MISSION STATEMENT

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County, Inc.
is a not-for-profit youth service organization.

It is the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County to make a positive difference in the lives of children who are facing emotional, social, and academic challenges. Through professionally supported mentoring relationships with a caring adult, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County assists these children in achieving their highest potential, as they grow to become caring, confident, and competent individuals.

History:  We trace our local roots to a local Monmouth County resident, Curtis Colby, a resident of Tinton Falls, who befriended a boy, Joey, from Middletown, whose father had died and the child was in counseling at CPC.  Curtis spent time with Joey as a CPC volunteer.  He soon realized the positive impact his one-to-one relationship had on Joey.  Joey had a younger brother who had an equal need for an adult man in his life. Curtis took it upon himself to contact MCDSS (Monmouth County Division of Social Services) and with their support and his leadership an Advisory Board was formed, an application was made to BBBS of America, and a staff member from MCDSS was assigned as a liaison to the Advisory Board.

In 1976 Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Monmouth County became officially incorporated, and received full agency status by BBBS of America.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of America began Mentoring in 1903 and today has over 520 agency members in its Federation.

National Study Re-Affirms Benefits:  In 1996 Public Private Ventures released study results after 18 months of research of BBBS Mentoring Matches.  It found that the children in a match were:

46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs

27% less likely to begin using alcohol

53% less likely to skip school

37% less likely to skip class

they were also more confident in school and got along better with their families