SRU's Read to Me

My name is Heather Rice and I am an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Slippery Rock University.  While I was growing up, my father had various stints in jail.  Each time, it was very difficult on our family.  I've spent a lot of time reflecting about what would have helped us through these times and I now realize that what I really needed was a way to maintain and even strengthen the father-daughter bond during our separation. 

In an effort to help children who are currently in the same position I was once in, I've started the Read to Me Program in the Butler County Prison, along with my friend and colleague, Alice Del Vecchio, and a team of undergraduate students at Slippery Rock University. Research suggests that preserving and strengthening the bond between parent and child, especially while a parent is incarcerated, has significant benefits for the child, the parent, and society at-large. Recognizing these benefits, SRU’s Read to Me program will connect parents who are incarcerated at the Butler County Prison with their children through reading. First, parents will select an age-appropriate book for their children (10 years and under). Then, a team of SRU faculty and students will video-record the parent reading the book. Lastly, the book and a DVD of the video recording will be presented to the child and their caregiver.  We are piloting the program during the Spring 2016 semester, linking 20 incarcerated persons with their children.  We will expand the program in the Fall 2016 semester, hoping to serve 40 people who are incarcerated.

We are raising money to carry out this program.  I ask for your help in reaching our goal.  Our specific needs include:
- Children's books 
- A video recorder
- Recording supplies (memory, batteries, tripod, etc)

We would greatly appreciate any and all support.  THANK YOU in advance!