with what she's busy with now..deep down no matter how many wrongs she's done, life shows her love which can only come from above!

Wow! This really made me tear up. Props to the judge for giving her that second chance, and big props to her for not falling back into old patterns! The epidemiology thing is so cool too

What a Fantastic story! May God continue to Bless these beautiful ladies in their future endeavors.

Amen! To The Most High for putting her on her course for success, Amen! to her for her kindness to others in giving back, and Amen! to the Judge for giving her a second chance, and offering her a hand up!

We don't have too many judges like that judge he really cares about people and respects them and give them good chances

With everything going on in this world, It's nice to hear a story that makes a difference.

Continue to shine !!

Amazing story...I could not help but weep as I saw the story. The Judge that showed her mercy is indicative of someone showing kindness and believing in her. I hope that this will happen more. Second chances are second opportunities and she is paying I forward which showed the risk was worth the reward. God bless you Gabrielle Perry 🙏🙏🙏

An amazingly beautiful story 🙏🏾🙏🏾 My eyes were filled tears of joy. God Bless her and all that she encounters

Bring tears of joy to my eyes. A beautiful young lady with so much potential. God continue to bless her and that kind hearted judge. Idk if he has girl children... but he has a mother for sure... he saw some good in her and realized that if only her circumstances changed she would reach the stars. Poverty is a seeeeeeeerious thing.

Big up from the UK, This woman is a gift to America. I hope someone in a position to help her grow that vital service watches this show and contributes

Ok, CBS! You give my morning hope and inspiration, AND tears !

This is what we all need to hear during these tough times. I know I’m blessed because too often I see homeless people. There are times I help as much as possible with money &/or items, but I’m not employed at this time & not always able to help. Thank you for giving others hope.🙏❤️✝️

What a story! Thank you every good person involved here!!

27 felonies?! Was that even necessary? Why is the domestic violence victim in prison after seeking help and being ignored?

I love you Gabby!!!! ❤️ Kindest soul and biggest inspiration

What a great story of grace and humanity. Best thing I've heard all day.

God bless the Perry family! She’s a beautiful soul and the Judge was her blessing! We need more Judges like him!

That judge is God sent

This is was a beautiful outcome to such a beautiful woman, from a compassionate judge. I hope they make more like him and her. If people would have just a little compassion for others, there would not be so many incarcerated.