Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. In 2004, the organization served more than 225,000 youth ages five through 18, in 5,000 communities across the country, through a network of 470 agencies. National research has shown that the positive relationships between Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their Littles have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children’s lives.
Research
and anecdotal evidence show specifically that BBBS one-to-one mentoring
helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face. Little Brothers
and Sisters are less likely to begin using illegal drugs, consume alcohol,
skip school and classes, or engage in acts of violence.1 They
have greater self-esteem, confide
nce
in their schoolwork performance, and are able to get along better with their
friends and families.
In 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities, making the publication’s “gold star” list of charities which it believes are worthy of donor consideration, in its annual survey of 200 large charities. The magazine surveyed 200 non-profits and rated them on how efficiently they collect and distribute dollars. Forbes looked at three categories: charitable commitment; fundraising efficiency, and donor dependency.
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 225,000 children, ages five through 18, in 5,000 communities across all 50 states.
1Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures
Youth involved in the Big
Brothers Big Sisters are:
46% less likely to
use illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
more confident of school performance
one-third less likely to hit someone, and
more trusting of their parents/guardians
