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Approximately eighty-two years ago, the growing number of boys passing through the Juvenile Court System in Dallas County inspired a young probation officer, Miss Jessie White, to generate support for a local “Big Brother” organization based on a movement which had began in New York City 23 years earlier. From this humble beginning has emerged the nation’s largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas (BBBSNT). Over 9,000 at-risk children in the North Texas Area are served annually by safe, caring mentors.
Mission and Results
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This belief was substantiated by an independent research study that found that after 18 months of spending time with their Big Brothers and Sisters, the children were:
* 46% less likely to start using drugs
* 52% less likely to skip school
* 27% less likely to engage in underage drinking
* 33% less likely to resolve conflicts using violence
* Less likely to lie to their parents
* More likely to have a healthy relationships with their peers
* More likely to have self-confidence and a sense of the future
* More likely to see improved academic progress leading to HS graduation
How We Can Help
Above all else, BBBSNT needs mentors. At any given time, there are thousands of at-risk children waiting for a mentor. The average wait for a child to be matched with a mentor is almost six months.
Another way to support BBBSNT is by financial contribution. Over 92% of each dollar contributed goes directly toward making and supporting mentor-child matches. There are numerous giving options. A particularly fun way to give is to participate in one of the many BBBSNT annual fund raising events. The annual “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” event is coming up on July 25, 2009.
For information on mentoring or giving to BBBSNT, you can contact Todd Bristow, Director of Resource Development, at (972) 423-9559, extension 382. Or you can visit their website at www.bbbstx.org.
-Mark Farmer
Contact: Mark Farmer
