Special Feature
January is National Mentoring Month which is a great time to apply to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. As an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham (BBBS) has provided positive adult role models for youth through its mentoring programs since 1973. BBBS’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The initiatives of BBBS bolster self-esteem and work to improve the chances that the youth served will achieve success in their academic, social, and family lives. BBBS of Greater Birmingham operates under the vision that all youth achieve their full potential. According to CEO Sue Johnson, “Our priority and what distinguishes Big Brothers Big Sisters is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in proven positive educational and social outcomes, improving kids’ chances to succeed.”
Each year, BBBS aims to serve more than 1,300 youth in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker Counties. National Mentoring Month is the time of year where engagement is usually at its highest and BBBS hopes that this year will be no different. With a new e-mentoring program available, anyone now has access to becoming a mentor and changing the lives of Birmingham youth. Given recent social and economic changes, many “Littles” are experiencing an exacerbation of the issues they regularly face, from societal barriers and opportunity gaps to poverty and identity-based discrimination. Consequently, it is incumbent upon Big Brothers Big Sisters to continue fulfilling their mission of being there for these young people. Thus, BBBS must remain the visible allies they have long been to “Littles,” for our mentoring means that they will not have to face life’s challenges alone.
Celebrate National Mentoring Month by supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters this year. Learn more at: www.mentoralittle.com.†
