Sgt. Ameer Williams of the New Haven Police Department has an unlikely resume – one that includes a prison sentence for drug dealing.

"When I got out of prison, I worked hard to get a full pardon. Then I was able to pursue a career in law enforcement. Now I show other young people who are in the same position how to turn their lives around -- and it's a great feeling," Williams said.

The 48-year-old father shares his inspirational story throughout Connecticut with young people.

"I work with Charlie Grady of the nonprofit Hang Time, getting the word out to young people that you don't have to be defined by your worst decision," he said.

Grady is a retired law enforcement veteran who heads up the nonprofit Hang Time, which helps formerly incarcerated people aim high and turn their lives around.

"My new film, Us vs. Them features inspirational second-chance stories, and we had a packed house at Sacred Heart this week for its first showing," Grady said.