Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities (BBBS) is the sixth largest affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and longest-operating mentoring program in the country. Since 1920, BBBS has been working in the Twin Cities and surrounding communities to provide friendship, hope and encouragement to young people. BBBS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported entirely through United Way funds, grants, corporate contributions, and individual gifts.

♦ In 2008, BBBS served approximately 3,300 children in our 10-county service area, which includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, and parts of Chisago, Isanti and Wright counties.
♦ A large part of BBBS' success hinges on the way we thouroughly screen and interview our volunteers, young people and families. It also comes from the tailored support we provide each match. The BBBS standard of excellence requires resources, and we rely on private donations for nearly 70 percent of our funding. This generous support from individuals, foundations and corporations is vital to our work with young people in the community and to supporting those mentoring relationships. Your contribution will help BBBS reach more young people and change more lives.
♦ Here is how donations are used to support young people in our community:
• Recruiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters to mentor young people in our 10-county service area.
• Ensuring the well-being of all our young people, families and volunteers by professionally screening, interviewing, matching and supporting young people and mentors.
• Providing training to volunteers and activities to matches to ensure that mentoring relationships are successful and safe.
• Providing young people with education and enrichment opportunities that allow them to develop new skills and make future plans such as planning for higher education and seeking scholarships to make college affordable and possible.
♦ We know that we are enriching young people’s lives, supporting families and building stronger communities when we demonstrate the following measures of success. Of young people served by BBBS in 2008:
• 85% improved in self confidence
• 72% improved their relationships with adults
• 67% improved their academic performance
• 71% expanded their interests and hobbies
• 49% were better able to avoid substance abuse
♦ Also, graduates of BBBS mentoring programs have greater success as adults compared to non-alumni of similar backgrounds. Research conducted nationally in Spring of 2009 indicated:
• Alumni were 75% more likely than non-alumni to have received a four-year college degree.
• Alumni were 39% more likely than non-alumni to have current household incomes of $75,000 or higher.
• Approximately two in three (64%) alumni are extremely or very satisfied with life compared to just over one in three (35%) non-alumni.
• A majority of alumni (62%) perceive themselves to have achieved a higher level of success than their peers who were not involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Adult Littles are more likely than non-alumni to be engaged in their community, particularly when it comes to volunteering and holding leadership roles.
♦ Help support our important work by donating today! It’s quick and secure, simply click on the DONATE button above. For more information on becoming a mentor or volunteering in another capacity for BBBS, please visit our website at www.bigstwincities.org. Thank you!