Jessie Ma Houston

Rev. Jessie "Ma" Houston, (1899 - 1980), dedicated her life to the prisoners of Illinois with her inspirational presence. Her prison mission laster over 50 years. The Jessie "Ma" Houston Community Correctional Center was named in her honor in 1980. Although physically challenged by polio, her visionary work was rewarded by appointments to the Governor of Illionis' Correctional Advisory Panel. She was also in charge of the prison outpost "Operation Breadbasket" (later to become PUSH, People United to Save Humanity).