Stories & Smiles Stories & Smiles We want to continue to bring smiles to our kids who won't be getting DVDs of their incarcerated parent reading to them this Spring! Check out our "Stories and Smiles" Amazon wishlist, and order a book for a child. The wishlist has books selected specifically to encourage and engage children during this difficult time. We are also sending them an encouraging letter with the book they receive. As soon as the donated book is shipped to us, we will then immediately ship it to our kids! Thank you for your support! Donate a Book Here

The Issue

Oklahoma has the highest rate of incarcerated mothers and fathers, which has devastating effects on children and youth

This means that tens of thousands of children go months or years without one or both of their parents, which creates problems including anxiety, depression, loss of interest in school and more.

Our Goal

Breaking the cycle of incarceration one child at a time

Boosting Literacy

Building Confidence

Bonding Families

The OK Messages Project takes trained volunteer teams into prisons to coach and film incarcerated parents reading a book to their child and sharing a positive message. We mail the book and DVD of the parent reading the story to approximately 1,000 children before Christmas and 1,000 children for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

As children get to see and hear their parents sharing positive messages like “I love you, and I’m proud of you” through OK Messages DVDs,  it helps them see themselves in a positive way, and they know that their parents are safe and love them.

The Impact

The OK Messages Project Works

“I hadn’t seen my mother for a year after she was incarcerated. I was constantly worried about her, had no drive for my goals or school, and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’ve been very sad and depressed. Seeing Mom’s video that OK Messages sent me, and knowing she is getting better and looks a lot healthier made a big difference to me. It brought relief knowing she still loves me and my brother.”

– Oklahoma teenager

%

of children had less depression and sadness

%

of children showed improvement in reading

%

of children had higher self-esteem

Get Involved

Ways You Can Help

With your help, we can improve the lives of children of incarcerated parents through shared reading.

Donate a Book

At OK Messages, we are always in need of new books for the children. You can purchase a book on Amazon Smiles and have a book sent directly to us.

Donate Today

Become a Volunteer

We couldn’t accomplish what we have without our volunteers. Help us continue to make a difference in children’s lives. Become a part of our incredible team.

Get Involved

Help the OK Messages Project Change Lives

Contribute Today!

Keeping a child connected with their incarcerated parent or parents is a tall order, but with your help, we can continue to make it possible. Any amount helps.

$10

it only takes $10 to buy a book

$50

it only takes $50 to buy 5 books

$150

it only takes $150 to sponsor a child for one year

Our Sponsors

We Are Grateful for Your Support