By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
A project in which men in prison are videotaped reading bedtime stories and short messages to send to their children is having a big impact, says Dianne Anderson of the diocesan Restorative Ministry office.
Staying connected with family is a big part of growth and healing for men who are trying to turn their lives around, she says. The opportunity to read a story, knowing that their children will see and hear them on video, is a way for men with very few options to strengthen family bonds strained by the separation of prison.
Participants are unbelievably grateful to have a chance to gift their children with a story, says Anderson. The video of the dads reading a story is then delivered to the children along with the book, placed in donated backpacks along with new pyjamas collected from parishioners across the diocese.
The desire of the men to bless their children in this way is extremely moving, says volunteer videographer Tim Yaworski. “The love and the pain are both so evident. This is obviously a powerful and transforming experience for the men.”
The project began as an offshoot of a creative writing program for men in the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, with the first round of participants reading stories that they had written themselves. It has since expanded to include dads who are now videotaped reading donated children’s books written by other authors.
“This really goes a long way in helping to either create or help to build a connection between the prisoners here at the Correctional Centre and the children in their lives,” says Laura Beach, a volunteer with the Inspired Minds, All Nations creative writing program that initiated the project. “Dianne (Anderson) has provided invaluable support for this program,” she adds.
“This is the second parenting program that I have done with Dianne…. I definitely appreciate her and all the hard work she puts in at the institution,” says Robert Caisse, one of the original program participants.
Wyatt Bear, another of the program participants who wrote his own book, said that the ministry provided by Dianne Anderson is much needed and appreciated.
“Me, personally, I like to get a lot of stuff off my chest, to talk about my emotions, and to get it out of the way. I don’t like to bottle it up. With Dianne here, I get to come and do that… I appreciate that.”