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 kids with the books on...

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 the “It’s Not About the...

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 thing that stood out to...

Volunteer Spotlight: Charlene Ingram

“I was so moved by the dedication of the various volunteers in trying to make a positive impact on the relationships between incarcerated moms and their children.” – Charlene Ingram, Volunteer, Team Leader She enjoys seeing the moms relax, open up and express their love and hopes for their children. Charlene reminds us that there are lots of ways you...

Longtime volunteer, Dugie Graham’s return to prison

I’ve volunteered with WSP since 2009 and like most of our volunteers, have loved being a part of Women’s Storybook Project, especially going into the prisons and meeting the moms we serve.  Then my personal life was turned upside down 4 years ago with the death of our son and then personal health challenges with chemo treatments and confinement with a...

Volunteer Spotlight: Cynthia Winer

Cynthia Winer has been working with Women’s Storybook Project since 2011. After five years as a team leader at Lane Murray, she now serves the program in the Volunteer Intake position. In this role, she helps volunteers get approved through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Windham School District. “I love doing this job as I can help volunteers...

Volunteer Spotlight: Marcella Viktorin

Women’s Storybook Project was my placement for 2 years and I have since continued to volunteer in prisons and in the office on my own. I now also sit on the Board of Directors! After reading the WSP placement description in 2019, I immediately ranked WSP #1 on my preferences. I’d never heard of anything sweeter or more touching! And I wanted to meet other JLA...

7 Benefits of Reading to Children

7 Benefits of Reading to Children Whether you’re reading a classic novel or fairy tales before bed, reading aloud to children can significantly benefit your child’s life. Some benefits reading to children include: 1. Supported cognitive development 2. Improved language skills 3. Preparation for academic success 4. Developing a special bond with your child 5. Increased concentration and discipline 6....

Volunteer Spotlight: Shereen Vinke

Shereen Vinke first fell in love with Women’s Storybook Project in 2018 when a member of her church gave a presentation on prison ministries. “I remember being impressed at how much went into making WSP happen–sorting and collecting and distributing books, arranging for all the volunteers and getting them where they needed to be, communicating with the prisons about volunteers...

“FUN” raise for WSP and Amplify a Mother’s Voice!

Amplify Austin March 2-3rd It’s almost here! Amplify Austin is just around the corner, and we need your help in making it a success for our organization. We can reach so many more lives and truly make an impact.  I thought it would be a great idea if the entire WSP team would “CHEERLEAD” during this campaign (SEE Number 4...