Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation’s oldest one-to-one youth mentoring organization, awarded 13 grants totaling $650,000 in support of its “Bigs in Blue” program in 13 cities. This nationwide initiative, which kicked off today, March 16, 2017 in the Dallas area, recruited local law enforcement officers to serve as mentors to youth in their local communities. 

“Communities are building bridges between law enforcement and youth based on trust and understanding. We are so encouraged by the response to the Bigs in Blue program nationwide.” said Pam Iorio, BBBSA President & CEO.  

Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates have partnered with law enforcement agencies across the country to include Dallas, Austin, and Houston.  The grants will be used to start or expand the Bigs in Blue program, including the recruitment of law enforcement officers and matching them to those youths who are in need of a mentor.  

Law enforcement officials who volunteer to serve as a Big Brother or Sister will be vetted, trained, matched and monitored just as any other mentor in the network. Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages parents to be partners throughout the matching process and the mentoring relationship in an effort to foster the best outcomes for the youth.

The money raised for the program will expand Bigs in Blue to 110 Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates across the country that are interested in the Bigs in Blue program.  Thanks BBBSA for providing yet another bridge building opportunity for community and law enforcement.

~CA