Family connection book project

Program Overview

 

The Family Connection Book Project strengthens the bond between incarcerated mothers and their children through the power of reading.

 

For many mothers who are separated from their children due to incarceration, the loss of everyday moments—such as reading together—can be deeply felt. Through the simple gift of a book, families can maintain meaningful connection, comfort, and shared learning.

 

Second Chance Volunteers works with community partners and volunteers to collect, sort, and prepare children’s books that support programs focused on family connection and early literacy.

 

Through this initiative, donated books help incarcerated mothers maintain meaningful emotional connections with their children through shared reading experiences.

 

 

 

How the Program Works

 

Book Donations

Community members, organizations, and businesses donate children’s books.

 

Volunteer Book Sorting

Volunteers organize and prepare books through community service events and corporate volunteer days.

 

Mothers Read Stories To Their Children

Through partner programs, incarcerated mothers read a children’s book aloud to their child.

 

Books Sent Home to Children

After the recording is completed, the book is mailed to the child’s home.

 

Strengthening Family Bonds

Children receive stories that remind them they are loved and connected to their mothers.

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Expanding Support for Families

 

Incarcerated mothers

Books for the Storybook Project at York Correctional Institution.

 

Mothers rebuilding after release

Children’s books donated to transitional housing or reentry programs serving women and their children.

 

 

 

How the Community Makes This Possible

 

Community → Volunteers → Incarcerated Mothers → Children at Home → Family Connection 

 

 

 

Why This Matters

 

York Correctional Institution, Connecticut’s only women’s correctional facility, houses more than 850 incarcerated women.

 

Research shows that about 58% of women in state prisons are mothers of minor children.

 

Studies also show that children who maintain positive contact with an incarcerated parent experience better emotional well-being and stronger family relationships.

 

The Family Connection Book Project helps support these bonds by providing books that allow mothers and children to stay connected through reading.

 

Sources:

 

• Bureau of Justice Statistics

• The Sentencing Project

• The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated

 

 

 

Program Impact

 

Through the generosity of our community partners and volunteers, Second Chance Volunteers Inc. is working to collect 1,000 children’s books in support of the Storybook Project at York Correctional Institution.

 

In collaboration with the Storybook Project, incarcerated mothers are able to record themselves reading books that are then mailed to their children. These recordings allow children to hear their mother’s voice and maintain an emotional connection through reading.

 

Together with our community, the Family Connection Book Project is helping families stay connected through the power of reading.

 

Nearly 1,000 Books Collected

Children’s books gathered through community donations and book drives.

 

Community Partnerships

Support from organizations, corporate volunteers, and literacy advocates.

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​​​ ​ Books Collected: 1,044
Goal: 1,000

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Our Role

 

Second Chance Volunteers supports family connection and literacy initiatives by collecting and preparing children’s books for programs that serve incarcerated parents and their children.

 

Our organization works in partnership with community groups and existing family reading programs. While these programs facilitate the recording and mailing of books to children, Second Chance Volunteers helps ensure that books are available through community donations and volunteer support.

 

By working together with trusted partners, we help expand access to meaningful reading experiences for families navigating separation.

 

 

 

Get Involved

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There are many ways you can support the Family Connection Book Project and help children stay connected with their mothers through the power of reading.

 

Donate Children’s Books

Donate new or gently used children’s books.

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Host a Community Book Drive

Schools, workplaces, and community groups can organize book collections.

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Volunteer at Book Sorting Events

Help sort and prepare books during community service days and corporate volunteer events.

 

Partner With Us

Businesses and organizations can support the program through volunteer engagement or book donations.

 

 

 

Every child deserves a story with their mother ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​​​

 

 

Local Community partnerships

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• Darien Book Aid Plan Inc.

• UConn Library- Stamford Campus

• DoubleTree by Hilton Volunteers

• Community Donors (Daisy-Volunteer)

• Books 4 Everyone

• Fairgate Farm- Stamford

• Greenwich Event Services

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