How a Rikers book club is giving incarcerated women a second chapter
THE BRONX (WABC) -- A nonprofit book club is helping women incarcerated at Rikers Island find connection, support and a creative outlet through literature and writing.
Rosebuds Reading Collective brings book clubs and creative writing workshops to women housed at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island. The nonprofit was founded after CEO Nora Fried discovered the impact books could have during a difficult period in her own life and wanted to create a similar opportunity for women behind bars.
What began with six women and a handful of books has grown into a program that now reaches more than 30 participants per session across multiple housing units. The organization also hosts author visits and writing workshops centered on the experiences and voices of incarcerated women.
Actress and bestselling author Julia Fox serves as the group's creative director and co-founder. Another founding partner, Afrika Owes, was formerly incarcerated at the Rose M. Singer Center and helps guide the program's mission.
Organizers say the goal is simple: build community, encourage self-expression and provide access to books for women navigating incarceration.
The nonprofit is funded through donations, with organizers hoping to expand its reach and bring the program to more facilities in the future.
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