Gregory R. Walthorn
Board President
(517) 336-7531

Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region Receives National Recognition For Program Quality

LANSING, MI – At the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America national conference last week in Miami, Florida, BBBS Michigan Capital Region was one of sixteen agencies in the country recognized for achievement in Program Quality for 2008.  BBBS Michigan Capital Region exceeded national averages in three key quality performance areas; match support, match retention, and average match length.

The hallmark of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program is the ongoing professional support provided to each Big and Little beginning at the commencement of their match. This professional match support is a critical factor in ensuring that each relationship is safe and rewarding for all parties involved. It also plays a significant role in retaining matches beyond six months; the critical point at which positive outcomes for the child take hold. The impacts on the child are deeper and more enduring the longer a match lasts.

“The relationships we create and nurture broaden horizons and brighten futures,” says Ed Hagan, Executive Director of BBBS Michigan Capital Region. “The direct and lasting impact on a child’s life translates into long-term benefits for the entire community.”

“This is great news for everyone involved in our program,” says Gregory Walthorn, BBBS Michigan Capital Region Board President, “to be recognized for our program quality, not only locally but nationally, is a tribute to our excellent staff and especially, the generosity of our donors and supporters. Their unwavering support of the children in our communities has made this achievement possible and we are proud that their investment is providing a great return.”
 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring program in the  United States. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct volunteer background checks that help ensure child safety, to purchase the insurance that protects children, volunteers and the agency, and for the professional support that helps build and sustain long-lasting, meaningful relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’sodds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region serves Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, and Shiawassee counties. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs.org/mcr or call toll free 1-877- 483-7145. 

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