As 2020 winds down and we prepare to celebrate the holidays, WSP wanted to recognize the hard work of all the wardens and staff at the TDCJ women’s units we serve, Snacks were sent via Amazon and we wished the wardens and the staff Happy Holidays and thanked them for their hard work during this difficult time of Covid. After calling...
We’re Still Here!
by Emilie Crimmins, Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive Chair It’s that time of the year again (think: hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, chilly weather) and Women’s Storybook project of Texas isn’t letting anything stop us from participating in the Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive – not even 2020! Since the holiday season is going to look different for all of us,...
Meet our 2020 Annual Luncheon Chairs: Margene Beckham and Mary Ellen Borgelt
One of the hottest seats to the best event in Austin… and then suddenly COVID-19 changed everything about Women’s Storybook of Texas’ Annual Fundraising Luncheon except – the need of children with incarcerated moms. Children already experiencing challenges, are now isolated by a pandemic. WSP event chairs Mary Ellen Borgelt and Margene Beckham are prepared to meet this need by...
Introducing our new intern for the fall!
We’d like to introduce you to our Social Media & Digital Marketing Intern, Nafisa Nazeer! She attends Southwestern University where she’s pursuing a Business and Economics double-major. She’ll be helping us throughout the semester with general digital marketing strategy. Welcome, Nafisa! Nafisa also co-found the agency, Octagons along with 7 of her classmates. Octagons helps small businesses develop their online...
“I Love You” Books
By Shereen Vinke, WSP Volunteer For most of us involved in the Women’s Storybook Project, reading holds a special place in our lives. We have fond memories of our parents reading to us as small children, their voices bringing stories alive for us, or we cherish memories of our own little ones snuggled on our laps, pudgy fingers pointing at...
Amid coronavirus, WSP continues to connect incarcerated mothers with their children (and caregivers) in letter-writing campaign
By Lydia Pyne, WSP Volunteer On 13 March 2020, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice emailed its volunteers to inform them that “effective immediately” all visits, volunteer training, and programs at correctional units were suspended due to COVID-19. These canceled programs included, of course, Women’s Storybook Project. Although this was obviously a prudent decision from a public health perspective, it...
Spring Break Tap -A- Thon!
Even after moving to California, Besher Garcia continues to have an impact on the work of Women’s Storybook Project! This April, quarantined and stuck at home for Spring Break, Besher made the best of his situation and decided to make a difference in the world through dance. On April 18th, he held a Facebook Live Tap-a-Thon and for TWO HOURS danced...
Volunteer Spotlight: Judy Darnell
Our Volunteer Spotlight this month shines on Judy Darnell. Since 2005, Judy has been involved with Women’s Storybook Project in some way. After meeting Judy at a clothing show – Judith said, “Do you have a minute? I’d like to tell you about a special program.” Judy was drawn to the mission and she was hooked. She is a former schoolteacher and the library is one of her favorite...
WSP featured in Spring issue of Capitalines magazine
The Capitalines Magazine which is a publication by the Junior League of Austin is a great read to learn about all the good work happening in Austin. We were happy to be featured in the Spring Issue! Thank you to JLA and the Capitalines team for all your hardwork and dedication to our community! Click here to view the Spring issue.
Happy Mother’s Day, a little early!
Dear friends of Women’s Storybook Project, It is our honor and pleasure to introduce you to SaulPaul, Musician with a Message. He has gifted us his beautiful song, Mama for Women’s Storybook Project. Please listen and share. This song, inspired by Pearlie, his grandma who raised him tells of the love that we all know to be true – a mother’s love. His experience away...