Tennessee Department of Correction supports Big Brothers Big Sisters

Nashville, TN – Recognizing the importance of mentors in the lives of children of incarcerated parents, the Tennessee Department of Correction has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi initiative.

The program works to break the intergenerational cycle of crime and incarceration and gives an often forgotten group of children the chance to reach their highest potential.

“The Amachi initiative promotes our efforts to not only correct criminal behavior, but also to preserve families,” Commissioner Derrick D. Schofield said. “Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee General Assembly recognized the need to see this important initiative succeed in helping children become productive citizens.”

“Governor Haslam’s inclusion of Big Brothers Big Sisters Tennessee Amachi into his budget is one of the best announcements that this agency and our partner agencies in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville have received since we began this award winning program in 2004,” said Lowell Perry, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

“We are grateful for the vision of the Governor’s Office, TDOC Commissioner Schofield, and the General Assembly, particularly Representative Debra Maggart, in recognizing the impact this proven evidence-based program is making in the lives of children facing adversity across Tennessee.” stated Perry.