Amachi Texas Campaign Seeks Mentors for Children of Texas Prisoners   Amachi Texas launched a North Texas advertising campaign to put a face on the recently launched statewide program that matches children with an incarcerated parent to caring adult mentors.   In Texas, approximately 400,000 children have a parent in jail.  Statistics show that 70% of children with a parent in jail will end up in prison themselves.  Those are numbers that the Amachi Texas program hopes to change.

The campaign puts a face on that “70%” statistic by asking volunteers to “Break the Chain” of incarceration by becoming a mentor to one of these children. The campaign highlights the fact that many of these children will themselves become prisoners one day simply as a matter of family tradition. Volunteers are asked to help stop the cycle of generational incarceration and make a difference by simply becoming a positive role model to a child. 

Learn more about the Amachi Texas Program

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Elements of the Campaign

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FAQ's about Amachi Texas

What is Amachi Texas?

Amachi Texas is one program within Big Brothers Big Sisters, which focuses on mentoring children of incarcerated family members, including family members who are on parole or probation.

What does Amachi mean?

"Amachi" is a Nigerian Ibo word that means:  "Who knows what God has brought us through this child."

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. Amachi Texas is the first statewide program funded by a grant from the State of Texas.

How does BBBS find the Amachi Children?

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

Does the parent in prison know they have a mentor?

Yes, the incarcerated parent will know 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?

• Amachi mentors must be least a senior in High School.
• Must be willing to spend at least 4 hours a month with the child.
• Must have a clean criminal record.
• Must be able to submit a character reference.