TDOC Presents Award to Big Brothers Big Sisters

NASHVILLE - Efforts to improve the lives of Tennessee children of incarcerated parents will receive a boost this week.  TDOC Commissioner George Little will present a $250,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters to assist with the organization's Amachi program.

The Tennessee Amachi Initiative provides mentors to children whose parents are in prison.  Its mission is to break the intergenerational cycle of crime and incarceration and give a forgotten group of children the chance to reach their highest potential.

"This initiative promotes our efforts to not only correct criminal behavior but also to preserve families and help children become productive citizens," said Commissioner Little.

The grant is part of a state appropriation approved by the General Assembly and intended to assist in serving more than 2,500 children from Knoxville to Memphis.  According to the U.S. Senate report, it is estimated that 70% of children of incarcerated parents will end up in prison themselves without intervention from groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Lowell Perry, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee remarked, "The Tennessee Department of Correction and the legislators who supported this direct investment in some of our most vulnerable children, understand the need to employ long-term prevention solutions like Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring as a part of the comprehensive strategy to bring transformational change to communities across this state."

Commissioner Little will present the $250,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, the lead agency for the Amachi Initiative.  Funds will be distributed to participating Big Brothers Big Sisters programs statewide based upon the number of children served. 

Members of the media are invited to attend.