2009 Report to the Community

A Message from Our Leadership -

YBBBS-LOGO2 Thank you for your support. In a world where our social fabric has frayed –children being raised by just one parent or neither, sinking graduation rates, rampant drug and alcohol addiction and decaying values – Big Brothers Big Sisters is a bright ray of hope for a better life, a better future, a better generation.

The power of a caring mentor or "BIG," who can offer the simple, yet life-changing gift of friendship is what makes a difference in whether a vulnerable boy or girl is successful and reaches their potential. Mentoring is the single most effective way to positively impact the life of a child.

Compared to their peers, research proves that boys and girls matched with a Big Brother Big Sister or Family are:

46% less likely to initiate drug use
52% less likely to skip school
33% less likely to have violent confrontations
57% less likely to be arrested

Kathleen Murphy and
Little Sister Samantha

This year, we've made more Big/Little matches than ever before, serving over 1,000 boys and girls in 18 communities and 63 schools. We successfully completed a Capacity Building Campaign. We hosted a successful Golf Gala and Annual Dinner & Auction, both of which exceeded budget expectations and allowed us to serve more children. But, this tough economy has created an unprecedented demand for our services. Over the last year, referrals from teachers, counselors, youth workers, parents and law enforcement officials have grown to fifty children a month. Today, there are 400 children who are not yet matched with a "Big" and are on our waiting list. It is thanks to the continued support and participation from organizations like yours that will help us continue to meet this urgent need.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Murphy

President & CEO