Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters is excited to share that more than $75,000 was received in funding this year to support our program expansion to serve youth up to age 24.
“Over the past two years, we have been listening to the ever-changing and growing needs of our clients – Littles and Bigs – and we are applying what we have learned to expand our program with quality. We are able to accomplish this through the generous partnerships and contributions of our funders,” said Erin Mabery, YBBBS Executive Director.
This initial program funding supports the organization to better meet these needs, including engaging existing and future Big/Little matches in the development of life skills and pathways for college and career, as well as college and career planning guidance and on-the-job technical skill development through employment and internship opportunities.
We’d like to thank and recognize these funders: the City of Prescott’s Community Development Block Grant, United Way of Yavapai County, the Jack Ingebritson Foundation, the Burton Family Foundation, OneAZ Community Foundation, the Margaret T. Morris Foundation, the Perry and Sandy Massie Foundation, the AT&T Foundation and the City of Sedona.
“We know we need to provide more support to strengthen match relationships and to equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive so they can graduate high school and obtain post-secondary or career opportunities,” said Mabery. “As a result, these youth can become self-sufficient adults, transforming their own lives and changing the trajectory for future generations.”
YBBBS plans to engage local businesses and other partners in this work, which not only provides pathways to employment for county youth but will help address pipeline gaps businesses are experiencing related to hiring and retention necessary to developing the future workforce. This in turn will lead to increased community partnerships, youth and adult outcomes, and, community impact.
“We anticipate we will see a positive increase in youth academic performance and soft skill development, longer match length, and increased Big recruitment and retention, including a pathway for older Littles to then become Bigs themselves,” shared Mabery. “Long term this will increase outcomes related to college and career achievement for youth, enhance local economic stability, and, provide program sustainability as a result of the youth mentoring pipeline and coordinated, unduplicated work with area youth and family-serving organizations.”
Investments received to date provide a foundation for the agency to begin this work. More than $200,000 is still needed to fund additional phases of the project. Looking to make an investment in the future of our local workforce? Contact Marlo Dykeman, YBBBS Donor Relations Director at [email protected].