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A FEW WORDS
Keeping you informed about SICT
SICT Today
It is a new year and a new SICT. In June 2023 Staying in Closer Touch became an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3). SICT has been operating for over 15 years and was originally a part of Children’s Literacy Network who generously donated space and some funds for one year. Our goals remain the same: To support the connection between the incarcerated and their children. We try to do that through promoting reading and love of books.
Prior to officially becoming a 501(c)(3), we began programming at Huron Valley Women’s facility. SICT has a long tradition there and when they could bring us in after Covid, they want to do so immediately. In we went in March 2023, starting with one night a week. The response has been fantastic:
“This program has filled me with so much joy. This is honestly the best feeling I have had in 5 months since being incarcerated. what you do is so amazing. I’m so excited to hear my kids reaction, and can’t wait to check out the ways I can help when I am released. God Bless.”
In the first 10 months 170 moms have read to 192 children
What’s Next? Coming Up
Several volunteers began orientation at Washtenaw County Jail in early April. with more scheduled for May. Our new site coordinator, Matt Bourland, is preparing materials to get everyone up to speed on SICT as well as the jail routine.
 | Why do you volunteer with SICT? Staying in Closer Touch has a mission of maintaining parent-child relationships, and I think it’s a great opportunity to play a role in facilitating those efforts while connecting with others who care for the same cause. What is your favorite thing about volunteering? I think volunteering is so important because it strengthens a sense of community and teamwork- we as humans are supposed to work together! What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? In my spare time I love being outdoors, trying new coffee spots, and live music! What is your professional background or expertise? I studied sociology which I love because it is so applicable to every aspect of life! |
Celebrating our Partners
We have not done this alone. The hearty team that began SICT had much to do:
Dykema law firm did all the work for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization pro bono, a huge contribution.
A modest website was supported to introduce us to the community.
Listing for volunteers is on three local and two national sites.
Volunteers stored, sorted and tagged our books.
A whole host of operational procedures needed to be developed.
In addition to book funds from the CLN, over 80 books were donated from Michigan children’s authors.
Rx for Reading Detroit, a program located at University of Detroit Mercy, has donated 400+ books.
New volunteers are developing social media for us.
How You Can Help
Get involved
We have many positions for both direct work in the incarceration facilities and with administrative support to programs. The latter you can do right from your couch (with a laptop). Go to stayinginclosertouch.org/ and fill out the volunteer form. While we always need prison visitors, our greatest need currently is for data tracking and recorders.
Donate
Visit https://stayinginclosertouch.org/support-donate/ and make a gift to help build the resources of our programs
Visit our Wishlist
Our Amazon Wish List is one way to help.
In a book group?
Encourage the members of your book group to donate funds for books.
Let your faith community know about our work
This is a terrific resource of caring people who can contribute funds and/or volunteer