Purpose of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America

The mission of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America is to provide professional, one-to-one relationships with mentors that would heave a measurable impact on the youth and helping the children reach their full potential. According to the organization's website (www.bbbs.org), they have outlined the following set of vision, mission, and accountability statements that further shows their organization's purpose and goals.

The vision of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America is that all children accomplish success in life. Their mission is to provide children facing adversity with professionally supported, strong and enduring, one-to-one relationships with someone that they resemble to, which changes their lives for the better, forever.

The organization holds itself accountable for each child in their program by partnering with parents or guardians, volunteers and others in the community. The program aims to instill better relationships, higher aspirations, greater confidence and avoidance of risky behaviors.

An independent national research organization based in Philadelphia called Public/Private Ventures carried out a study between 1994 and 1995 to see the effects of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 950 boys and girls were monitored by the study; half of them met their Big Brother or Sister for about thrice a month for a whole year while the other half were put on the waiting list. After the study, it was found that the Littles who met their Big Brother or Sister had a positive change in them compared to the children who were on the waiting list. They were seen to be more confident at school and had better relationships with their families and friends. They were also found to be less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, skip class, or hit someone. This study confirms the belief that Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentoring has a positive and long-lasting effect on the children.

Karen J. Mathis is currently the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer and has a dedicated team of individuals that are willing to go an extra mile in helping change the lives of children for the better.

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