CNCS Dedicated to Children of Prisoners

Since assigning AmeriCorps members in 2002 to help build the Philadelphia Amachi program, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has been steadfast about delivering on the President’s commitment of expanding mentor services to children of prisoners. In 2003 CNCS allocated 55 AmeriCorps*VISTA workers to Amachi programs nationwide, and renewed the allocation in 2004.

“This movement of volunteers and faith far exceeded our original expectations,” says David Caprara, the former director of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives at CNCS. “Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Wilson Goode, the loving investment of our VISTA volunteers and hundreds of faith congregations, and vital infrastructure support from Big Brothers Big Sisters and other partners, the Amachi initiative has become the conscience of America around this critical issue of justice and compassion.”

In November 2004 CNCS began expanding its partnership with Amachi by hosting a teleconference for Senior Corps programs and state offices to learn about Amachi program implementation. About 130 interested parties participated. In April and June of 2005, Amachi trained 48 people at two specialized Training Institutes for Senior Corps project directors. The trainings were designed to teach them how to implement an Amachi program and how they can partner with existing programs that mentor children of prisoners. Since the training, these directors have been exploring how they can establish Amachi programs through partnerships in their local communities.

On July 26 and 27, 2005 CNCS’ Virginia State Office sponsored an Amachi Training Institute (ATI) for 67 people in Hampton, VA. The attendees included local agencies interested in learning more about providing support to children of incarcerated parents; these groups included community based organizations, churches and social service agencies in the Hampton Roads area.

“Amachi, through its dedicated staff and training institute, has fielded cadres of trained volunteers including many Senior Corps directors, and sent them forth in communities in all the states,” says Caprara. “These trained ATI leaders will become vital disseminators of model practices and empower our communities to further adapt them with local creativity and dedication.”

Senior Corps programs nationwide are eager to partner with MCPs to provide mentors as well as help increase program capacity. State contact information and grant opportunities with CNCS are available at www.nationalservice.gov.

Fall 2005