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Be part of something BIG...
BIG vision created Big Brothers Big Sisters. A vision which saw the value of caring adult volunteers in the lives of our nation's youth.
BIG focus kept us true to our roots, the simple yet powerful concept of one-to-one youth mentoring.
BIG commitment enabled us to become the youth mentoring leader in communities all across the USA.
BIG contributions made by so many people who believe in our mission, and participated with passion- children, parents, guardians, families, teachers, school officials, volunteers, professional staff, donors, board members, and partners keep us going.
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships.
The vision of Big Brothers Big Sisters is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities. Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1904 and is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee is a proud member agency of the national network. Big Brothers Big Sisters enrolls youth ages 5 to 15 (School Based Program) and 7 to 15 (Community Based Program) in communities across the country through a network of 429 agencies. We have served the community for more than 30 years and offer services in nine East Tennessee counties: Anderson, Blount, Hawkins, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Scott, Sullivan and Washington.
Press Release
Big Brothers Big Sisters Expands in East Tennessee
Knoxville, TN, (May 2, 2007) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tennessee Valley and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tri-Cities announced today they have completed a merger of the two organizations. The new affiliate was named Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee.
In a joint statement, John Lawhorn, president of BBBS Tennessee Valley, and Cari Parker, chair of the Tri-Cities Advisory Council, said, “Our respective boards of directors voted to consolidate following a serious and thoughtful planning process. We welcome the opportunity this merger brings to increase the number of children we can serve.”
The newly formed East Tennessee affiliate reaches nine counties (Anderson, Blount, Hawkins, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Scott, Sullivan, and Washington) in the Greater Knoxville and Tri-Cities area with the potential to expand services to eleven additional counties located between the two service areas.
According to chief executive officer Myra Yeatman, the merger will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee to improve systems for service delivery and increase cost-effectiveness by combining staff resources to implement the organization’s mission – helping children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships. “For the kids, it’s about time and attention,” Yeatman said. “Our goal is to change lives by providing a caring, adult mentor for every child who needs and wants one, and we want to reach 1000 children by the end of 2007.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee currently serves 564 children through three mentoring programs – school-based, community-based and Amachi. In school-based mentoring, volunteers visit with children in school for a half hour or more each week. The community-based program provides children in the community time with a mentor for at least six hours per month. Through Amachi partnerships, faith-based organizations provide mentors for children whose parents are incarcerated.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s oldest and largest youth mentoring program. Independent national research shows children with a Big Brother or Big Sister are less likely to skip school, be violent and abuse drugs and alcohol. Research also shows significant increases in the child’s confidence, competence and caring.
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Taking a vacation or business trip? Support Big Brothers Big Sisters while you’re away! When you make a reservation at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ sponsor Holiday Inn, or an affiliated InterContinental Hotel, 9% of the proceeds will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, supporting our mentoring programs across the country.
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