Big Impact – Proven Results
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut has been the state’s premier mentoring organization since 1966. Each time we pair a child with a role model, we start something incredible: a one-to-one relationship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential.
What We Do
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut has 58 years of experience fostering mentoring relationships between young people and inspirational adults. With research-proven outcomes at its core, we aim for every child to have support from caring adults to ensure healthy development and success.
An estimated 27,000 children in Connecticut are at risk for dropping out of high school and becoming involved with the criminal justice system.
Big Brothers Big Sisters inspires, engages, and transforms our local communities by providing mentorship programs for youth to achieve their full potential. Our programs create healthier families, better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities.
By the Numbers
In our 58 years of operation, we’ve served over 100,000 children. We have a $3.3 million annual operating budget and 26.5 fulltime staff members who train hundreds of volunteers to serve over 1,100 children annually.
In the past year, our average match length was over 35 months, exceeding Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s national average by over 6%.
38% of Little Brothers and Sisters experienced greater enjoyment in school after enrolling in our program. 56% more Littles engaged in protective behaviors, like going to a library, museum, or concert.
65% fewer Littles were subject to school discipline and 95% of Littles said their Big Brother or Sister is a very important adult in their life.
Mentoring’s Impact
An independent study conducted by Public/Private Ventures concluded that a child matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister for at least one year is affected powerfully.
- 98% report benefits in socio-emotional competence
- 95% report enhanced educational success
- 89% report maintained or increased avoidance of risky behaviors, such as drinking, smoking, and doing drugs
According to Harris Interactive’s 2009 study of Littles who are now adults, having a Big Brother or Big Sister results in life-long, positive changes.
- 90% said their relationship with their Big helped them make better choices
- 77% reported doing better in school because of their Big
- 76% said their Big taught them right from wrong
- 81% said their Big changed their perspective on what they viewed was possible for them
Public/Private Ventures, a national research organization with more than 30 years of experience in studying child development and social service issues, conducted the independent research.
The study was funded by the Lilly Endowment, the Commonwealth Fund, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and an anonymous donor.