In March, Redeeming the Family and Big Brothers Big Sisters Oklahoma (BBBSOK) signed a partnership agreement (MOU) to serve children in the BBBSOK Amachi program who have parents in prison with the Messages Project, thus increasing their support and positive outcomes. According to the BBBSOK website:

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.”

Redeeming the Family was recognized at the Department of Corrections Board Meeting and Luncheon on Thursday, March 28 as the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Volunteer Organization of the Year. Thanks to all our funders, sponsors, and volunteers for all their great work! Here is the announcement by Leo Brown, Director of Volunteer Services for the Oklahoma DOC:

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.

Using Your Words to Build Kids Up, Not Tear Them Down by Cheri Fuller

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).