Avoiding Stress at the Holidays by WSP Team Lead, Shereen Vinke The winter holidays–really, all holidays–can be immensely stressful, but having kids makes them even more anxiety-inducing. We want you to have the best possible holiday experience for your first year back with your kids so you can build your bank of happy memories. We...
Category: News & Articles
Post
20th Anniversary Soiree – A night to remember!
What a night to remember! Our 20th-anniversary soirée on December 1st was a heartfelt celebration of two decades of love and literature, and we’re still buzzing with gratitude. Firstly, an immense shout out to the Neil-Cochran House Museum for graciously hosting our milestone celebration. Your historic venue provided the perfect ambiance, elevating our event to...
Post
Board Member Spotlight: Angelica Zarazoga
Meet, Angelica Zaragoza! Angelica Zaragoza’s journey with the Women’s Storybook Project (WSP) began during a challenging period of her life, marked by recurring incarcerations. Despite her hardships, she discovered WSP and its support, which became a lifeline for her and her eldest son, Andrew. “I was in and out of jails...
Post
Volunteer Spotlight: Sandy Carey
Meet Sandy Carey, a literacy champion with a heart of gold! 📚❤️ With 28 years of teaching experience and a deep love for reading, Sandy was deeply moved when she discovered the Women’s Storybook Project through her church. Since 2011, she’s volunteered in six prisons, and during the pandemic, she continued her mission through Storybook’s...
Post
Volunteer Spotlight: Rhoda Silverberg
Rhoda first began working in prisons when she lived on the East Coast. After moving back to Austin, Rhoda felt compelled to continue this line of volunteer work, that’s when she learned about the Women’s Storybook Project. “On my very first trip to one of the units in Gatesville, I was hooked. I knew I...
Post
Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Edge
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...
Post
Spotlight: Kanika’s baby shower celebration!
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
Post
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...
Post
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...
Post
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...