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Causes: Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Children & Youth
Mission: We believe that all children should have the opportunity to succeed in life and live up to their full potential. For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has provided children facing adversity with strong, enduring one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The organization has grown to become the nation’s premier mentoring network, introducing caring role models (volunteer “Bigs”) into the lives of children in each community it serves (“Littles”). Big Brothers Big Sisters currently operates in all 50 states and in 12 countries around the world.
Results: 55% of Littles have been exposed to abuse, violence or neglect. 60% of Littles' parents did not begin high school. 315 of Littles have had an incarcerated parent. By being matched with a mentor, 98% of Littles graduate from High School on time. 90% enroll in college. 75% are more likely to obtain a Bachelor's Degree.
Programs: Children involved in the program are less likely to begin using drugs and alcohol, skip school, or become a teen parent. By providing disadvantaged high-risk boys and girls with positive role models, the organization has strengthened the self esteem and improved the academic success of the participating children, while encouraging them to pursue a purposeful future.