FAQ's

1) 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.

2) What does Amachi mean?

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

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) What are the eligibility requirements for being a mentor?

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

 

Our Mission

The mission of Amachi Texas

To break the intergenerational cycle of crime and incarceration by helping children of prisoners fulfill their maximum potential through safe, positive mentoring relationships.

amachi texas helping youth in texas affiliated with bbbs

The Amachi Texas Vision

To successfully implement this statewide pilot initiative, achieve successful outcomes, and build a program infrastructure to reach thousands of at-risk children across the state while establishing a replicable model for the nation.