Lehigh Valley mentoring organization recognizes volunteers, funders and
school administrators for their dedicated efforts at year-end impact celebrations
Allentown, PA — June 15, 2015 — Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley, the area’s premier mentoring organization, celebrated the dedication of its volunteer Bigs, Littles, school administrators and corporate and foundation donors at year-end events for its site-based programs. Events were held throughout May and early June at each of the 15 Lehigh Valley elementary and middle schools in which the organization manages programs. The organization currently has thriving programs in the Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area, Whitehall-Coplay and Wilson Area School Districts.
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The celebrations presented Bigs and their respective Littles with one last opportunity to see each other before the programs paused for a summer break. In addition, they provided the programs’ financial sponsors with opportunities to see the impact of their generosity first-hand.
Supporters of the agency’s site-based programs include: American Bank, Avantor Performance Materials, Capital BlueCross, Crayola, Direct Energy, The Donley Foundation, Embassy Bank, Fox & Roach Charities, Keystone Savings Foundation, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Merchants Bank of Bangor, PPL Electric Utilities, Ruth P. Seruga Trust, Susquehanna Bank, Harry C. Trexler Trust, Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Weis Markets and Wells Fargo.
Susan Bartels, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley’s CEO and a Big Sister at the agency’s site-based program at Allentown School District’s Jefferson Elementary School, said this year’s programs were the most successful in recent memory.
“Our site-based programs boast a combination of great elements: great mentors, great children, great school support and great sponsors,” Bartels added. “When these things come together, the impact on our Littles is immeasurable. We’re always excited to host our year-end recognition events to acknowledge the hard work and dedication invested in making these programs successful.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley’s site-based programs match elementary or middle school students with high school, college or adult mentors in impactful one-to-one relationships. After being matched, Bigs and Littles spend time with each other weekly, and enjoy numerous activities together, from playing games to working on homework, taking on creative projects or simply talking about their weeks. According to the agency’s Youth Outcomes Survey, weekly interactions through the site-based programs lead to stronger academic performance, a decrease in risky behaviors and stronger self-confidence among Littles.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley
Since 1970, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with qualified, trained, and screened volunteers (“Bigs”) and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course.
In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley, a United Way Partner Agency, has served nearly 350 Lehigh and Northampton County children in one-to-one mentoring relationships.
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 100-year history. The organization is engaged in a nationwide search to reunite with alumni mentors, mentees, donors, and family, staff and board members. Learn how you can volunteer or donate—visit www.bbbslv.org.
Information and image provided by:
Alex Dapkewicz
Marketing & Development Manager
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley
878 Minesite Road
Allentown, PA 18103
