Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBS) has received funding from several of the Cities across the Valley for our new Fiscal year. Those cities include Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, and Peoria. Through their support, we will be able to serve approximately 175 youth. Across the Valley thousands of youth struggle to achieve their full potential. The need for additional resources and intervention is abundant. Fortunately, we know that 1-to-1 mentoring is a proven, successful method for reducing the harmful effects of these experiences for children. Since 1955, BBBSAZ has led the way in establishing and measuring best practices in mentoring, with decades of success to show for it.
Youth across these cities are mentored in the Community Based and Site-Based programs. The site-based program takes place at Scales Technology Academy the Boys & Girls Club in Tempe and San Marcos Elementary School in Chandler. Through these collaborations, BBBS provides mentoring to youth who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access it. The community-based mentoring program occurs in various locations as decided upon by the match.
One of the matches supported by City of Chandler funding is Little Brother Marquay and Big Brother, Kenneth who were matched in February 2019. Marquay’s mother enrolled him in the program because she wanted him to have a positive male role model. Kenneth works for the police department and he wanted to make a positive impact as a mentor. The pair enjoy going to the movies, eating at restaurants, attending sporting events, and playing sports together. Kenneth supports Marquay by going to his football games and also encourages Marquay to do well in school. Kenneth is always there for Marquay when he needs someone to talk to and helps Marquay with the goal of trusting in himself more.
