Oklahoma Mentoring Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents Gains New Funding
By the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) has awarded $80,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (BBBSOK) for the State Fiscal Year 2025. This funding will support the Oklahoma Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program.
“The Oklahoma Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program is a vital initiative for supporting some of our most vulnerable youth,” said Danielle Dill, Program Manager for the Office of Planning and Coordination at OCCY. “Through this program, we aim to provide these children with the guidance and support they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.”
The program focuses on providing one-to-one mentoring relationships to children with incarcerated parents. BBBSOK was chosen for this funding because of its ability to create and support these essential mentoring relationships, helping children cope with the trauma of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including parental incarceration.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma is honored to be selected for this award from OCCY,” said Melissa Ramirez, BBBSOK CEO. “Nearly 40 percent of the young people in our program experience parental incarceration. With intentional intervention of one-to-one mentoring, the intergenerational cycle will end.”
BBBSOK’s mission is to ignite the power and promise of youth by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships. Their evidence-based programs aim to produce positive outcomes for youth, such as educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships. By matching children, known as “Littles,” with caring adult role models, known as “Bigs,” BBBSOK seeks to provide experiences that expand their horizons in meaningful ways.
Per state law, OCCY issues an annual request for proposals to establish one-to-one mentoring for children of incarcerated parents or youth at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations.
-###-
About BBBSOK: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (BBBSOK) is a nonprofit organization focused on creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships to help all youth achieve their full potential. Through evidence-based programs, BBBSOK aims to create lasting, positive changes in the lives of Oklahoma’s youth.