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News and Information Article
PHILADELPHIA, June 8 // -- Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)
has announced a $1 million grant from MetLife Foundation to launch a second
phase of the MetLife Foundation Partnership for School-Based Mentoring. The
focus of the new grant is to expand BBBS school-based mentoring program,
with an emphasis on connecting the nations large baby boomer population
with young people in need of mentors. BBBS of the Capital Region is one of
10 BBBS organizations around the country that will participate in the
initiative. It will receive $40,000.
Through the Bigs in Schools Program, volunteers spend time one on one
with "Littles" in their schools, typically once a week during the academic
year. Teachers identify children who can benefit most from interaction with
a caring adult. As friendships evolve, volunteers and children discover
ways to make school and learning fun.
"Mentoring is a critical component of young peoples healthy
development," said Sibyl Jacobson, president, MetLife Foundation. "We are
pleased to partner with BBBS to engage more boomers in increasing
opportunities for young people."
"We salute MetLife Foundation for partnering with us to identify and
engage boomers in our mission to enrich young peoples lives through
one-to- one friendships," said Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO, Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). "Boomers are finding creative ways
to stay vital and connected to their communities, and BBBS offers an ideal
solution. We know they make terrific mentors, but currently they represent
just 16 percent of the 234,000 Bigs around the country," she said.
The new $1 million grant from MetLife Foundation launches the second
phase of a $2.1 million, multi-year partnership helping BBBS bring the Bigs
in Schools Program to scale. In the first phase, BBBS agencies in 25 cities
were awarded funding to match thousands of young people with mentors and to
connect volunteers with schools and their communities. MetLife Foundation
support also helped the agencies leverage additional local resources.
Other grant recipients are: BBBS of New York City, New York, NY; Nutmeg
BBBS, Hartford, CT; BBBS of San Diego County, San Diego, CA; BBBS of
Southeast Texas, Houston, TX; BBBS of Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL; BBBS of Greater
Charlotte, Charlotte, NC; BBBS of Metropolitan Portland, Portland, OR; BBBS
of Central Maryland, Baltimore, MD, and BBBS of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective
youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in
one-to-one youth services for more than a century, developing positive
relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young
people. In 2005, Big Brothers Big Sisters served 234,000 children, ages 6
through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in
Philadelphia, PA. To volunteer or donate, visit
http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its
longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community
involvement. Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs.
For more information about the Foundation, visit http://www.metlife.org.
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