“I had heard about Women’s Storybook Project while still living in Virginia and when we knew we were moving to Austin two years ago I added volunteering with the organization to my list of plans for getting involved in my new community. Luckily I got the opportunity quickly as a member of the Junior League of Austin. I am so thankful for the partnership between WSP and JLA. As the liaison between the JLA volunteers and WSP, I quickly got to know different members of the WSP team who were so welcoming and supportive as I learned the ropes. The WSP team made going through the application and registration process as a prison volunteer way more navigable than it would have been attempting it independently. Finally it was time to visit a prison!
While it does tug at your heart to see a mother missing her child, being able to help strengthen the bond between mother and child while also fostering a love of reading is hugely impactful. The moms light up when reading to their babies, and even with the hard emotions there is so much love being shared with each recording and letter home. My role as an official JLA/WSP volunteer is only for one year, but I will be staying on as an independent volunteer. The Women’s Storybook Project is adding positivity to the world and deepening the relationships of every volunteer and participant, and I am so honored to be able to support this mission.”
Join Ana in spreading the joy of reading and supporting incarcerated mothers through Women’s Storybook Project.