About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Story Link Idaho is a program dedicated to keeping the bond strong between children and their incarcerated parents or grandparents through the power of reading. Volunteers visit prisons where inmates record themselves reading children's books, which they then sign with a personal message of love. Both the recording and the signed book are sent to the child, fostering a connection despite physical separation. This initiative thrives on the generosity of donations and the dedication of our volunteers.
Our Story
Founded in 2011 by Mary Ann Kojis, Story Link Idaho was inspired by the pioneering work of Dana and Jane Abendschein in Missouri. Their Story Link program aimed to maintain connections between incarcerated family members and their children. Mary Ann, a former first-grade teacher with personal experience of family incarceration and a deep faith, was moved by this model to create a similar program in Idaho, motivated by her love for Jesus Christ and education.
Our Founder: Mary Ann Kojis
Our Impact
Total number of book and recordings sent: 13,326
Number of facilities we serve: 9
Average number of volunteers per month: 40
Story Link Idaho transforms the prison community by strengthening the vital bond between incarcerated parents and their children, offering a unique way for inmates to record stories and messages that maintain crucial family connections. This innovative program fosters responsibility, accountability, and self-worth—key to personal recovery and rehabilitation—while encouraging reflection on the profound influence participants have on their kids’ lives. By promoting meaningful interactions that leave residents feeling connected and valued, Story Link Idaho inspires personal growth and increases the likelihood of participants staying out of prison post-release, creating a cycle of hope, healing, and lasting change for both parents and their children.
Our Sponsors
