Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay Looking For 100 Men in 100 Days

BOSTON, April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay (BBBSMB) issued a call for 100 Men in 100 Days, urging males in the Greater Boston community to volunteer their time and become a Big Brother to one of over 1,000 boys currently on a waiting list seeking mentors.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130408/NE90497 )

The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of children, especially those in need of consistent role models, through one-on-one friendships between young people and adult mentors.  The "matches" meet a few hours each month and establish connections through simple activities and outings.  

With over 1,800 youth currently being served throughout the Massachusetts Bay area, there still remains a significant need, particularly when it comes to adult males stepping forward in a mentoring role for boys. Adult males often feel uncertain of their ability to mentor a youth, what to do during their time with a child, and how they could fit mentoring into their schedule. However, BBBSMB takes care of these concerns by making volunteering flexible and just a couple of hours a month and matches each Big with just the right child for them and supports each pair every step of the way.

"Big Brothers tell us they get more out of the experience than they ever thought possible, and the impact of spending time with these boys who don't have a consistent adult male in their lives has proven to contribute to healthier families, better schools, stronger communities and brighter futures for all," said Wendy Foster, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. "Our goal is to surpass 100 matches of Big Brothers and boys in the Greater Boston area by the end of June when school breaks, a time when many youth can be vulnerable. I urge every male to strongly consider this opportunity."

Being a Big Brother is as simple as spending a couple hours with your "Little", a few times a month, enjoying all different kinds of no-cost/low-cost activities, including:

• A trip to a park for catch, baseball or basketball
• Riding bikes or taking a hike
• Exploring new neighborhoods, like visiting the North End for a slice of pizza
• Watching the latest IMAX film at the Museum of Science

Not only is being a Big Brother fun, but it is also an opportunity to help shape a child's future for the better by empowering him to achieve success. Research has shown children with adult mentors are 46 percent less likely than their peers to use drugs and 52 percent less likely to skip school. Mentored youth also become more adept at having quality relationships with adults, which contributes to their abilities to advocate for themselves throughout their lives.

With over 60 years of experience fostering professionally supported, one-on-one friendships between young people and adults, BBBSMB is helping to strengthen the communities of Massachusetts Bay by providing youth with invested, caring adult mentors. To find out how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, please visit http://www.bbbsmb.org/site/c.9gKMJZMxF7LUG/b.8453105/k.E080/Volunteer_to_start_something.htm. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay (BBBSMB) has 60 years of experience fostering professionally supported one-on-one friendships between young people and adult mentors. With research and proven outcomes at its core, the organization is working to ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. With a service area encompassing 155 cities and towns throughout the Massachusetts Bay area and over 1,800 youth currently being served, BBBSMB is helping to strengthen communities by providing kids with an invested, caring adult mentor in their lives. BBBSMB's vision is to inspire, engage and transform Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities.

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay