TDOC Presents Grant To Big Brothers/Sisters

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Correction is awarding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennesee, lead agency for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Tennessee Amachi initiative, $300,000 to serve children in Tennessee through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Tennessee Amachi Initiative.

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.

Lowell Perry, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of MIddle Tennessee remarked, "On behalf of children and youth in Tennessee, I extend hearfelt thanks to Commissioner Ray and the Tennessee Department of Correction for embracing proven prevention oriented programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring as a critical component of any serious comprehensive long-term strategy to make our communities safer for all."

It is estimated that without intervention, children of incarcerated parents are 70% more likely to end up in prison themselves.  Mentoring programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters help vulnerable children beat the odds, changing their perspectives for the better.  This shift is a key solution to reducing crime in our communities long-term.

"This initiative promotes our efforts to not only correct criminal behavior but also to preserve families and help children become productive citizens," said Tennessee Department of Corrections Commissioner Gayle Ray.

Commissioner Ray will present the $300,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of MIddle Tennessee, the lead agency for the Tennessee Amachi Initiative at 2 p.m. on Thursday.  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.