$625,000 GRANT AWARDED BY THE OFFICE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION (OJJDP)

Agency to Develop “Second Chance Mentoring Project” in Partnership with the Texas Youth Commission

San Antonio, TX (September 25, 2009)—Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas was awarded $625,000 in funding over the next three years to provide mentoring to juvenile offenders being released from Texas Youth Commission facilities.

The “Second Chance Mentoring Project” will employ an innovative peer mentoring strategy. This program will be supported by the Big Brothers Big Sisters evidence-based service delivery system and incorporate frequent contact between the mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members, the youth offender, and the Texas Youth Commission staff.

This award will allow Big Brother Big Sisters to provide critical mentoring support to youth as they transition and reintegrate into their community. The youth in South Texas face multiple challenges that often lead to making negative choices. Youth offenders are more at risk as they transition back to the community. Having the support of a peer mentor can provide a different perspective for the offender.

To hear an interview conducted by Texas Public Radio with big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas CEO Denise Barkhurst about the Office of Juvenile Justice grant, please click

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