Sixty-six men had signed up to record video messages for their children on May 15, but because of security conditions at the prison not all those inmates were allowed to record their messages. Redeeming the Family will return to the Cimarron Correctional Facility again in the fall to record more messages which will be delivered prior to the Christmas holiday in December.

Amachi, a Nigerian word of hope from the Ibo people, means “who knows but what God has brought us through this child.” Our Amachi Program connects children with role models from all walks of life, but particularly those from local religious organizations.  Houses of worship and their members are able to provide a safe, stable environment for children to develop into responsible young men and women.

Redeeming the Family looks forward to this new relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters Oklahoma and the opportunities it will provide to minister to even more Oklahoma children and parents.

Learn more about the Amachi program and the visit the “About” page of BBBSOK, “We are here to start something.”

Our Volunteer Organization of the Year is Redeeming the Family which provides the Oklahoma Messages Project to our agency.  The Messages Project is a nationally recognized program that addresses the needs of incarcerated parents and their children.  This program provides offenders with the opportunity to record positive messages to their child on a DVD.  The messages allow offenders to reassure their children that their mom or dad are OK, that they love them and gives them the opportunity to share with them some hopes or dreams for the future.  As part of the Messages DVD they also read a book to their child.  The book is then sent to the child along with the DVD.  The child receives a message from their parent they can watch again and again and a story book they can read together.

In 2012 Redeeming the Family provided the Oklahoma Messages Project at Lexington CC, Jess Dunn CC, Davis CF, and twice at John Lilley CC, James Crabtree CC, Mable Bassett CC, Eddie Warrior CC, Cimarron CF and Hillside CCC – 15 events at nine different facilities.  Last year 580 offenders participated in the program and 1,362 children received DVD Messages with books.  Since the Oklahoma Messages Project began in May 2011 it has reached over 2,536 children.

Today we have with us Cheri Fuller, the founder and Executive Director of Redeeming the Family, Barry Davis, Board Chairman, Redeeming the Family; Sheron Davis, Redeeming the Family Vice President and Holmes Fuller, Videographer for Redeeming the Family-Oklahoma Messages Project.  These are examples of the kind of contributions our volunteers make to our agency and our state.

Therefore, with your permission, I would like to present the following resolution in honor of National Volunteer Week for your consideration.

In 2011, our Okla. Messages Project visited 15 prisons, filmed 521 inmates, and sent DVD videos and books that reached over 1,036 children at Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Our RTF survey, sent to all caregivers this spring, showed the huge impact the Messages from Mom and Dad are having on kids around Oklahoma and beyond. Here are a few comments from kids and those who care for them:

“My granddaughter (5) was thrilled to see her dad on the DVD. He went to prison before she was born but she loves him. She’s watched the video Message from her father too many times to count since Christmas and was very happy to get a new Message DVD and book before Father’s Day. She loves to hear Daddy say he loves her. This is the best project ever developed for children with parents in prison.”

“My youngest granddaughter had nightmares, sadness, anger, confusion and worried about her dad when he went to prison. All three children (3, 5, 8 years old) loved seeing Daddy! Whenever they want, they can put the DVD in and see their dad and are so happy to hear Daddy say he is proud of them in their schoolwork. They read along with him. They place their hands on the TV to touch him and kiss him.”

“When my mom went to prison, I felt all alone and very depressed. I had no drive for my goals. I worried about her constantly because I haven’t gotten to see her since August when she was incarcerated. When I saw the DVD of my mom, I felt relief knowing she’s looking healthier and still loves me and my brother.”–Teenager

News9.com – Oklahoma City, OK – News, Weather, Video and Sports |

In the past year, our Okla. Messages Project visited 15 prisons, filmed 521 inmates, and sent DVD videos and books that reached over 1,036 children at Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Our RTF survey, sent to all caregivers this spring, showed the huge impact the Messages from Mom and Dad are having on kids around Oklahoma and beyond. Here are a few comments from kids and those who care for them:

“My granddaughter (5) was thrilled to see her dad on the DVD. He went to prison before she was born but she loves him. She’s watched the video Message from her father too many times to count since Christmas and was very happy to get a new Message DVD and book before Father’s Day. She loves to hear Daddy say he loves her. This is the best project ever developed for children with parents in prison.”

“My youngest granddaughter had nightmares, sadness, anger, confusion and worried about her dad when he went to prison. All three children (3, 5, 8 years old) loved seeing Daddy! Whenever they want, they can put the DVD in and see their dad and are so happy to hear Daddy say he is proud of them in their schoolwork. They read along with him. They place their hands on the TV to touch him and kiss him.”

“When my mom went to prison, I felt all alone and very depressed. I had no drive for my goals. I worried about her constantly because I haven’t gotten to see her since August when she was incarcerated. When I saw the DVD of my mom, I felt relief knowing she’s looking healthier and still loves me and my brother.”–Teenager

Our Mission: Provide support to children of incarcerated parents through the Oklahoma Messages Project to help maintain contact and equip moms and dads with parenting and life skills.

10 Encouraging Things to Say That Build Kids Up

• I believe in you.
• It’s a blessing to be your mom/dad (teacher, aunt, grandma)
• I love you. I love your smile (energy, caring heart, etc.)
• I noticed…(you got your homework done, or that you have a new friend)
• Keep up the good work. You’re making progress!
• If more kids were like you, the world would be a better place.
• There is a bright future ahead for you.
• Thanks for what you did…(helping, doing chores, etc.)
• You mean so much to me.
• I admire you for …(name a specific quality or trait)

10 Negative Phrases That Tear Kids Down

• You’re no good; you’ll never amount to anything.
• If you don’t stop doing that, I’m going to leave you here (or go home without you).
• Why can’t you be more like your brother/sister?
• I can’t stand you.
• You are so much trouble.
• I can’t wait until you’re grown up and out of here.
• Don’t you ever listen? Where are your brains?
• What’s WRONG with you?
• You are stupid.
• You’re giving me a headache (or stressing me out).