The participants are part of Family Foundations, a one-year treatment program for non-violent offenders with substance use disorders who have young children or are pregnant. Sixteen of the 29 women in Family Foundations have signed up for the book club, which is led by a group of PATH volunteers, including Sylvia Liwerant, Raquel Cohen, Phyllis Epstein, Rebecca Rodkin and Sheila Himmelfarb.

Participants will be able to keep the books they read, and when they return to the community, they will get a gift certificate or a special discount in a bookstore to encourage them to continue reading.

"Reading a book means living in the world of the characters portrayed in the book," said Liwerant, who is a PATH co-founder. "It is a form of meditation, healing and tranquility. I am hoping reading will contribute to the rehabilitation and well-being of these women."

If you have any questions or would like to contribute funds or books, please contact Sylvia Liwerant at 858-459-0062 or the PATH office at 619-670-1184 or www.anewpath.cc.