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...
Category: Blog Post
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Thoughts from a volunteer: Dr. Breanna (Bree) Boppre shares the importance of empathy and in-prison volunteering
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....
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20 Statistics between literacy and children #WSPturns20
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...
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Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Oglesby
“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...
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20 Systemic Issues within the Prison System #WSPturns20
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...
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WSP Executive Director delivers Christmas Carol cheer!
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)!
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Volunteer Spotlight: Breanna Boppre, PhD
“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...
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Volunteer Spotlight: Mikaela Lopez
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...
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Jill Gonzalez is Consuela Styles’ NEW Viva Babe!
Consuela Styles is a fashion and lifestyle brand founded in Austin, Texas. The fashion brand has awarded its vivid, unique textile bags worldwide. Click the link below to learn more about the bags and their mission. This month, Consuela worked their magic with our Executive Director, Jill Gonzalez, at our Women Storybook Project office. Through...
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Volunteer Spotlight: Betsy McCraine
Elizabeth McCraine first learned about WSP at her church, St. Matthew’s, 14 years ago, and she has been a team leader for about 12 years now. She still recalls the early stages of the program, when she and Pat Yeargain would haul tape recorders, cassettes, and supplies up to the Mountain View Unit. The first...