Inmates reading to kids long distance

I noticed a story the other day from another state about inmates recording books for their children and grandchildren. Reported AP:

A new program at the Dodge County Jail gives inmates who are parents a chance to stay connected with their children.

Much like a recordable greeting card, the inmates can purchase a recordable book, read it to their children, then ship it off to them. Jail programs director Aaron Ellis came up with the idea. Ellis says the inmates are incarcerated because of something they've done wrong, not their children. So, it's important they stay connected.

Inmate Dan Wiard recorded a book for his 13-month-old daughter. Wiard says that when his daughter visits the jail, his voice is known to her and she recognizes him.

Ellis tells the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen that feedback has been positive and that inmates are already asking about books for the holiday season.

It turns out there's a similar program at some Texas women's units. A young child I know whose grandmother is in a Texas prison recently received such a book, in which the grandmother's voice reads the words as the kid turns the pages. I thought that was a cool idea.

For more detail check out the Women's Storybook Project. Go here to see at which TX units the program is offered.