Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs
by
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs
Established in 1944, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County, a 501(c)(3) organization, aims to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth empowerment. Initially separate for boys and girls, a 1985 merger consolidated resources. The agency collaborates with parents, volunteers, and the community to help children achieve higher aspirations, confidence, and educational success while avoiding risky behaviors. Over the years, it has expanded partnerships with schools, courts, businesses, and various organizations.
Key milestones include initiating school-based mentoring programs in 1993, launching a 100 Men 100 Boys group mentoring program in 1994, and establishing the Superstar Club in 2003. The agency has also implemented programs like PLAAY, AMACHI, and a Youth Workforce Opportunity Initiative for juvenile offenders.
In response to the Flint Water Crisis, the agency joined the RECAST network to address community stress and trauma. It launched a Bigs In Blue program in 2018, seeking to improve police-community relations. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the agency transitioned to virtual service delivery in 2020 and addressed the digital divide through the Mentoring Matters program.
Affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the agency serves over 500 youth annually through various mentoring programs. It prioritizes vulnerable youth, focusing on those involved with the juvenile justice system, those with incarcerated parents, and those who have experienced trauma. The organization promotes high school graduation to cultivate more productive citizens and has adopted a trauma-informed care approach.
As a vital community organization, our agency depends on the gracious support of volunteers and financial contributions from generous donors, funders, and businesses. Notably, our annual signature fundraiser, “Bowl for Kids’ Sake,” plays a crucial role by generating 25% of our annual revenue.
Guided by a diverse and committed 16-member Board of Directors, we embarked on a transformative rebranding journey in 2018. This initiative was designed to underscore the profound impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring. Our refreshed brand seeks to kindle and champion the potential of youth, nurturing the realization of their grandest aspirations.
CHANGING LIVES FOR THE BETTER, FOREVER
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity for the better, forever. We operate throughout Flint & Genesee County – urban, suburban, and rural, Big and Little. Our mentors work with children in the community, in their schools, and many places in between. Our unique brand of one-to-one mentoring has a Big impact throughout our community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity between 6 and 18 years of age. Our network of volunteers, donors and supporters comes from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all corners of the country. Our unique brand of one-to-one mentoring, in which a child facing adversity is carefully matched with a caring adult mentor in a relationship supported by professional Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members, changes lives for the better forever.
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children achieve success in school, helps them avoid risky behaviors such as getting into fights and trying drugs and alcohol, and helps them improve their self-confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact