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...
Henry Easton’s Project – Before, After and the Little Free Library he built.
We were blessed in the fall when Henry Easton completed his Eagle Scout Project with the help of volunteers from his troop. Henry learned valuable skills in construction, fundraising and organizing as he planned the space, raised the funds and donations, and transformed the entrance to Building M. Also, see Volunteer Opportunities if you’d like to help keep the...
Updated Volunteer Trainings
If you were able to come to the trainings already, feel free to save for your own review. There are some important changes in the way we will record and upload recordings for mailing. In Prison – digital recorder and spreadsheet usage (RECORDING)- with Jeri Saper, WSP Tech Committee Chair In Prison computer process- in depth (RECORDING) – with Ismael Rangel,...
New Volunteer Orientation
Our recent volunteer orientation was a great opportunity to go over the “new normal” in volunteering with our organization and prepare volunteer training to both new and old volunteers. Our virtual (and in person) volunteer training opportunity is a great practice to remain safe during these times. In preparation of our return to “in prison” volunteering in October, please check...
Flashback Friday: Lane Murray
Early recording days at Lane Murray. Volunteers were scattered in corners in the chapel. And now we send the moms’ voices via a URL!!! #FlashbackFriday
First trip to Plane Henley Jail!
After seeing our WSP in action at the Lane Murray Unit while she was the warden, Warden Howard contacted me after she was assigned to Plane State Jail/Henley unit. She wanted the program in Dayton (Houston area). It happened with her help and the Houston/Baytown volunteers! The Plane State Jail has the largest number of incarcerated females in a single...