Posts - Page 7 of 41 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

La tradicional organización anuncia su asociación nacional con la fraternidad Lambda Theta Phi en honor al Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Tampa, FL (3 de octubre de 2022): Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), la principal organización de mentoría juvenil personalizada en el país, ha anunciado su asociación con la fraternidad Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. para ampliar el acceso a la mentoría en todo el país a través del reclutamiento de mentores, el voluntariado y la oferta de más oportunidades para Littles. 

Dedicada a crear un sentimiento de pertenencia para los miembros de sus comunidades locales, independientemente de su etnia, origen o forma de identificarse, esta nueva alianza reforzará el compromiso mutuo de ambas organizaciones de promover la diversidad y la inclusión a nivel nacional. 

“Nos sentimos honrados de asociarnos con una organización tan admirable y con los miles de miembros de la fraternidad Lambda Theta Phi en todo el país que comparten nuestros valores de justicia, equidad, diversidad e inclusión”, dijo Artis Stevens, presidente y director ejecutivo de BBBSA. “Proporcionar acceso a la mentoría para cada joven, independientemente de su origen, es una parte integral de la misión de Big Brothers Big Sisters. Estamos orgullosos de colaborar con la fraternidad Lambda Theta Phi para promover su misión y reconocer la importancia de la representación en este Mes de la Herencia Hispana”.

Actualmente, hay más de 30,000 jóvenes en todo el país esperando mentores, llamados “Bigs”, (grandes) y la mayoría son niños de color. Los estudios demuestran que los niños que tienen modelos a seguir tienen más probabilidades de mejorar en la escuela, tienen mejores conexiones con familiares y amigos y menos probabilidades de estar involucrados en la delincuencia. Nuestra asociación se centrará en reclutar mentores, donde los miembros de Lambda Theta Phi se desempeñarán como Big Brothers (hermanos grandes), se unirán a las juntas locales y ayudarán a las empresas y a otras organizaciones a abrir las puertas para promover e invertir financieramente para apoyar a Big Brothers Big Sisters tanto a nivel local, como nacional.

“Esta asociación proporcionará a los miembros de Lambda Theta Phi la oportunidad de aprovechar nuestro poder colectivo para causar un impacto real y tangible en la próxima generación”, comentó Jeffrey Chavez, presidente nacional de Lambda Theta Phi. “Nos entusiasma ver a nuestros miembros de todo el país poner en práctica nuestros ideales al ofrecer apoyo, orientación y un sentido de pertenencia a quienes lo necesitan”.

TAMPA, FL (September 30, 2022) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the country, has announced the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship with support from the Deloitte Foundation. The scholarship program will provide young people with financial support for college and credentialing programs through the awarding of 60 scholarships.

High school juniors, seniors, and post-secondary students under 25 years old and enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring program during the 2022-2023 academic year are eligible for scholarships through the program. The scholarships will be for those with career interests in accounting, finance, economics, engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, technology, data science, data analytics and math. Scholarships will be available to youth living or planning to go to school in 13 markets: Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN, New York, NY, Omaha, NE, Parsippany, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA and Tampa, FL.

“We know when young people gain exposure and access to educational and career opportunities, it widens their view to the possibilities and potential ahead of them in life and career,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “With the support of organizations like the Deloitte Foundation, we continue to empower the next generation on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures.”

“We are thrilled to be able to support an organization that continues to change lives through mentorship,” said Erin Scanlon, president, Deloitte Foundation. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America uplifts communities and helps to empower youth so that they can aspire to fulfilling lives and careers.”

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About The Deloitte Foundation

The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, has named Travis Gibson as its Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Gibson will lead the long-term strategic planning and implementation of information technology investments for BBBSA and its network of over 230 agencies. In addition, his leadership will establish and oversee enterprise network architecture to ensure system interoperability and information sharing, maintaining information security and privacy across the organization’s network.

Gibson brings expertise as a senior technology leader and corporate strategist from a diverse range of technologies across multiple industry settings. He has served as the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer advisor for organizations including LVMH, DeBeers Diamond Jeweler’s, Cox Automotive, Michael Kors, Council of School Supervisors (NYC), Vera Wang, and others. During his early career as an IT engineer, he worked for Amazon, Choice Hotels International, and a large medical network in Arizona.

