Warden Laura Williams is Stepping Down

On August 12, Laura Williams announced her departure from Delaware County, effective September 5. In an email to DelCo CPR, she stated,

“I have greatly appreciated the continuous communication, collaboration, and outreach over the last 3.5 years of my tenure. While there has been a lot of action between our entities, some highlights include DelCo CPR members participating in gift packaging for the incarcerated population, [six Annual] Holiday card donation drives and the Graduation gown donation (for our GED program).

Members of DelCo CPR have consistently demonstrated a commitment to open and transparent communication with our organization. We have appreciated the mission of DelCo CPR and the willingness to be seated around the same table as jail administrators in order to listen and learn from each other. Our relationship demonstrates the possibility and potential for advocacy and operations working side by side to enhance and improve this agency. We have appreciated the evaluative eye and constructive feedback provided to us. While we have not resolved every concern, we have made marked improvements and prioritized the highest levels of concern.

As I believe you are aware, I am transitioning from my role as Warden of this agency. While it is bittersweet for me, I am excited about the opportunity for continued positive change under the leadership of someone with their own independent experiences.

It’s been a privilege and honor,

Laura K. Williams

You can read more here, including excerpts from our recent Report Card:

https://www.delcotimes.com/2025/08/15/warden-resigns-at-george-w-hill-correctional-facility/

DelCo CPR Graduation Cap & Gown Campaign

The George W. Hill Correctional Facility has always been a frontrunner in the success of their GED program. Across the Commonwealth, no other county has been able to match the 60% rate at which students at GWH pass the state exams. The credit rightfully belongs with the educational staff, who work tirelessly with the students to prepare them, and with the students themselves, who undertake the challenges of classroom study often many years after they were in a regular school.

In recognition of the hard work these men and women do as students, the jail holds formal graduation ceremonies. Each graduate is encouraged to invite their family to be present as they receive their diploma. The family can bring dress clothes and can sit for a nice picture with the graduate. When no dress clothing is available, the jail has actually purchased some, just to make the moment special.

For the past six months, Jen and Joe spread the word and contacted colleges and high schools.  They picked up the donations. We exceeded our own expectations. And so, we were proud to donate 29 complete sets to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility and another 13 sets to the Berks County Prison.

Cliff Brock and Deacon Joe German with the 29 caps and gowns donated to the George W. Hill Correctional facility.

Jen Murphy with Berks County Warden Jeffrey Smith.

We are deeply grateful to the educational institutions and their alumni for making this possible: Neumann University, Penn State Berks, Harrriton High School and Haverford High School. We also appreciate the assistance of H-CAN for promoting the collection drive.

The goal of DelCo CPR is to improve the quality of life for those confined to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Enhancing the graduation experience is one way to meet this goal.

DelCo CPR presents the 3rd Anniversary Report Card

In keeping with our mission to monitor progress towards those goals which we formally presented, DelCo CPR presented the 3rd Anniversary Report Card to the County Jail Oversight Board on June 17. While progress seems to have slowed in the third year, we were pleased to note that 46% of our proposed reforms have been met and another 25% are approaching our expectations. The monitoring of our jail is of prime importance to the citizens of Delaware County. You can read the report below.

3rd Anniversary Report Card

DelCo CPR collects Caps & Gowns

At the request of Warden Laura Williams, the DelCo Coalition for Prison Reform launched a collection drive for gently-worn graduation caps and gowns. Reaching out to local universities, colleges and high schools, we amassed dozens by June 15th. They will be donated to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility so that those residents who complete their GED can have a picture taken in traditional fashion. The goal is to enhance the experience of reaching this milestone in life.

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DelcoCPR presents "Protection Without Restriction" proposal to CJOB, Warden Williams

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During the most recent County Jail Oversight Board meeting on August 8th, DelcoCPR leadership appeared in front of the Board to present the “Protection Without Restriction” proposal written by leadership, members, and friends of DelcoCPR. The proposal highlights unfair treatment of special populations within George W. Hill Correctional Facility — and envisions a facility that finds alternatives to isolation when protecting groups such as minors, elderly, and LGBTQ+ among others.

Read the proposal
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DelcoCPR Returns to In-person Organizing

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For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, DelcoCPR will be holding an in-person organizing meeting with the option to join remotely via Google Meet. We are excited to return to a more normal organizing format with the hopes that it will bring meaningful dialogue and a greater sense of community. See you on February 16th at 7:30 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Swarthmore!