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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound 

Description

We serve children in King, Pierce, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties with two offices based in Seattle and Tacoma. 81% of our children come from homes with low or very low income (HUD categories). 81% do not live in homes with two parents. 61% of those we serve are children are of color. 58% are female and 42% are male and. 25% have an incarcerated parent.

Mission Statement
We provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. It is our vision that all children achieve success in life.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
1600 South Graham Street 
Seattle 
WA
98108-2821 
(206) 763-9060 

Kevin Boyce 
Director of Development 

Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound Programs

Our mentoring program is child/client centered, fundable and sustainable, results-oriented, evidence-based and driven, and aligned with our national strategic direction. We focus on three measurable outcomes that lead to lifelong success:

Improvement in Attitudes and Competencies
Important in the growth of a child is the development of aspirations and self-confidence. We align specific activities including use of art or music, leadership skill development, and improving relationship skills to bolster the child’s self esteem and positive behavior.

Risky Behavior Avoidance
We work with parents/guardians and Bigs to help youth get involved in music, sports, or other positive outlets. We advocate for youth who are already involved in the juvenile justice system to obtain resources to prevent and/or reduce recidivism.

Educational Success
Parents/guardians are required to allow access to their child’s academic data so that Bigs can help assure success in school by having access to attendance, behavior, and classroom performance information. We are building partnerships to support our Littles in tutoring, extracurricular academic activities, college readiness, and general school success.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

A focus for us in 2011 was analyzing how we can reduce the number of matches that close prematurely (less than one year). Careful analysis of past closures informed our work to:

  • Raise our standards bar for all our documentation
  • Require volunteers to attend their initial training before their match introduction without exception
  • Thoroughly redo volunteer training and add an initial online component as well as follow-up training
  • Improve our match creation process and the manner in which we support matches
  • Significantly improve our rematch process  
As for our area of need, we strongly believe in the importance of inclusion and diversity. Our Community Engagement Team is working each and every day to close the gap between youth of color and the number of mentors of color. We have several initiatives involving mentors, community members, and staff to address the needs of specific communities. Currently our intentional efforts are focused on the African American, Native American, and Latino communities.

Evaluation

The goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sounds’ professionally-managed mentoring programs is to change the trajectory of their Little’s lives, making them successful in school, career, and life. BBBS is redoubling its efforts to reduce education disparities by framing its mentoring programs with a school-success lens.

Proven Success
During the last program year, 77% of BBBS Littles improved their academic performance, while 92% improved or maintained their academic performance. 75% of Littles reported a better attitude towards school and 86% demonstrated more self-confidence.

Use of Best Practices
BBBS assesses mentor-match quality and input gained through regular and consistent contact with mentors, mentees, and parents/guardians. Mentoring satisfaction factors include: mentors help mentees cope with problems, mentees feel happy when they are with their mentor, and mentees trust their mentors.
Collaboration
BBBS works with a diverse group of partners that included nonprofits and faith-based organizations, as well as sporting organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, Chambers of Commerce, ethnic and heritage organizations, and informal community coalitions. BBBS is also working with the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to better serve children in the foster care system.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
6/10/2011 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/11/2009 $5,000.00to support the Seattle Mentoring Movement as a form of violence intervention.
12/10/2008 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/5/2006 $35,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/17/2004 $35,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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