Stories of Hope (Part 4)

Reading program works to keep incarcerated parents connected to their children

By Ryan Patterson, Racine Journal Times, September 1, 2024

RACINE COUNTY — When Jovantae Phifer came home, his children told him they loved the recordings.

On video, Phifer read a book to each of his four kids and explained the books’ lessons.

“It was a beautiful thing to have that feeling and to know that they enjoyed it,” Phifer said. “It just gave me a good, positive feeling.”

Jovantae Phifer is one of many people who have participated in “Making Reading Memories,” a Racine County Extension program at area correctional facilities. On video, Phifer read a book to each of his four kids and explained the books’ lessons. Ryan Patterson

Phifer is one of many people who have participated in “Making Reading Memories,” a Racine County Extension program that has operated at area correctional facilities since 2018.

Under the direction of Pam Wedig-Kirsch, Racine County Extension school readiness and family resiliency educator, the program is intended to connect children with parents who are incarcerated and improve children’s literacy skills.

“I think most people as parents question, ‘Am I doing this right? Is this the best thing for my child?’” Wedig-Kirsch said. “Parents who are incarcerated are no different … (This) gives them that knowledge: ‘I am doing things right, I am working to stay connected, I’m staying involved in any way I can.”

Giving parents a voice

“Making Reading Memories” is one of several The Literacy Link initiatives aimed at addressing relationships between incarcerated parents and their children. Depending on the relationship, the programs can create, maintain or grow their connections.

The Literacy Link is a statewide University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension project that includes “Making Reading Memories” and parenting workshops. It also aims to improve welcoming areas and visitation spaces at correctional facilities by adding toys and books for children’s visits.

The Literacy Link’s funders include Roots & Wings Foundation, Blocks for Books and First Book Marketplace.

Ronda Davis, justice-involved families state outreach specialist at Extension, said The Literacy Link programs provide parents with the chance to impact their families while behind bars.

“They still have a voice,” Davis said. “It looks different to parent from a distance, but you’re still a parent.”

The Racine County Extension programs are mainly funded by Racine County and United Way of Racine County, in addition to The Literacy Link.

Jessica Safransky Schacht, UWRC chief operating officer, said the nonprofit has provided annual funding because Racine County Extension is an organized, data-driven entity that excels at identifying barriers to access and responding to community needs. To read more of this article, click on this link: Reading program connects incarcerated parents, children (journaltimes.com)

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