Amachi Program FAQs

How did the Amachi program begin?

The original Amachi program started in 2001 in Philadelphia as a mentoring program within Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  The result of a collaborative think tank which included the University of Pennsylvania, Pew Charitable Trust, Public Private Ventures, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Amachi Program quickly began to spread.  The mission was and is to break the intergenerational cycle of crime and incarceration and give a forgotten (invisible) group of children the chance to reach their highest potential. Using the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Mentoring and Amachi models, Big Brothers Big Sisters in San Diego County will reach out to children ages 7-16 whose parent(s) are incarcerated.

How does BBBS find the Amachi Children?

Amachi children are much like all Big Brothers Big Sisters children. The only characteristic that identifies them as an Amachi child is a link to an incarcerated parent. Most parents or guardians of Amachi children apply directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters in an effort to provide a positive role model for their child.

Does the parent in prison know they have a mentor?

We make every effort to inform the incarcerated parent that their child has a mentor and often he/she is the person who initially enrolled their child in the program.

What are the eligibility requirements for being a mentor?

• Must be age 18 or older.
• Must be available for at least one year.
• Possess a valid Social Security Number.