Connections Work

From 05/13/2024 to

Through the Mother's/Father's Voice Program, volunteers record incarcerated mothers and fathers reading a storybook to their children. Connections Work staff burn the video to a DVD and create an online link, which are sent along with the book to the children. The children can then watch the video of their parent reading while following along in the book. Birthday and holiday cards may also be included to celebrate milestones in their child's life. This provides a sense of closeness between the parent and the child that would otherwise not be possible and promotes the importance of reading. Volunteers are vital to this program's success!

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Commitment: Volunteers sign up for dates in advance; two volunteers are assigned to each session; 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Friday mornings at the Berks County Jail.

From 09/29/2022 to

Looking for a volunteer role that will change a life?  You can help an individual, who has bettered their life after involvement in the justice system, apply for a pardon so they can move forward in their life without the burden of their record holding them back. Pardon coaches help applicants tell their stories, assisting them with writing the essay portions of the application, to submit their best possible application to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons.

*Research has shown that, nationwide, a past conviction history raises well over 40,000 barriers, including employment, education, housing, loan borrowing, professional licensing, and voting. These barriers also impact families; preventing legal guardianship, or even assisting with their children’s little league.