While First Book’s mission is to provide books to all programs serving children children from low-income families, including Title I Schools, Head Start centers, health clinics, after school programs and more; there are a few Recipient Groups whose dedication to literacy and the children they serve is truly inspiring.  The C. Paul Phelps Correctional Center in Louisiana is one of these Recipient Groups. Through their two literacy programs, Men Read and Read to Me Daddy, they have united offenders and their children through the power of literacy.  Check out the below interview with Jolene Constance, the face behind these incredible programs.

How long have you been a First Book Recipient Group? Since October, 2006

How many children do you serve and what are their age ranges? Approximately 3,352 from ages 0-15

How many books have you received from First Book since you registered? 47,793

Quotes from children, staff or parents?

“Too often people are led to believe that a prison is a dark and depressing place for visits.  The atmosphere on our first visit was one of welcome and kindness.  The book program was great!”

“This is one of the best programs.  It’s not only educational but it helps the children bond with their Dad.  It encourages my boys to want to come and visit regularly.”

“Children follow the examples of their fathers.  It is very rewarding to see fathers reading to and with their children- no matter what circumstances surround their lives.”

Can you provide a brief background on your two literacy programs, MR – Men Read, and Read to Me Daddy? While attending the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents Fall Conference in September 2006, I attended the meeting “Silent Victims of Crime” which as a new Warden, had a profound effect on me.  I came home determined to make a difference in the lives of children of incarcerated parents.  That is when we began a new family literacy program here at our prison that improves the literacy of not only our offenders, but their visiting children as well.  We called it “MR-Men Read” and the rest is history.  We did, however, realize that after the hurricanes of Rita and Katrina in 2005 many of our offenders were going years without seeing their children.  Family bonding is a very crucial segment in preparing an offender for re-entry back into society.  We collaborated with Refined By Fire Ministries, under the leadership of Elaine Ellerbe, and began videotaping our offenders who had not had a visit in over a year with their children and who were going to be discharging within a twelve month period.  We video taped them reading a book to their child and sent the DVD and the book to the child.  It was a wonderful, meaningful success story.  Refined By Fire Ministries were no longer able to assist us with this program so we found funds to purchase our own equipment and have begun a similar program, named “Reading With Dad”.  We can now video tape our offenders more often, increasing the communication between Father and child regardless of logistical limitations.

How have these two programs impacted both the children you serve and their fathers? The preconception of a convicted felon is not one of a loving and caring father, yet in most cases the most tender aspect of a the offender is his love of his family.  Many of them know they have messed their lives up and caused needless anguish to their victims and their own families.  To have the opportunity to share a simple book in the basic form of communication- a Dad reading to his child- breaks all barriers.  A child does not see his offender Dad as a felon- he only sees him as his Daddy who is currently living away from them.  By allowing this natural sharing time via children’s books, whether it be by a physical visit, or by DVD, a bond is created between that child and their parent, instilling love and creating a love for reading and books.  Our offenders prepare for weekend visitation by reading the children’s books in literacy class the week before they have a visit, so they can read proficiently to their child. All visitation books are available in our offender library.  A secondary impact has been the loss of stigma in checking out children’s books.  It is now respected that you are preparing for your child’s visit.  This has truly been a win-win situation.

On your most challenging day, what motivates you to continue to make an impact on literacy and support children in need? The fact that these programs are GOOD keep me motivated.  As an Assistant Warden I deal with many more seemingly important issues, but when you realize you are helping offenders keep and create relationships that are many times very fragile in our environment, and you are instrumental in creating a love of reading, of books, and basic literacy, you see the value.  I’ve seen big men be so nervous about reading to their children, they have gotten literally sick.  These programs are very personal and meaningful in an otherwise non private environment.  Only the future knows just what a difference we are making through books.

Is there a favorite book among the offenders and their children? No, we are thankful for whatever offering of books we are blessed to receive.   Many times, the books we give out are the only home library books these children have access to.  They are very much appreciated by the children and their parents/caregivers.

What are you reading right now? Walking After Midnight by Katy Hutchison (True story of a woman’s journey through murder, justice and forgiveness.