Aunt Mary's Storybook Project works with the Kendall, Kane, and DeKalb County Jails, in addition to many other county jails and state prisons in Illinois.
Companions staff and trained volunteers bring into the jail or prison a selection of brand new books and audio recorders. We assist participating incarcerated people in choosing an age-appropriate book for each of their children. They are also given an opportunity to record themselves reading the books for their children. The incarcerated participant ends their recording with a message of love to the children and thanks to the caregiver. Then, on behalf of the incarcerated person, Companions then sends the books and recording to the children.
Aunt Mary’s Storybook Project was started by Companions in 1993 as a Christmas project for the children of women incarcerated at Cook County Jail in Chicago. It has since become a year-round program and has served as a model for similar programs in over 20 states.
