Manitoba/Canada: Danika Letander cherishes the moments when her children listen to recordings of their father, Kyle Woodford, reading stories. Woodford, currently incarcerated at Headingley Correctional Centre, can only connect with his children through a unique program called "Get the Story Out," run by the John Howard Society (JHS) of Manitoba.

The program, which allows inmates to record themselves reading books, has brought comfort to Letander's family. Woodford's voice, sent through CDs and MP3s, calms his children, who range from ages three to 15. "It's amazing to have. It means so much that they can hear their dad," Letander said.

The program, revived after the COVID-19 pandemic, provides a vital link for families separated by incarceration. JHS literacy instructor John Samson Fellows emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections, noting that children of incarcerated parents often face overlooked challenges.

The impact on Letander's family has been profound. Her three-year-old, previously nonverbal, has started pronouncing words, and her six-year-old son has developed a newfound interest in reading.

"Get the Story Out" partners with local bookstores to provide books, aiming to make each package a special gift from parent to child. For families like Letander’s, these recordings are more than just stories—they're a lifeline.