Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Massachusetts Bay To Partner With LPL Financial In Unique Workplace Mentoring Program

BOSTON, Oct. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay announced its partnership with LPL Financial LLC, the nation's largest independent broker-dealer, an RIA custodian, and a wholly owned subsidiary of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LPLA). Together they are launching the LPL Financial Workplace Mentoring Program in Boston, to mentor children who attend the Michael J. Perkins School.

The LPL Financial Workplace Mentoring Program is a unique version of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay's one-to-one youth mentoring program and will give children the opportunity to learn about the corporate world first-hand while providing corporate employees and executives the ability to make a difference in the life of a child while they are at work. Bi-weekly, 2nd and 3rd grader students will be transported to LPL Financial' s office where they will spend time with their mentor, building a friendship as well as grade-appropriate learning about financial literacy, public speaking, and career ideas.

"We at LPL Financial are excited to host the LPL Financial Workplace Mentoring Program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay," said Burt White, Managing Director of Research at LPL Financial. "From developing and teaching a strong curriculum to sharing our values as an organization, we are eager to share our skills and help shape the future success of the students in this program.  Our employees look forward to making a positive and lasting difference in these children's lives."

Children participating in the LPL Financial Workplace Mentoring Program typically live in single-parent and low-income households and are shown to benefit greatly from a one-to-one mentoring relationship providing them with increased confidence and an ability to realize higher aspirations. A 2009 study by Harris Interactive of alumni Littles found that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay gives children a better foundation for life success by providing educational and life guidance. The study shows that 90% of Littles said that their relationship with their Big Brother or Big Sister helped them make better choices throughout their childhood. Children who have benefitted from having a Big Brother or Big Sister are 46% less likely to do drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking alcohol than their peers.  Through this program, students build meaningful and lasting connections with adults in a positive and engaging environment that will impact their success both in and outside the school environment.      

"This collaboration will give kids in the program the opportunity to thrive in a relationship that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives," added Nora Leary, Vice President of Program Services at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. "We're so thankful to for this opportunity and for this long-term partnership."

"Our involvement in this program is both a reflection of our longstanding commitment to the Greater Boston community, as well as an opportunity for our company to align the incredible talent among our employees with children who can potentially benefit the most from it," added Burt White of LPL Financial. "We hope our involvement will call attention to the many benefits this impactful program offers children in our local school systems and we encourage other businesses to invest their time and help this program flourish."

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of nearly 2,000 youth by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is working to ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization's vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities. For more information about this worthwhile cause and its important mission, visit www.bbbsmb.org.

About LPL Financial
LPL Financial, a wholly owned subsidiary of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:LPLA), is the nation's largest independent broker-dealer (based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2013), an RIA custodian, and an independent consultant to retirement plans. LPL Financial offers proprietary technology, comprehensive clearing and compliance services, practice management programs and training, and independent research to more than 13,400 financial advisors and approximately 700 financial institutions. In addition, LPL Financial supports more than 4,600 financial advisors licensed with insurance companies by providing customized clearing, advisory platforms and technology solutions. LPL Financial and its affiliates have approximately 3,000 employees with primary offices in Boston, Charlotte, and San Diego. For more information, please visit www.lpl.com.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial. A Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

LPL Financial and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay are not affiliate entities.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Deborah Krause, Big Brother Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
617-956-0256 / [email protected]

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay