"Books Across the Miles" helps incarcerated youth and adults in the DC jail, juvenile detention, and federal prison transform their lives through books and writing. Through this program, we provide long-distance, written correspondence to members in over 120 facilities across the country. Books Across the Miles equips Free Minds members with access to the tools necessary to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals, and prepare for successful reentry.
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop introduces the life-changing power of books and writing to youth charged and incarcerated as adults in DC. Because DC does not have its own prison, people are transferred to federal prisons across the country, and are isolated from their communities. Books, and the connections built through books, become even more vital during their incarceration.
"Books Across the Miles" utilizes Free Minds' proven book club model to cultivate a strong love for reading among incarcerated youth and adults, allowing them to interact and discuss what they are reading with each other in a way that increases their understanding and appreciation of the book. In this program, members read the same book and engage in a written dialogue through our bimonthly magazine, building a network of positive peer support as well as increased motivation for learning.
When youth and adults return home from prison, they join a trusted community ready to equip them with the supportive services needed to thrive. "Books Across the Miles" is an innovative tool in lowering recidivism and building safer, more connected communities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
