Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County Tops 1,000 Active Matches
TUSTIN, CALIF., December 19, 2008 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County’s CEO Gus Valdespino is pleased to announce that for the first time in its 50-year history, the agency has more than 1,000 active matches in the Orange County community. A match is a pairing between a mentor, or Big Brother or Big Sister, and a child in need. In 2006, when Valdespino joined the organization, there were fewer than 600 active matches. He and the agency’s Board of Directors had set a goal of reaching 1,000 matches by the end of 2008. As of the year’s end, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County has 1,040 matches.
“This is a milestone in our organization’s history,” noted Valdespino. “It reflects the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, the hard work of our staff and the generous support of the community to helping children in need.”
Nationwide, there are 250,000 “Big Brothers” and “Big Sisters” throughout the country mentoring young people through caring, one-to-one relationships. National statistics demonstrate the benefits these young people, once matched, will enjoy. Those matched with such a mentor are:
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 98% less likely to be teen mothers
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
Little Brothers and Little Sisters are also less likely to have violent behavior, are more confident in their schoolwork and have more harmonious relationships with family members.
For information about becoming a “Big” or enrolling your child as a “Little,” please visit www.bigbrooc.org or call (714) 544-7773.
Mentors Needed – A Big Brother or Big Sister acts as a friend and mentor in the life of a child in need, or Little Brother or Little Sister, ages 6-16. Orange County has a great need for mentors, especially men. There are 110,000 single parent households in Orange County, a quarter of which are living in poverty. There are over 250 children waiting to be matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister. Additional Littles are encouraged to inquire as well. For information, visit www.bigbrooc.org or call (714) 544-7773. Office address: 14131 Yorba Street, Suite 200, Tustin, CA 92780.
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