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Amachi Program

“People of Faith Mentoring Children of Promise”

"Amachi" is a West African word which means, "Who knows but what God has brought us through this child..."

The Amachi model’s mission is to provide mentoring services to children who have a parent that is incarcerated, its initiative is a way to help shape the lives of children who may otherwise find themselves headed for prison.

We are looking for loving, caring adults who are willing to spend time with one child for one year to help change their life and break the chain of their prison heritage. Amachi works with a carefully selected group of congregations, recruiting and supporting the caring adult volunteers who serve as mentors to the children. At this time our church and community partners are Community Evangelistic Church, Freedom Fellowship, Overcoming Believers, Peace and Goodwill, Restoring the Streets, Washington Pike United Methodist Church and Word of Life Ministries.

Through the Amachi program, children between the ages of 4 and 15 are matched with volunteer adult mentors from church congregations, who spend one hour of "face to face" time with their Little each week. Each volunteer will go through an interview and background check, once completed and approved, they will participate in an orientation and training session. On-going training at our church partners will also be given by Church Volunteer Coordinators (provided by Knoxville Leadership Foundation). In addition, both children and parents receive training on communication skills and empowerment to ensure the match is most beneficial.

Once matched there are many activities for the Big and Little to do! The first rule of any relationship is to HAVE FUN! But in addition to having fun together, you and your Amachi child can:

  • Discuss positive career and life experiences
  • Exchange thoughts and observations about experiences in the workplace
  • Engage in activities that support your Amachi child's educational goals
  • Participate in group recreational activities and events
  • Come up with activities on your own that are based on your mutual interests

If you are interested in knowing more about the Amachi Program, becoming a church partner, know of a family that this program may benefit, or if you are ready to apply to be a Big please contact our Customer Relations Specialist at (865) 523-2179 ex. 13 (or toll-free at 888-523-2179 ext. 13) or download the application below and mail to 4928 Homberg Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919 or fax to (865) 524-3466.

Amachi Mentor Application



Be part of something BIG...
•••
...when you're part of something BIG, you know that as little as an hour a week creates a lifetime of change.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee
Knoxville
4928 Homberg Drive  Suite B3
Knoxville, TN  37919
T (865) 523-2179
F (865) 524-3466
Kingsport
220 Broad Street  Suite 203
Kingsport, TN  37660
T (423) 247-3240
F (423) 247-3241
info@bbbsetn.org