Companions Journeying Together

11/20/2025

Imagine a child hearing a story read just for them from a parent or relative they can't be with.

At the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore, Aunt Mary’s Storybook helps make that moment possible. Each month, we support incarcerated parents and family members as they record themselves reading children’s books to the kids they love.

We’re looking for a volunteer to join our DeKalb County Jail team in Sycamore, IL.
🕒 When: First Friday of each month, 10 AM–1 PM
📋 What you’ll do: Support participants as they record their reading, offer encouragement, and help with simple paperwork.

If you’re compassionate, reliable, and inspired by helping families stay connected through reading, we’d love to hear from you.

09/08/2025

📚✨ On International Literacy Day, we’re highlighting Aunt Mary’s Storybook Program, a way individuals in custody connect with their children through reading.

Participants record themselves reading children’s books aloud, and both the recording and the book are sent home to their kids. This program not only fosters literacy, but also strengthens family bonds through moments of comfort, reminding us that even in difficult circumstances, stories have the power to bring us together.

📸 Pictured: Aunt Mary’s Storybook participants from Vandalia Correctional Center

07/15/2025

We were honored to welcome Senator Laura Ellman and her team to the Joliet Treatment Center to see Aunt Mary’s Storybook in action!

We thank Senator Ellman and her team for taking the time to witness how storytelling helps incarcerated parents and relatives stay connected with the children they love. Their support means so much to us and to the families we serve.

Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/40jHyaL

My team and I were grateful to join Companions Journeying Together yesterday at the Joliet Treatmet Center to support their mission of connecting incarcerated individuals with their families. Their Aunt Mary’s Storybook Project visits facilities across the state, helping parents, grandparents, and relatives choose a favorite children’s book to read aloud. A recording is then made and shared with the child, giving them the chance to hear their loved one’s voice and feel a special connection that might not otherwise be possible. To learn more about this group’s great work, visit: https://cjtinc.org/projects/amsb/.

07/08/2025

The books have been sent, and families are already receiving them! At the Cook County Jail Division 9, some of the incarcerated people took part in Aunt Mary’s Storybook, choosing and recording books for a total of 39 young people in their lives.

These packages are now arriving in homes, bringing warmth, connection, and the comfort of a loved one’s voice.

📸: Some of the incredible participants who helped make this moment possible.

06/28/2025

Happy Saturday!
Enjoy this quote from Jackie Kennedy.
Here at CJT, we believe that books and reading can bring so much joy into our lives. Having a love of books is so much fun!

06/24/2025

06/19/2025

Happy Juneteenth!
Juneteenth marks the official end of slavery.
It took over two years to get the message to certain areas in the Southern US (Texas/Galveston area) that Lincoln had signed the emancipation proclamation. Check out these slides on the holiday and some books on Juneteenth.

06/17/2025

Looking for a few pointers to be a better read aloud speaker? We wrote some down and would like to share them. 🗣️ 📖 👍🏼

06/15/2025

Happy Father's Day!
Today we honor and celebrate the father figures in your life.
Thank you for all you do!

06/13/2025

Happy Friday!
Are you a Swiftie? Enjoy this quote from the star herself.
Have a great weekend!

06/12/2025

Since the best book recommendations come from friends, WBEZ asked seven very literary locals what books they're reading for fun this summer.

06/11/2025

We love hearing from our community members!
Take a look at what Nikki has to say about how she hopes storytelling will impact her child.