The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization was founded in 1904 and is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the US. It serves more than 225,000 youth, ages five through eighteen, in 5,000 communities across the country. The organization's charitable mission is upheld through a network of 470 agencies. (The agency that participated in diynetwork.com's special event was Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tennessee Valley.)Research has shown clearly that the relationships formed between Big Brothers or Big Sisters and their respective "Littles" has a positive, direct and lasting impact on the lives of the participating children. The one-to-one mentoring helps youth build greater self-esteem, confidence in school work and better relationships with family and friends. The program has successfully helped many at-risk youth overcome problems and challenges that they face, and the results are measurable. One notable study found that youth participants who are placed with a Big Brother or Sister are substantially less likely to become involved with illegal drugs, alcohol, acts of violence or school absenteeism.
There are many children participating in the program who are on waiting lists and are currently hoping to be placed with a Big Brother or Sister. If you'd like to learn how you can help, either through direct participation and donating of your time, or through monetary contribution, visit the organization's website to learn more:
www.BigBrothersBigSisters.org
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