Volunteer Spotlight: Meet, Laura Edge! How and when did you first get involved with WSP? I was at a writer’s conference in Houston doing publicity for my young adult book, Locked Up: A History of the U.S. Prison System, and JoAn Martin, a long-time Storybook volunteer, asked me if I would like to...
Wonderful volunteers! ” WSP volunteers and staff honored Kanika with a baby shower. We’re very happy for her and her soon-to-be born baby. And I’m very glad for our volunteers. They are a special caring group of women, and I’m grateful they’ve been part of my life.” – Judith
Ron Stimson, an avid WSP supporter, passed away last month after struggling with cancer for two years. He loved the idea of connecting children with their incarcerated mothers and helped with many book drives from Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown. He was so pleased to watch WSP grow and spread into many units. Most of...
The U.S. is the world leader in incarceration and the social consequences of that status extend beyond prison walls and into the community. Each of the 1.4 million people incarcerated in the U.S. leaves behind a family system. Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/Latiné families face increased risks due to racial disparities and overrepresentation in the U.S....
Incarcerated mothers represent a growing population within the prison system. Their children face difficulties in social-emotional well-being, cognitive, and psychological risk due to change of guardian, home, and separation. It is important to note that, “there are no federal, state or local agencies responsible for obtaining information about children separated from their mothers due to...
“I first got involved in WSP in September. I found it by chance after searching for opportunities to serve incarcerated women.” What was your first impression of WSP? The whole experience is very moving. I love seeing the mothers transform emotionally after reading to their children. It’s also a great way to connect with other volunteers through...
For My Kids by Melissa Bigstone It seemed like a normal day, woke up got ready and I was on my way, But little did I know that all would be lost, I was hoping and praying I could go back in the past, Wishing it didn’t happen so fast, Now all I can do...
Students from Independent Identity joined WSP Executive Director, Jill Gonzalez last week with a slew of holiday carols. Independent Identity creates quality lives for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Merry Christmas! Be safe ( and warm)!
“This fall. I saw WSP on Twitter. I looked up more about the organization and thought it would be an excellent service-learning partner for my students in Violence Against Women. We have a whole section on women’s incarceration in the class.” – Dr. Breanna Boppre, Assistant Professor in the Department of Victim Studies at Sam...
Meet Communications Intern, Mikaela. She is studying social work at St. Edwards University in Austin. This position helps to “get my feet wet for community outreach and non-profit PR (public relations), which is what I would like to do in the future.” Mikaela wishes other people knew more about the efficiency and flexibility of providing...
