Mary French has served time in the Washington Corrections Center for seven of her son Domisi’s eleven years, but the two have managed to maintain a very close relationship.  Thanks to Domisi’s grandmother, they see each other weekly.  And the bond between mother and son is further strengthened through Volunteers of America Western Washington’s Words Travel Family Connection program.

"Mary found out about Words Travel at the facility two months ago," says Camille French, Mary’s aunt and currently Domisi’s caretaker.  The program teams Scholastic Inc. and Volunteers of America to create a literacy program that connects incarcerated parents with their children through reading. 

Books create a lasting bond between incarcerated mother and son

Words Travel helps children between visits by providing audiotapes of their mom or dad reading a book.  Inmates are trained in how to read in a conversational, active way before they are taped reading their favorite story aloud.  "I could tell [Domisi] was really proud of the book he picked out that his mom gave him," Camille said of Domisi’s first visit through the Words Travel program two months ago.

Since 1991, the number of children with parents in prison has increased by more than 50 percent, most children being under the age of ten.  Without good role models and a solid relationship with parents, children are more susceptible to engaging in risky behavior or criminal activity.  Words Travel Family Connection works to break that cycle, providing a simple, meaningful way for inmates to interact with their children.  This, in turn, impacts their relationship when they eventually transition back into each other’s daily lives.

"I would definitely recommend this program," says Camille.  "It’s a nice thing [Mary and Domisi] can do together that involves a lot of interaction.  It gives their visits a focus."  And any day now, Mary French will be eligible for work release.

Breaking through the barrier of incarceration is an important step

Charles Conston II is a volunteer who accompanies the children on their bus ride to the prison.   During the bus ride, Charles prepares the children for the experience of visiting a correctional facility. "For the kids who don’t see their parents often, it’s really hard," says Charles. "They’re really excited on the way there, but on the way back it’s a different story." 

He remembers Domisi’s first visit to visit his mom. "He was very quiet on the trip and in general, but when he saw his mom he just opened right up and talked with her." However, not all children in the program get to see their incarcerated parent as often as Mary and Domisi see each other.  For many children, Words Travel is their only opportunity to visit with an absent parent. 

 Charles also participates in the reading workshops and helps record the audiotapes and gives them to the kids to listen at home.  "Sometimes the inmates even thank me for being with the kids on the bus," says Charles. "That really makes me feel good."