News & Stories
Supporting Families Impacted by Incarceration
Photo credit: Remain in Touch
Image description: A blue rolling book cart filled with children's and young adult books in a school or library setting.
Founded in 2016 by Leelanau County resident Connie Eisenhart, Remain in Touch (RIT) is a nonprofit literacy program that helps incarcerated parents and grandparents stay connected to their children through the shared experience of reading. Participating parents and grandparents choose a free age-appropriate book, read it aloud while being recorded, and can include a short personal message. The book and recording are then mailed to each child, ages 0–18, offering a meaningful connection despite physical separation.
A former teacher, Connie saw firsthand how incarceration affected children and teenagers, often leading to withdrawal, academic challenges, anxiety, or risky behaviors. Inspired by Washtenaw County’s Staying In Closer Touch program, she launched RIT in Leelanau County and later expanded the program to Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Manistee Counties.
“It’s a multi-benefit program. Children who are read to regularly enter school better prepared, develop stronger language skills, and experience improved long-term academic outcomes. The ability to stay involved as a parent while incarcerated reinforces pro-social identity, emotional stability, and motivation for change,” shared Connie. “Anecdotal evidence and national research consistently show that incarcerated individuals who maintain strong natural support systems experience lower recidivism rates—making the family unit stronger and our communities safer.”
Last year, RIT received one of our diversity, equity, and inclusion grants that provided general operating support, helping to purchase books, CDs, mailers, and postage to continue serving local families.
“Having the Community Foundation is fabulous because it’s a partner that we know, and its diversity, equity, and inclusion grants are ones that we, and anyone, can apply for. It’s a grant fund that is open and broad,” said Connie. “We depend totally on grants and individual donations, and without support from partners like the Community Foundation, we wouldn’t have been able to expand and reach more families.”
Through literacy and personal connection, Remain in Touch reminds children and their incarcerated family members that they are loved and remembered, strengthening families and communities across our region.
Writer: Alex Dailey