Mission: The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.
Results: Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves. Research consistently demonstrates that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face. The most compelling evidence was found by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV), showing that Little Brothers and Little Sisters are:
* 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs;
* 27% less likely to begin using alcohol;
* 52% less likely to skip school;
* 37% less likely to skip class;
* More confident in their schoolwork performance;
* Able to get along better with their families.
Programs: To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
I have been a volunteer with the organization since 2003. My first two Littles graduated high school and my third is on her way to as well. Being there as one extra adult who can encourage and support a youth means a lot to me. I have had so much fun showing my Littles new things. I have also loved hearing my Littles chatter away about something that they are really into.
My experience as a volunteer led me to take a position with the organization too. The commitment to the mission & the role in prevention meant a lot to me when looking for somewhere to expand my career.
Big Brothers Big Sisters across the country is a great program. But, I note that contrary to being transparent this organization uses a professional fundraiser to raise, like over $5M dollars, in funds and nets about $4.5M in expenses to show $560,124 in "cost free" contributions. They actually spend about 4 times as much on fundraising as on program. Pages 1, 4, 5, 10, 11
