I recently received an email from Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City requesting I take the time to write a post about them. I’m generally cautious about any charities that email me asking for publicity simply because I invested several hours investigating a charity in the past and writing a rough draft before checking into their distributions and finding them woefully lacking. Having learned my lesson, I now do things the other way around and get the due-diligence portion out of the way before I jot down a word. Suffice to say, if I’m writing a positive review about a charity here, it’s safe to assume it passed. More on the wonderful organization I use to that purpose later but let’s get on to talking about Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBSNYC or Big Bro’s from now on in the interest of brevity). Please continue reading after the BBBS NYC address at the end for information provided directly from the charity including upcoming events.

Mission Statement: Formed in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS NYC) provide mentors to all children who need caring adult role models - special friends who can help expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures - changing their lives. We seek to train community organizations in every neighborhood, empowering them to establish their own mentoring programs. BBBS NYC offers unique programs, tailored to fit the needs of a diverse pool of youth, including teenage mothers, children with developmental disabilities, or new Americans, as well as a diverse pool of volunteers, including corporate employees and seniors. BBBS NYC remains committed to expanding services, developing ideas, and making history, until every boy and girl who needs a mentor has a Big of his or her own.

While their mission statement hits all the relevant points, it lacks a personal tone which I’d like to provide from personal experience. As noted in other posts, I was raised in a foreign land while my father served his country. My mother passed away when I was 6 leaving me a severe shortage of parental guidance for most of my day. This was during a time before the hyper-paranoia common today when it comes to child safety. As such, I pretty much had the run of the base on which my father worked after I finished school. My wanderings took me to quite a few places I probably shouldn’t have been but the end result was an extended family of soldiers who all played a part in my upbringing. They were my unofficial big brothers and they played a tremendous role in shaping me into the person I am today. They taught me discipline, self-sacrifice, compassion and loyalty. I am, by far, a better person today than I possibly could have been without their influence.

BBBS NYC formalizes my experience by providing children with the kind of mentoring, guidance and positive influence I’m so thankful for today. The results can be nothing short of miraculous and the experience tremendously rewarding for both the child and the Big Brother or Big Sister. This is truly a transformational and life-defining opportunity in which the giver can benefit as much as the recipient. If you’ve ever wanted to make a positive difference in a life, this is one program in which you should seriously consider getting involved.

While that covers the mission and goals, modern American cynicism might have you wondering about the charity overall. Their cause is just but are they well managed? Do they do what they claim or is somebody lining his or her pockets? Rest easy; BBBS NYC is an outstanding organization with an impeccable reputation. They do good work, folks, and they do it honestly.

Charity Navigator - your guide (and mine) to intelligent giving - rates BBBS NYC 4 out of 4 stars. In 2007, BBBS NYC retained only 8.5% of its earnings for administrative purposes (salaries and the like) with the remainder going to the actual program (80.1%) or fundraising (11.1%). While there’s room for some improvement here, it’s important to also factor in their organizational capacity. While realizing only a 7.5% increase in revenue from 06-07, BBBS NYC increased its spending on the program by 10.7%. In short, to the benefit of those they serve, they managed to do more with less. But don’t take my word for it. Check out Charity Navigator’s analysis of BBBS NYC yourself.

At the end of the day I can’t emphasize enough my respect and admiration for programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City or for those who support and contribute to them. If you don’t have the time to contribute, please consider a financial contribution. I know times are tough. I know money is tight. But that’s what makes America great. We keep on giving even when it hurts a little. At the end of the day, you could be making the difference in a child’s life. You could be helping to guide a child into a bright future full of unlimited potential.

To learn more or make a contribution, visit http://www.bigsnyc.org/ or contact them at:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC

185 East 85^th Street

New York, NY 10028

Phone: 212.996.0443

Fax: 212.996.3538

From BBBS NYC:

BigsNYC has succeeded for more than 100 years in linking children to mentors. National Mentoring Month is an opportunity to recognize mentoring as priority in our communities and urge more adults - especially, men — to volunteer.

They are the oldest agency committed to empowering youth through a one-to-one match with a positive adult role model. Their programs have grown, not only in size, but in scope, to encompass the many varied needs of our city’s youth. Their programs serve immigrants, disabled youth, juvenile justice “high risk” kids, teen moms and so many more!  

The majority of at-risk children are from low-income single-family households where their caregivers are struggling to do the job of two. Many are growing up in the tougher neighborhoods of the city. Without an involved, reliable and caring role model, a child is more likely to take cues from negative influences. A Big Brother or Big Sister (a mentor) is a positive voice that stands out from the crowd.

Of the children released from a New York State Office of Children and Family Services Detention Center, 60-80% are re-arrested within 36 months.  In stark contrast, 73% of BigsNYC youths stay out of trouble with the law.  The cost of incarcerating one youth in a New York City Juvenile Detention Center is $588 a day, which comes to $214,620 per year per child.  

BigsNYC knows that no child has the same needs, and not every volunteer can offer the same amount of time. For that reason, BigsNYC developed many different mentoring programs - some in schools, some in the workplace and many in the community - to address the complex challenges children of today face.

• We want to encourage volunteers, especially the guys, to step up and make a difference in a kid’s life, as well as their own!
• Presently, there is a shortage of male mentors, yet there are many young males waiting to be matched with a Big Brother!
• As we approach the New Year; a time of hope; a year inspired by “change”, we celebrate the Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC and the volunteer mentors that have the power to change lives!!
• Click below and support a Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City upcoming event!

Ping Pong Tournament at Grand Central Terminal for At-Risk Kids