Mentoring Program Helps Kids

Juveniles account for roughly 30% of all murder and robbery arrests in Nashville this year.

Experts say a lack of good role models is one reason, especially for the 31,000 kids who have a parent in prison. That's where Andre Tyus comes in.

"I want him to have the opportunity to be a kid," said Tyus.

Once a week Tyus spends time mentoring a 10 year old boy named Joe who's father is incarcerated. The two met through the Amachi program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

"Having a male role model there helps to encourage him. Teach him things he may not have an opportunity to learn elsewhere," said Tyus.

The Amachi program has found a mentor for some 1100 kids who have a parent in prison. Without mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Lowell Perry says 70% of kids who would qualify for the program are likely to end up in prison themselves.

"These kids get involved with drugs and gangs because they don't think they matter in the world," said Lowell.

Lowell says mentored kids do better in school and are less likely to use drugs.
Mentoring Program Helps Kids