Colorado prisoners make connection to kids in prison reading program

Inmate Ricardo Garcia took part in a program where he was recorded reading a book at Sterling Correctional Facility. A DVD of the reading will be sent to his nephew.(RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

By Kirk Mitchell  -  The Denver Post  -  05/25/2013

STERLING — Eric Miller is doing time in prison for an armed home invasion.

Now he'll try to introduce himself to two 4-year-old kids who have no memory of ever seeing him by reading a book called "Duck on a Bike," by David Shannon.

The kids he will read to are Willow Rose and Ion, his own children by different mothers. He's at Sterling Correctional Facility and they live 200 miles away, in Colorado Springs.

"It's giving me an opportunity to be closer to my kids," Miller said in a prison interview. "It will let them hear my voice so at least when I get out they'll recognize my voice."

Hundreds of inmates at 15 prisons across Colorado participate in the program called "Read to the Children." In the past year alone inmates have been recorded on a video recorder more than 1,300 times reading books to kids.

"Regardless of a parent's past actions or current location, children can benefit from hearing their voice and seeing their face, even on video," Lt. Gov. Joseph Garcia said. "Many inmates regret their own lack of educational success and want to see their children avoid the same mistakes they made."

Garcia said he supports the program, which gives inmates an opportunity to have a positive influence on the lives of their children.

Garcia said he'd like to see the prison reading program expanded. He'd also like to make prison visitor rooms more kid-friendly, so inmates can read to their kids in person when appropriate.

In the aftermath of the slaying of prisons chief Tom Clements, prison activities including work and rehabilitative programming are back in operation.

Earlier this month, inmates were recorded reading to kids in conjunction with Colorado Literacy Week. Garcia was in Sterling in part to learn more about the prison reading program.

Only inmates who are not breaking other prison rules can participate in the Read to the Children program, said program director Diane Walden, a state librarian. Inmates who earn 60 cents a day in prison must pay postage to send DVDs of themselves reading to their kids.

"I'd give all my money to be able to do this," Miller said. "The program helps my kids, and it helps me."

Steven Romero, 43, of Grand Junction, serving a prison sentence on drug and weapons charges, said he planned to read to his 4-year-old daughter, Kara. He has previously read to his other six children while participating in the program.

"I still care for them, and I still love them," Romero said. "It lets them know Daddy hasn't forgotten about them."

He said participating in the program gives him powerful motivation to turn his life around.

"It makes you realize the things you do in your life reflects on your children as much as on you," Romero said.

Garcia said the reading program may help break a cycle in which the children of inmates become inmates themselves.

Walden said the children of inmates are six times more likely to end up in prison than children who don't have a parent in prison.

Inmates can participate in the program even when they don't have kids.

Ricardo Garcia, 28, serving time for a burglary conviction and parole violations, said he plans to read to his nephew, Noah.

"Before, when I was out on the streets I was not a good example for him," he said. "I have a desire to be there for him. I want to be a good role model. I really hope they see that education is important and that reading is important."