Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

Founded originally as a Kansas City Jaycee project in 1964, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City (BBBSKC) has served more than 20,000 at-risk youth in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Serving over 1,700 youth in Kansas City each year, BBBSKC provides children facing adversity in one-to-one life-changing friendships with adult mentors. BBBSKC matches school-aged youth (Littles) from one-parent or other non-traditional homes, with caring, adult volunteers (Bigs). Statistically, children growing up in one-parent homes experience significant increased risk, particularly in the areas of education, illegal activity, and suicide. While these youth make up about 25% of the total number of school-aged youth (approximately 80,000) in the Kansas City metropolitan area, they account for 90% of juvenile court cases, 90% of high school dropouts, and 60% of teen suicides. BBBSKC believes that youth who have a positive adult influence in his or her life are better able to reach their full potential. These one-to-one friendships, or “matches”, last a minimum of one year. BBBSKC's average match length is 27 months, which is significantly longer than the national average match length of 20 months. BBBSKC offers at-risk children a long-term developmental relationship with a caring adult. Bigs serve as friends, mentors and role models, helping youth gain greater self-confidence and leadership skills. This model has been proven effective in changing the self-image of the child and therefore his or her behavior.