Storybook Project is Now Welcoming Volunteers – We’re Up and Running and we need you!
After our long pause caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, we’re now up and running – and in need of new volunteers. We will be working in the Monroe County Jail, located in downtown Rochester NY. We will be operating each Monday morning from 9am to 11am. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and will be required to wear masks during their visit to the jail. Typically, volunteers visit our project once each month. Those interested in volunteering with us should contact our coordinator, Britt Hopkin at (585) 309-6345 or on email at Rochesterstorybookproject@gmail.com for further information and application forms.
This program makes it possible for incarcerated parents to read a story to their children. The inmate chooses a short story and with the assistance of volunteers, records the reading of the story. A CD is mailed to their child along with a copy of the storybook. Each child can enjoy reading along while listening to their parent talking directly to them—helping to ease the pain of separation. Children who are read to by their parents are more likely to develop an interest in reading. For the parent, the program offers much comfort and a deeply moving experience as they make a loving connection with their child.
The Monroe County Jail is located at 130 South Plymouth Avenue, in downtown Rochester. We are currently working in two venues within the jail. The Veteran’s Unit houses inmates who have served in the US Armed Forces as well as inmates undergoing rehab for drug abuse. This unit provides specialized programs for these veterans which addresses their special needs. Our second venue located on the 5th Floor or MCJ which serves female inmates and selected male inmates from the facility’s General Population. The Rochester Storybook Project is an outreach program of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Henrietta.