January is National Mentoring Month; sign up today to mentor and inspire youth in our community
DALLAS (January 19, 2021) – It’s National Mentoring Month and throughout the month, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the YMCA are partnering together to put out the call to ask adults (Bigs) in North Texas to sign up and become a mentor to kids (Littles) in need in our community. Bigs and Littles have the opportunity to spend time together two to four times per month, and through an ongoing partnership, the Y provides a fun place to do that at no cost. The YMCA’s of Dallas and Fort Worth offer free YMCA memberships for Bigs and Littles, valid at all Dallas and Fort Worth Y locations. The YMCA provides healthy activities for Big and Littles to do together including swimming, sports, exercise classes and more experiences that will create long-lasting memories.
Currently, there are more than 500 kids from different backgrounds and situations waiting for a mentor. To learn more and apply to become a Big Brother/Big Sister visit www.ymcadallas.org/BBBS. Existing Bigs and Littles can also use this link to sign up for a free YMCA membership.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is excited to partner with the YMCA to build resiliency, open doors to opportunity, and nurture relationships that lead our youth to their biggest possible futures,” said Jenny Harper, Dallas Market President for BBBS.
“At the YMCA, we are dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This partnership with BBBS is a natural fit that embodies our mission,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “The Y is a safe space for Big and Littles to develop healthy habits together while learning valuable life lessons.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters knows that every child is born with potential but not with equal opportunity. Through 116 years of proven processes, BBBS partners with parents, educators, businesses and communities to advance the social capital, emotional wellbeing, and educational success of youth.
In the BBBS community-based program, Littles between the ages 7 – 14 are matched with a Big and are asked to see each other two to four times per month. The Match spends time in the community and plans outings together. Big Brothers Big Sisters is about sharing time together rather than creating time. You can go to the YMCA, park, community events, run errands, go to the library, or work towards a goal together like running a 5k or learning a new skill.
“We recognize the importance, now more than ever, that the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters serves to connect hearts with hearts, people with people and what better way to bring out the best in all of us than through the hearts and resilient minds of young people,” said Jamila Thomas, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Community Engagement.
On average, BBBS serves nearly 2,000 kids a year in the community from the age of 7 through high school.
- 86% are from low to moderate incomes.
- About a quarter have a parent incarcerated or on probation or parole.
- 84% come from a non-two parent home, meaning the child is living with one parent, a grandparent, aunt/uncle or older sibling.
To learn more about the BBBS Community-Based Mentorship program, visit www.bbbstx.org.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1885, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in communities across North Texas, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of impact: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved, please visit www.ymcadallas.org.
About BBBS
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring organization, holds itself accountable for all youth in its program to reach their fullest potential by advancing educational achievement, social capital, and emotional wellbeing. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”), then monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters has served the Greater Dallas community for 93 years. Learn how you can positively impact a child’s life at www.bbbstx.org/dallas.
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