January is National Mentoring Month

SAVANNAH, GA – In recognition of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coastal Empire is calling on not only volunteers, but donors as well, to provide support for children who need mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-supported volunteer network of long-term mentors for youth, providing matching, screening and ongoing support for “Bigs,” “Littles,” and families. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coastal Empire is one of the network’s nearly 400 agencies helping approximately 235 Littles -- primarily children of single, low-income and incarcerated parents – succeed in and out of school.

The Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, the National Mentoring Partnership, and the Corporation for National and Community Service spearheads national Mentoring Month with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as a lead partner.

“Our priority and what differentiates Big Brothers Big Sisters is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in proven positive educational and social outcomes, improving kids' chances to succeed,” said John Kendricks, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big sisters of the Coastal Empire. “Donors enable Big Brothers Big Sisters' quality staff, backed by proven support systems and structures, to provide ongoing support for "Littles," their families and "Bigs," from before each match is made, throughout the course of the mentoring friendship.”

Independent research finds Littles are more likely than their peers to have better school attendance and improvements in behavior -- avoiding violence and illegal activities -- and they are more likely to have stronger relationships at home and elsewhere.

Boys, particularly African American children, disproportionately represent Littles ready to be matched with Bigs. This month, with emphasis on mentoring, the organization is expecting a surge in volunteers. The hope is that donations will come in as well, so that all Bigs and Littles who are ready to be matched can begin a long, successful mentoring match, supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters professionals who are committed to helping vulnerable children beat the odds..

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles. Headquartered in Philadelphia and with nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than a quarter million children. Learn how you can change how children grow up in America by going to www.bbbscoastalempire.org.

For more information, contact:
John L. Kendricks, Big Brothers Big Sisters
(912) 233-7669
john@bbbscoastalempire.org