
Friendship First
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. They have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. The agency's mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all.
National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentors have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. By participating in our youth mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:
- More confident in their schoolwork performance
- Able to get along better with their families
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school.
To learn more about Big Brothers and Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs.org.
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Editor's Note: I was 8 years old when my parents divorced. Within the next five years, I had moved four times to three different communities. I found it extremely difficult to make friends. And because I wasn't athletically oriented like most of the other boys my age, I was convinced that I wasn't good at anything. That all changed when I was 15 years old and David Mond entered my life as my Big Brother.
A grad student at the University of Wisconsin, David was a systems analyst who introduced me to the high-tech world of computers. He helped me battle my way through tough classes and he even helped me pick out my prom tux. More importantly, he was a friend who would listen patiently, offer practical advice, challenge my thinking and provide constant encouragement.
My career as an Internet journalist can be traced back to two people: Keith Larson, my 11th grade English teacher, and David Mond, who taught me how to think like a computer.
I was so grateful for the Big Brothers program that I was the first Little Brother to become a Big Brother in the Madison, Wisc., agency. I also joined the board of directors of that agency and even worked as their public relations manager for several years.
Today, I am matched to a delightful young man named Nick who will be 8 in November 2010. I suspect he has a far greater impact on my life than I do on his.
For kids from single-parent homes struggling to find their identify and their way in life, Big Brothers and Big Sisters provides what the kids need most -- a friend.