Mentoring Children of Promise/Amachi
Having a dad or mom in prison can negatively effect a child's growth. Indeed there is a U.S. Senate report that states 70% chilren of incarcerated parents will themselves at some point be incarcerated – unless they have positive adult intervention.That is why mentoring children of prisoners is a key component of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ goal to reach more kids, especially those who may face significant risk factors.
Amachi, a Nigerian word that means “who knows but what God has brought us through this child,” is the name of an initiative that connects children of promise with mentors recruited through local religious congregations.
We support members of congregations with children who have been identified and enrolled by their custodial parent or guardian. An onsite volunteer coordinator provides a point of contact for ongoing volunteer support and information. Because the church, synagogue, or mosque is a common meeting ground, there are enhanced opportunities for group events involving matches, or for support and training activities for volunteers.
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