Big Brother Salm & Little Brother Jeremiah
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Big Brother Salm & Little Brother Jeremiah a Letter from our ceo Dear Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA, I extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to our extraordinary donors, supporters, volunteers and staff who helped make 2014 a remarkable year for this incredible agency. Your generous commitment to our mission helps provide those critical resources needed to increase our impact and truly make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth in Greater Philadelphia. As I near completion of my second year as CEO, I remain as excited and optimistic as my very first day, perhaps even more so. During 2014, there were a number of accomplishments of which I am extremely marcus allen proud. Many of them are highlighted throughout this report. But as I spend more time CEO, bbbs Sepa in our communities and witness firsthand what is happening to our youth, I am forced to ask the question, “Are we doing enough?” The sobering reality is that Philadelphia has become the poorest big city in America. There are over 120,000 children in our region living in poverty, with 60,000 in families so poor they survive on less than $10,000 per year. Our local youth are confronted with deep-rooted issues such as mass incarceration, teen violence and the deterioration of our public school systems – issues that have become increasingly prevalent across our great nation. So, what is it that will mobilize our citizens to get involved? What is it that Big Brothers Big Sisters stands for as it relates to these issues that will, more than likely, come to each of our doorsteps if we don’t act? I believe the answer is, collaboration. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA has been tackling some of these issues for 100 years. As we celebrate our centennial year, we aim to establish a platform of collaboration that will define the next 100 years. With this in mind, we launched The Mentoring Partnership & Resource Center (MPRC), an intermediary that will provide leadership and peer support to more than 130 community-based youth mentoring organizations in Southeastern PA. Our aim is to expand the field’s regional capacity to provide more than 200,000 school-aged children in need with compassionate, caring adult mentors. We are also excited to launch a new marketing campaign entitled, “Make It BIG.” The call is for individuals, institutions and community members to step up in a BIG way in support of our local youth, whether that be with their time or financial support. And thanks to some significant in-kind media sponsorships, you will see this campaign in a variety of formats during 2015 including digital, print, television and radio. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA has a rich history, and is poised for an even greater future. It is clear that we have a tremendous responsibility. So now, more than ever before, let’s make it BIG, together. Marcus Allen Chief Executive Officer Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA Big Sister Carolina & 1 Little Sister Jaqueline Our vision All children achieve success in life. Our Mission To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one- to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. 2 Strengthening our communities The communities we serve in As the largest one-to-one mentoring Greater Philadelphia are facing program in the Commonwealth and unprecedented challenges due to the third largest Big Brothers Big Sisters effects of economic inequality and organization in the nation, we continue poverty. Already the poorest big city to find new and innovative ways to in America, Philadelphia also has the positively impact the rising number of highest rate of deep poverty, defined children in need. In 2015, we will launch as people with incomes below half of the the Mentoring Partnership & Resource poverty line. At 12.2%, the city’s deep Center (MPRC), a vehicle designed to poverty rate is almost twice the U.S. rate help bring together and strengthen the of 6.3%. local mentoring community. We plan to work with more than 130 other nonprofit If we look across all of Southeastern organizations in the region, including Pennsylvania, an alarming 170,000 organizations that offer group mentoring, of our youth are living at or below the peer mentoring and e-mentoring. poverty level – many representative of single parent homes or incarcerated Our primary goal for the MPRC is to parents. This has severe consequences improve the quality and effectiveness of for our children including cognitive and mentoring programs by focusing on four emotional delays, higher school dropout main pillars of service: rates, delinquency, and youth violence. 1. Training and technical While there is no single solution, we assistance know that youth mentoring is an effective way to help break the cycle. 2. Advocacy efforts for increased Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern resources for mentoring PA offers comprehensive mentoring 3. Engaging stakeholders in the programs that are proven to reduce mentoring movement negative behaviors among at-risk 4. Data collection to inform children. Our data reveals that youth strategic field improvements involved in our programs are more likely than their peers to advance to the next grade level, avoid risky or violent behavior, and develop a positive outlook for their future. Successful partnerships with government, businesses, foundations & other nonprofit organizations are fundamental to enact real change in our communities. Big Brother Michael & Little Brother Samir 4 our youth mentoring programs Community-Based Site-Based Mentoring Programs Mentoring Programs Volunteer mentors (Bigs) Volunteers (Bigs) mentor and their mentees (Littles) school students (Littles) meet on weekends or after during the day. school to play sports, visit museums or just talk. Traditional Community-Based Beyond School Walls Mentoring Program Littles visit their Bigs during Bigs and Littles engage in one- the week at their workplace, to-one outings and activities they giving children an opportunity to both enjoy between two and four experience the corporate world times a month. first-hand and to set goals for the future. Read more on PAGE 8. Back on Track Program College Bigs Funded by the PA Commission College students are matched on Crime and Delinquency, with elementary and middle this program works with the school students and spend time Montgomery County Public together at the Little’s school Defender’s Office to match during lunchtime or after school. children who have been involved in the juvenile justice system with mentors. Read more on PAGE 7. Big Advocates Program Corporate Bigs Funded by a three-year grant Professionals in Center City from the Office of Juvenile Justice Philadelphia mentor children at and Delinquency Prevention Independence Charter School (OJJDP), this program teaches and Russell Byers Charter Bigs to also act as advocates and School once a week during teachers for their Littles. Read lunchtime throughout the school more on PAGE 9. year. 5 The Mentoring Effect A nationally-representative survey of young people ages 18-21 found that one in three young people will reach age 19 without the benefit of a mentor.* In Southeastern Pennsylvania, we are working to change that statistic by providing local youth with caring adult role models, and the results speak for themselves. * January 2014, The Mentoring Effect: Young People’s Perspectives on the Outcomes & Availability of Mentoring, commissioned by Mentor: National Mentoring Partnership Community-Based Mentoring Match Spotlight: Big Sister Angie & Little Sister Knya Big Sister Angie and Little Sister Knya have takes initiative, impressing many of the been matched since March 2011. Over the other volunteers and coordinators.” This years, Angie has instilled in her Little the year, Knya even earned the title “tree bud importance of education and giving back to assistant,” a role that will open the door for her community, setting her up for a bright paid work experiences with the organization and successful future. when she is older. Angie is a member of a community ‘greening’ Angie also partnered with Knya’s mother as organization based in Philadelphia and an advocate for her academic success, and has involved Knya in her volunteer efforts the payoff has been great. Knya was recently over the years. It has grown into a passion accepted to West Catholic Prep High School, big sister angie for both of them, and they now regularly and the pair are now researching scholarship & Little sister knya volunteer at plantings and cleanups. Angie opportunities together. Knya is confident she says volunteerism has allowed Knya to will complete high school and will move on to build a strong work ethic, saying, “She college and considers her relationship with 6 Back on track Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration In any given year, nearly 3,000 better life outcomes. Bigs and children in Montgomery County Littles meet three times per month montgomery county: are processed through the and spend time doing things they juvenile justice system. Far too both enjoy, such as riding bikes, “This program is about more many of these children are more playing games, or just hanging out than just saving dollars, likely to return to the system without together. A calendar of activities positive role models in their lives. is supplemented with free tickets it’s about saving children.” In an effort to break this cycle, Big to sporting events, museums and - Montgomery County Public Defender Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern other venues. Keir Bradford-Grey PA and the Montgomery County Defender and District Attorney have Currently, there are 24 children joined forces to give delinquent enrolled in our Back on Track Did you know? youth a second chance to get “back program with a majority reporting • In Montgomery County, it costs on track.” The program is primarily greater aspirations and improved approximately $170 per day or funded through the Pennsylvania behavior in school.