Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks honored with Growth Award

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2023. Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is one of 100 organizations to receive this top honor.

The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks has served 236 youth and grown its local services by 12 percent, including geographically to Bolivar, Branson and Nixa.

“I am so proud of our team and board for making quality programming a priority for our local children,” said Susan Mellentine, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. “Their hard work and commitment to our mission equates to more mentorship for Southwest Missouri and a brighter future for our youth.”

For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks’ commitment to creating and fostering positive mentoring relationships is a testament to the individuals within their organization. Through a shared dedication to meeting the needs of youth in their communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities.

BBBSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and United Way partner agency that believes every child can succeed and even thrive in life. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters supports life changing friendships between professionally screened adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles). Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence and improved relationships. For more information visit www.bigbro.com