In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the introduction of a new literacy program aimed at incarcerated individuals, called \"Inside Out.\" This initiative, proposed by Heidi Ungerl from UW Extension, is designed to facilitate communication between jail residents and their families through reading activities conducted via Zoom. The program, which is set to last for ten weeks, has already attracted four participants.
The \"Inside Out\" program is reminiscent of a previous initiative known as \"Making Reading Memories,\" which also focused on enhancing literacy among inmates. The goal is to provide these individuals with the tools to connect with their children and families while they are incarcerated.
During the meeting, officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to exploring new programs and funding opportunities. They encouraged attendees to share any potential program ideas with the team for evaluation. Additionally, they highlighted the availability of professional visitor applications on the sheriff's department website, noting that while the approval process may take some time, individuals can utilize public access resources in the interim.
The meeting underscored the importance of educational programs in correctional facilities and the role they play in fostering family connections during incarceration.