Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) has been serving Nassau County since 1977.
In their 34 years of service to the community, the group has provided hundreds of volunteer mentors to children ages seven through 16 who are in need of additional positive, caring adult guidance in their lives.
The mentoring program, based out of Levittown, provides the support needed to keep a child on the right path towards a promising future and gives them the tools to grow and succeed in a positive environment.
Often times, children who are at-risk are looking for consistency, support, attention, or simply a friend.
Recent studies have shown that children who met consistently with their "Bigs" are 46 percent less likely to get involved with illegal drug use and 52 percent less likely to skip school.
On Saturday morning, the group held their third 5K Walk-A-Thon for Kid's Sake at the Jones Beach boardwalk.
All funds raised assisted BBBSLI in making and sustaining more matches between children ('Littles') and trained volunteers for a unique one-to-one mentoring relationship that is professionally supported by their agency.
"20 percent of all our current matches have been matched for five or more years," said BBBSLI Marketing Manager Jamie Hille. "The longevity speaks for itself. The relationships established often create friendships that last a lifetime. The power of mentoring is really seen in the longevity of our matches."
Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island Branch Locations:
The E. David Woycik Jr. Building
70 Acorn Lane
Levittown, NY 11756
516-731-7880
145 Sycamore Avenue
Islandia, NY 11749
631-273-1469
70 Ponquogue Avenue
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
631-287-0086
