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!
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.