Over one million U.S. children under 18 live each day without hearing their mother or father’s voice.  These are the children of incarcerated parents.

Volunteers of America Words Travel Family Connection creates a bridge between these parents and their children with a unique reading program. Parents read books onto tapes, which are then given to their children. The children not only hear their parent’s voice, but they also learn to read as they follow along in the books provided by Words Travel Family Connection. This innovative program benefits both children and parents alike.

"Reading together has helped me get to know my daughter and what she likes. When I come home, I’ll be able to sit down and read with her.  It’s something we love doing together." 
- Jimmy, an incarcerated parent in the program

The first program of its kind connecting prisoners with their children

The program is the first national literacy and family-strengthening program for incarcerated parents and their children. The venture is a partnership between Scholastic Inc. and Volunteers of America. Parents gain familiarity with the different genres of children’s literature and learn how to best read aloud to their children.

Through the eight-week Words Travel Family Connection program, incarcerated parent(both men and women) participate in a series of classes to learn how they play a key role in supporting their child’s reading development, even while they’re serving time.  Not many people know this better than Mary, a mother hoping to reconnect with her growing son Domisi through the program.  Read their story.

Reading children books behind bars inspires stronger relationships

The program is centered on Reading Starts With Us, a family literacy program created by Scholastic Inc. author Ellen Goldsmith. The program teaches parents how to engage in conversational reading with kids and then read and record books on tape for their children. The books and tapes then are sent to the children or given to them during a visit to the correctional facility.

Children participating in the program also receive a special backpack, a personal tape player, and other Scholastic books. The children keep all items so that they can listen to their parent’s voice and read along as often as they like. Scholastic donates the books and materials, while Volunteers of America administers and facilitates the program.

Questions or need more information?  Email us or call 425-259-3191 x2312.