“I am thrilled to join the organization at such a pivotal time and honored to lead the highly talented IT team here at BBBSA,” said Gibson. “The vision and opportunity to advance our systems for the entire Big Brothers Big Sisters network will help deliver on our mission today and in the future.”
Prior to joining BBBSA, Travis was the Head of Cybersecurity, Infrastructure and IT Operations for Make-A-Wish America, with responsibility for developing and maintaining the enterprise cybersecurity program, the enterprise IT infrastructure, application support, and IT operations for over 10,000 employees and volunteers in the U.S. and territories.

“The foundation of our work is human connection and today’s technology developments offer the opportunity to transform relationships by empowering every single constituency of our network—donors, partners, volunteers, parents, staff, boards and young people,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “I am looking forward to collaborating with Travis on our digital transformation across the organization and ensure agencies are able to create more accessible and innovative ways to support life-changing mentoring experiences for our Bigs and Littles.”

Gibson will remain based in Arizona with his wife and three children. Additionally, Gibson serves as the IT and Cybersecurity Advisor of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce playing a key role in identifying high school curriculum to support youth career development in technology. He is also a member of the Information Systems and Control Association and holds several industry professional certifications in Technology, Cybersecurity and Business.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the country’s preeminent leader in one-to-one youth mentoring, has appointed Suzy DePrizio, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Centene Corporation, as its newest board member. In addition, Michael Carrel, president and CEO of AtriCure, is named the new national board chair and Tony Coles, president of the Black Information Network, division president of the iHeartMedia Markets Group, is named board vice chair for the organization.

DePrizio brings a powerhouse of marketing experience to the board. In her role at Centene, a diversified healthcare enterprise serving more than 26 million under-insured and uninsured people across the country, DePrizio leads brand development, marketing strategy, advertising, and communications.

“Suzy not only brings a wealth of expertise to our board, but also passion for our mission,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Her diverse background in marketing, organizational leadership and nearly a decade of military service will further support the organization’s long-standing mission to empower all young people with a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime.”

DePrizio joins current BBBSA Board members, including executives from Fortune 500 companies.

“It’s an honor to join the BBBSA board at such a crucial time for our nation’s youth,” said DePrizio. “Together with the board and tremendous leadership at BBBSA, I look forward to creating even greater access to powerful mentorship experiences that can help set our youth on the path to lifelong success.”

Along with DePrizio’s announcement, Michael Carrel has been appointed BBBSA’s national board chair and Tony Coles as BBBSA’s national board vice chair.

Having been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters for over 30 years, Carrel has a deep commitment to BBBSA serving on the national board for the past year. Carrel previously served as a Big Brother in the Chicago area and continued his work in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area as a board member for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency.

In addition, Coles brings expertise in media and a passion for mentorship, especially in reaching communities of color, to BBBSA to increase equity and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. In his role as Division President of Metro Markets for iHeartMedia, he oversees the complete profitability for 21 iHeartMedia markets across the U.S. In 2020, he was instrumental in the launch of BIN, the first and only audio network that provides 24/7 news and objective information with a full focus on the Black community and as president, leads all operations for the Network.

“I’m incredibly inspired by the important work of Big Brothers Big Sisters and its 230 member agencies around the country,” said Carrel. “The impact these groups and individuals have on the youth of America is profound, and I’m humbled and excited to help represent and advocate for the needs of our agencies, mentors, and the broader community as Chair.”

“I am honored to work with Michael and Tony as they lead us into the next chapter of our work,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Both leaders’ exceptional commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters will continue to advance our mission to create greater equity and access to mentorship experiences for all young people across the nation.”

Bigs and Littles of The Year Serve as Ambassadors to Increase Awareness of the Need for More Volunteer Mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the Bigs and Littles of the Year at the 2022 Bigger Together celebration, hosted by Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and Actress Jordin Sparks. The awardees consisted of two volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and two youth (“Littles”) who were selected out of the 400,000 Bigs, Littles and families participating in the program each year.

