LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Lubbock County Sheriff\u2019s Office is working to help inmates stay connected to their loved ones while serving their sentence.<\/p>\n
Through a partnership with Texas Tech and Tonies dolls, inmates in the Lubbock County Detention Center are getting the chance to read to their kids to sleep every night. They do it through special recordings captured by devices inside the dolls.<\/p>\n
Kyle Roberson is a assistant professor at Texas Tech and helps serve in the program.<\/p>\n
He believes this program is life changing for the inmates. <\/p>\n
\u201cAny parent would tell you they want to maintain a connection with their kids, and so this gives them that opportunity to show that they are doing something to better themselves to show their kids that they still care,\u201d Lopez said.<\/p>\n
Program aims to break generational cycles<\/p>\n
Captain Salome Lopez is the director of programs for the Lubbock County Sheriff\u2019s Office. She said something as simple as a bedtime story can mean everything.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always looking at bringing in different types of programs in that have an impact on both sides of the building, with the inmates and the children,\u201d Lopez said. \u201cSo we really want to try to focus on breaking that generational cycle, and also continuing that connection between the child and the parent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roberson said maintaining those connections during incarceration often reduces the likelihood of a repeat offense.<\/p>\n
Right now there are ten inmates participating in this program. Roberson said they always have a smile on their face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we come in to do a new session, they\u2019re very excited to see us, they tell us about their kids and how they\u2019re using the Tonie boxes,\u201d Roberson said. \u201cSo we know it\u2019s having an impact that they\u2019re getting to listen to stories, getting to hear their parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Investment in next generation<\/p>\n
Roberson said this program is an investment not just in inmates, but in the next generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuilding that connection knowing you are always thinking about your loved ones even when you are separated, just does wonders for making people feel like it\u2019s not the end of the world while dad is doing time, that we\u2019re going to get connected again,\u201d Roberson said.<\/p>\n
Families will receive the voice recording, along with a copy of the book. Even from miles away, a familiar voice can help make you feel right at home.<\/p>\n
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