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... Linking inmates and their children |
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Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners,
and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3
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... Linking inmates and their children |
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Story Link® Program Highlights and Needs
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Started in 1998 at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Corrections Center (WERDCC) in
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Over 30,000 books have been sent to families since the Program was started
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Approximately 60 VICs are reading with over 500 offenders each month and sending the books and tape recordings to families at no cost to the offender or family.
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A survey conducted by Story Link Program in 2007 has shown that offenders who participate on a regular basis have improved their reading skills, have encouraged reading excellence in their children, and tended to stay free of violations (they must be free of conduct violations for 90 days to be eligible)
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Breakthroughs in family re-unification, parenting skills, and literacy have resulted.
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Because of monthly contacts, the opportunities for relational ministry and spiritual nurturing have been significant.
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The Missouri Department of Corrections has requested Story Link Program be started at the remaining eight State prisons as soon as possible. Several Illinois State prisons are also interested in having Story Link Program work in their facilities.
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Program Needs
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1.
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Volunteers: Those interested in serving as a volunteer (to read with offenders in the prison) should contact the Program to arrange a visit to the prison of their choice. A schedule of monthly trips is available on the website (www.libertybelleministries.org). Experienced Program volunteers will speak to any interested individual or group and provide ‘on-the-job’ training of new volunteers.
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Financial Support: Is totally from donations. The Program is part of Liberty Belle Ministries, a 501c3 tax-exempt corporation based in |
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New and Gently Used Books: With over 500 books being sent each month, a steady supply of books is needed. Donations have been made by church groups, Girl Scout troops, civic clubs, fraternal organizations, and individuals. All donations may be sent to the Program address: Story Link Program,
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A Donated Office Space: The Program has outgrown an in-home office and needs about 700 square feet of lighted and temperature controlled office space in the Brentwood, Webster Groves, Rock Hill, Kirkwood, or Glendale areas for book storage, supplies preparation, and volunteer training meetings.
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A Program of Liberty Belle Ministries 9909 Manchester Road #327 St. Louis, MO 63122-1915, 314.822.5315 libertyandbelle@aol.com, www.libertybelleministries.org |
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PRAY – for the safety and continued commitment of the inmates and volunteers.GO – to a prison (there are opportunities each week) and see if this is something God wants you to do. GIVE – books (new or gently used) for preschool to age 15, and financial support. It costs an average of $4 to buy the supplies and mail the book and tape for each offender. Your gifts are tax-deductible.
If you would like to Go or Give, contact: |
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In Prisons... |
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In Hospital and Care Facilities... |
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In Churches and Everywhere... |
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In Training Others... |
Our Mission: To share the love and hope of Jesus Christ...
(Jesus said) "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
Comments, corrections or additions please email: gtcdesigns@gitsy.com
Original Programing and Graphic design Copyright © 2007 - 2010
GTC Designs & Liberty Belle Ministries All Rights Reserved
