The Women’s Storybook Project of Texas (WSP) is a women’s prison program that connects children with their incarcerated mothers through the joy of literature. The primary goal of WSP is to reduce the rate of re-incarceration among incarcerated mothers by strengthening the mother-child connection through literature. This literature project requires volunteers to travel to Texas female prisons to record incarcerated mothers as they read stories to their children. These recordings provide a chance for children to hear their mother’s voice while they are away. Connecting the children and mothers helps provide a reason for the mothers to work hard not to return to prison.
Children with incarcerated parents haven’t committed a crime. They are a vulnerable population who are often overlooked and forgotten. Keeping in contact can be difficult from prison as offenders may be held long distances from their families. Those that maintain contact are up to 6 times less likely to return to prison.
“I have two daughters who absolutely love their books. It has been a blessing to be able to be a part of this program. It has made me real in their little lives once again.” Women’s Storybook Project (WSP) enables families to reconnect through the simple act of reading a story.
