for prison without parole for a nonviolent drug related crime. it was his first felony but in the middle of a tough on crime era, the judge showed no leniency. with no hope of walking free again, underwood has made the best of his time in prison, mentoring others and staying devoting to his children and grandchildren as ebony fighting for his release. >> we all have made mistakes, people deserve second chances. >> reporter: a third circuit judge sent him a letter saying even though he's in prison, he's having a big impact on others. >> i was feeling hopeless. >> reporter: but then, a glimmer of hope. the first step act led to the release of thousands of nonviolent federal prisoners. underwood wasn't eligible, but matthew charles was, and he became the very first prisoner to be freed. now, he's pushing for the next step, a second chance for men and women sentenced to die in prison like underwood. >> some of the people that mentored you when you entered prison are still in prison. >> are still in prison with no