Lincoln, Neb. – For 35 years, attorney‑turned‑activist Rebecca Smith has helped incarcerated parents stay connected with their children through a simple yet powerful idea: reading a bedtime story together, even from behind bars.

How the program works

Smith founded “Read Me a Story” after hearing countless clients express how much they missed their kids. The program lets a parent choose a children’s book, record themselves reading it, and then mail the book to the child while sending the digital recording to the family. The result is a shared story experience that bridges the physical gap of incarceration.

Growth and technology

Initially, Smith recorded parents on cassette tapes and mailed the books herself. As technology advanced, she switched to CDs and now uses a handheld recorder that creates digital audio files she can email directly to families. Volunteers have joined over the years, expanding the program’s reach.

In its first three years, the initiative sent more than 1,000 books and recordings. While Smith no longer knows the exact total, she estimates that thousands of families across the United States – and even abroad – have benefited.

Personal stories

One memorable moment involved a father who struggled to read. When his son’s birthday approached, Smith offered to have everyone sing “Happy Birthday” for the child. Ten large, tattooed men and Smith herself sang, moving the father and his son to tears.

Smith says the program reminds everyone that incarcerated individuals are still parents, not just numbers in orange jumpsuits. “They made a mistake, and they’re paying for it, but they’re still moms and dads who deserve connection with their children,” she said.

Future goals

Looking ahead, Smith hopes to bring “Read Me a Story” to every county in Nebraska and is seeking more volunteers to help reach additional correctional facilities, parents, and children.

Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.