Harrisburg, PA (5/24/2022) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region announced today its aim to transform mentorship in local communities has been boosted by an unprecedented gift of $1.1 million. The gift, from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, supports the organization in furthering its mission to ensure young people have access to powerful mentoring experiences that empower them with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime. Today, nearly 11 million kids live in poverty and more than 13 million young people experience emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions like depression. And during the height of the pandemic, 20 percent of youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters nationally lost contact with an important adult in their lives. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region has experienced a significant increase in child applications across their five-county service area: Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Perry. The organization has more than 100 young people, known as “Littles,” waiting to be matched with mentors, known as “Bigs.” This unprecedented investment is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s history and serves as a powerful message in recognizing the importance of investing in mentorship to build and strengthen communities and society as a whole. Amy Rote, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region says, “This generous gift will provide opportunities to collaborate and create partnerships so we can expand our services. It’s more than an investment it is bringing innovation and transformation to mentorship for the youth and families in our region. We can't do this alone, we invite our community to join us and defend the potential of our young people today and for generations to come." Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region believes no one person, organization or gift alone can drive the significant impact mentorship can have on a young person’s life. It takes a village of mentors, volunteers, and donors to positively impact young people’s lives. This investment in Big Brothers Bigs Sisters of the Capital Region and its community is an invitation for more people and partners to join in transforming mentorship for young people today and for generations to come. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and get involved as a mentor, volunteer, donor, or community partner, visit CAPBIGS.ORG.
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR) creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. For over 40 years, BBBSCR has kept its promise by expertly crafting and maintaining compatible mentoring matches between Littles (at-risk youth) and Bigs (mature volunteers) in the Capital Region. Our commitment includes using evidence-based best practices to achieve personalized outcomes and supporting matches throughout their life (one to ten years). Contributions in all forms are vital to fulfilling the agency’s mission. BBBSCR is a 501(c)(3) charity, registered with the PA Bureau of Charities, and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. For more information, visit the BBBSCR website at www.capbigs.org.
