At Freedom Reads, every role is essential to bringing books and hope into prisons. Teryn Jasmin, our Assistant Controller, exemplifies the vital financial work that keeps our organization running smoothly and ensures that our mission can thrive.
Teryn’s day-to-day work is grounded in precision. She manages money, pays bills, reviews and approves expense reports, and categorizes daily transactions. Though accounting and finance often operate out of sight, Teryn knows how crucial this work is in supporting the people and programs of Freedom Reads. “I enjoy the people I work with and contributing to the mission behind the scenes,” she says.
But her work isn’t limited to numbers. Teryn occasionally steps into the shop to help build libraries and even participates in library openings. These hands-on experiences connect her directly with the communities Freedom Reads serves, bridging the gap between back-office operations and the life-changing impact of the Freedom Libraries themselves.
Teryn is currently immersed in Indigo, a book by Beverly Jenkins. The novel, set during the era of slavery, explores overlooked aspects of Black history while showing how love can flourish even under impossible circumstances. “So far this novel is showing how two individuals can find love despite their current circumstances and the chance of being captured by slave catchers,” Teryn shares. “I am looking forward to discovering the fate of Hester and Galen.”
Outside of Freedom Reads, Teryn stays connected to her community in meaningful ways. She volunteers at her daughter’s school, usually working the concession stand — and somehow always ends up handling the money. Her love for detail clearly follows her into every space she occupies.
Teryn also has a creative side that balances her professional life. In her spare time, she enjoys painting canvases and even room walls, bringing color and artistry into her home when she isn’t managing budgets or expense reports.
Through her dedication to both the numbers that keep Freedom Reads running and the hands-on moments that connect her to libraries, Teryn Jasmin demonstrates that every role matters in creating change. Her work is a reminder that impact can happen in visible ways, like building and opening libraries, and in quieter, equally essential ways, like making sure the resources are there to support Freedom Reads’ mission.