Volunteer

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Volunteer

Volunteers are integral to the success of Women’s Storybook Project! We greatly depend on and value the contributions of our 150+ volunteers who contribute more
than 2,000 hours annually.

“The power of this project is in the amazing women and men who give their time to others. The power of this project is in every person who donates a book, or a dollar, or an hour. The power of this project is the love it passes along."

"I've been wanting to volunteer at WSP for a while, but I lived far north of here. When I moved to south Austin, I knew it was time. As a former librarian, I know that kids need good books. One of the things I love about the Storybook Project is that it both connects children to their mom - AND engages them in a good story. Many children (via mom) request the next book in a series. It's so important to help the whole family connect and reconnect. My favorite thing about this job is knowing I've found the perfect book for a child, and their mom. "

“The program is safe, easy, and important. Some women I speak to about the program shutter at the thought of going into a prison. I let them know the program is safe, the work is important, and they can make a real difference in the lives of hurting women and innocent children.”

"My good friend Judith Dullnig introduced me to the “Women’s Storybook Project “ As a great lover of books, I was immediately enchanted with this project . Uniting mothers and children through reading - it warms my heart.

“I support WSP because every time I hear my little kids say, "dad, read me a story,” its one of the best parts of my day. EVERY child deserves to hear the voice of their parent transporting them somewhere new through literature.”

“"I first heard about Storybook Project during Amplify Austin five years ago from a friend who had been a volunteer. I began volunteering in December 2019 and have visited four different units so far. I've recorded moms reading and listened to their messages to their children; I've heard feedback that the children and caregivers are thankful to have that connection. As a lifelong reader and as a parent, I know this is a valuable group. I'm happy to support Storybook Project!"

"I found out about the Women's Storybook Project of Texas in my American Dilemmas class at St Edward's University in the spring of 2015. I remember reading about their mission and immediately feeling intrigued by the concept! Five years later I'm still volunteering with the organization and have been designated as the Holiday Book Drive Chair the past several years. I absolutely love the Women's Storybook Project and truly believe that they are making a huge difference in the world."

Group Volunteers

Do you have a team of employees, a group of friends, a corporate day of service, or other volunteer squad? We’d love to set up a project for you! Groups can either come to our office on Bee Cave Road or, assist remotely. Please contact us to learn more.

Office Helper

Office volunteers select books, complete the mailing of packages received from mothers in prison, sort and box books, and more. Shifts are typically a couple of hours long. Apply to be an office volunteer here.

Prison Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering in prison? Click here to apply, and we will contact you.

Things to consider before applying to visit the prisons:

You must be a female and at least 18 years of age to work directly with incarcerated mothers as a Women’s Storybook Project volunteer.
You must pass a criminal background check conducted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Once that is completed (typically within 4-6 weeks), you will receive a letter of approval from TDCJ.
WSP serves11 prisons. Most prison visits occur on Saturdays. We have added Tuesday and Wednesday opportunities recently.

WSP committees

WSP committees, composed of staff, board members and community volunteers, advise and support WSP activities. We ask that potential committee members have a background in the area where they would like to serve.

Committees include: Programs, Technology, Finance, Development and Luncheon. Committees meet once per month. Apply to join a committee here.

Board of Directors

Our governing board plays an active role guiding Women’s Storybook Project of Texas fulfill our mission. Board members serve a three-year term that requires an average monthly commitment of four to six hours, including participating in one or more committees.

Event support

From our annual fundraising luncheon to our annual book drive at a Barnes and Noble, WSP has several special events throughout the year. Volunteers can be involved on many levels, from planning and preparation to execution and follow-through. Commitment varies and most hours are evenings and weekends. Apply to be an event volunteer here.

WSP Founder's Award

2022 Founder’s Award Recipients

Anne Mooney, MSW

Nancy Botkin

Learn More about the Founders Fund

Anne Mooney, MSW

Anne helped design and implement Women’s Storybook Project at the Hilltop Unit/TDCJ. She attended the Baylor School of Social Work. She served as TX Youth Commission Director for Incorrigible Youth, Social worker for Buckner Baptist Parenting Program at the Hilltop Unit/TDCJ, Director of Female Sex Offender Treatment Program. Anne played an integral role in the pilot program and initial launch of the Storybook Project.

Nancy Botkin

Nancy Botkin was a founding board member for WSP and has been volunteering since 2003. She has her B.S. in Criminal Justice and is a Retired Senior Warden for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where she was honored with the Best in Texas Award at the Hilltop Unit and honored twice as Outstanding Woman in Texas Government. Nancy also has served as a Jail Administrator for Bell County. She currently serves on the board of the Coryell County American Cancer Society. Nancy Botkin has been a gift to WSP and played a significant part in building a successful relationship with TDCJ.