Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana Honored with National Growth Award
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBSKY) has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2023.
BBBSKY employees pose with the agency’s Growth Award plaque in front of their office in Louisville, Ky.
Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA’s Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, BBBSKY is one of 100 organizations to receive this top honor.
As we celebrate, BBBSKY is hosting its annual Big Event Field Day, the single largest activity for matches and families enrolled in the agency’s programs, on Saturday, July 20th at the Norton Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville. The event serves as a great opportunity for BBBSKY matches, staff, and ready-to-be-matched families to celebrate mentorship.
The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, BBBSKY has impacted over 3,150 lives and grown its local services through new programs in West Louisville and Southern Indiana.
“This national Growth award, coupled with last year’s Gold Standard award, are testaments to our Bigs, Littles, families, and our outstanding team of passionate staff and board members,” said Gary Friedman CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. “The importance of mentorship and impact a positive adult has in a young person’s life cannot be stated enough. Mentorship is a foundational key element of preventing youth violence in our city, and now more than ever, a strong Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is vital to the success of our youth.”
For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to helping all youth reach their full potential, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people, their families, and our volunteer Bigs. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.
“BBBSKY’s commitment to creating and fostering positive mentoring relationships is a testament to the individuals within their organization,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBS of America. “Through a shared dedication to meeting the needs of youth in their communities, BBBSKY continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities.”