AMACHI Mentoring is part of the Prison Ministry. The purpose of AMACHI is to support parents/guardians and children of incarcerated people. Mentors commit to meeting with his/her assigned person for one hour per week. Every opportunity enlarges our own faith and brings deeper meaning to what it means to live in loving service.

Did you know…
• Mentored children are 46% less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol than those without mentors?
• 80% of youth in the juvenile justice system do not return to the system after being mentored?
• 59% of mentored youth improved their grades and 86% go on to higher education?

Six years ago, as an outgrowth of our Prison Ministry and Angel Tree Program, Saints John and Paul started a mentoring program for children of incarcerated mothers or fathers.  The program is a partnership with Amachi Pittsburgh, using a model similar to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Amachi is a Nigerian Ibo word meaning “Who knows what God had brought us through this child?” to help us remember that these children have no fault in their situation and need encouragement to be successful in the world.

Fifteen members of our parish have had or currently have Amachi mentees with whom they spend 3 or more hours a month. Their main job is to be a friend to the child and to the family. We are now ready to add new mentors. Because there is a waiting list of boys age 4 to 18, men are especially in demand as mentors.

Contact Evy Severino at [email protected] or (724) 612-5235.

To learn more about Amachi Pittsburgh or to make a donation, please visit AmachiPgh.org.