Big Sister Association of Greater Boston

CONTACT:

161 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd floor
Boston, MA 02115-3050
617-375 - 5753
www.bigsister.org

Alexis Bulkley, Director of Development

DESCRIPTION:

This is the oldest Big Sister agency in the country -- since 1951 providing mentoring relationships for girls ages 7 to 15, in disadvantaged and challenging circumstances in Boston and 70 surrounding towns. Research shows that long-term mentoring programs have greater positive influence on young people, particularly in preventing drug abuse and teen pregnancy, than any other social service. The basic idea is to help raise a girl's self-esteem by providing a stable, consistent relationship with an older, positive female role model. The girls are given a broad range of cultural and social activities in which to express themselves and to set personal goals. BSAGB also offers group-, team-, and work-based mentoring programs. Since 1951, the program has focused on girls because they are often overlooked until a major crisis occurs such as pregnancy or dropping out of school. BSAGB is currently in a five-year strategic growth plan with the goal of serving 3,000 girls annually by 2005. In 2003 BSAGB served 1,928 girls. However, more mentors, especially women of color are always needed. BSAGB needs donor-investors, too.

(1999: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)