The award ceremony was held in Indianapolis, Indiana during Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s annual “Bigger Together” National Conference, supported by Comcast/NBCUniversal and Centene.

“It is truly an honor to celebrate the life-changing connections and growth that we see with our Bigs and Littles as they’ve developed meaningful relationships. We’re thrilled to honor Jerome and Jaylen, and Kathy and Lucian as our Bigs and Littles of the Year,” says Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Both matches showcase the true power of mentorship and connection – serving as examples of the extraordinary bonds made every day through Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America honors two outstanding matches to serve as the nationally recognized representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters. These matches are nominated by their local agency to illustrate how the mentoring relationship helps Littles achieve their biggest possible futures and also makes a long-lasting impact on the Big.

Big Jerome and Little Jaylen

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA)

“My Big Brother Jerome has shown me how to conduct myself in public, by being an example and trying new things. I also believe I taught him to take chances on things that he would not normally do, like watching a scary movie or riding a rollercoaster.”

Big Brother Jerome and Little Jaylen first matched in September 2016, with Jerome’s goal of providing his own great experiences to help guide a young man’s path to success. With a common interest of sports, Jerome bought every sports ball he could find in an effort to make Jaylen feel comfortable for their first outing at a park. From that outing, their relationship has grown, and they have experienced amazing moments together including the Superbowl LVI in February 2022.

Throughout Jerome and Jaylen’s experience together, they both have seen each other grow in many ways. Jerome realized through this mentorship that he wanted to do much more with the organization and joined the BBBSLA Junior Board. As the current Junior Board Co-Chair, he helps build a community amongst the Bigs, enrich the match experience, and increase overall awareness of the mentoring program through the Los Angeles County. In addition to his time on the board, Jerome serves on the BBBSLA Fund Development Committee, regularly volunteers to provide meals to the homeless and helps provide resources for financial literacy to his network – setting a great example for Jaylen.

Jaylen is aware of all of the hard work that Jerome does for his community and sees the impact that he makes for BBBSLA. Jaylen is proud of all the work that his Big Brother does and is grateful for all of the experiences they have had over the past six years. He wants to let those who are entering the mentorship program to remember the following: “Embrace every experience that you and your Big may have together. Listen and learn by example.”

Big Kathy and Little Lucian

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties

“Kathy still is the most stable thing I have in my life thus far, and has been for the past six years.”

Looking back on the past couple of years, Lucian remembers that 2016 was one of the hardest years of his life, but Big Sister Kathy was always there to help support him as much as possible.

Throughout the last two years, Lucian struggled with identity and mental health throughout the pandemic. By having such a strong relationship, Lucian felt comfortable enough to share with Kathy at one of their outings that he no longer identified as a girl and explained how he has been feeling internally. Lucian not only has grown and learned from Kathy, but he has taught her how to be your most authentic self. “Lucian taught me that being honest with yourself was one of the most valuable things you could do. In two short hours, he taught me how to “think outside of the box”.”

Lucian is grateful for Kathy for showing nothing but love and care throughout their relationship and for inviting him into her family as if he was her own. His piece of advice to all Bigs in the program to remember to listen: “The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to simply listen to them. Learn about their interests and engage with them. You can be completely clueless about what they’re talking about but just knowing that someone is listening to them and trying to understand what is being said is so reassuring.”

Former Bigs and Littles recognized for their commitment and impact made through mentorship

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the first class of inductees to its inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame, honoring former Bigs and Littles that have championed the power of mentorship throughout the organization’s 116-year history. BBBSA recognizes these leaders whose dedication and achievements have significantly furthered its mission of inspiring young people’s passions and empowering them to achieve success in life and career.

The induction ceremony was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, during Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s annual ‘Bigger Together’ National Conference, supported by Comcast/NBCUniversal and Centene. Nearly 3,000+ in-person and virtual attendees from across the country joined host, Kate Snow, former Big and current NBC Nightly News Sunday Anchor and NBC News Senior National Correspondent, to honor the inductees as they shared inspiring stories about the role we all play in empowering young people and encouraging others to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Featuring changemakers and leading executives in business, entertainment, politics, real estate and more, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Alumni Hall of Fame’s goal is to honor those whose mentorship impact has left a legacy across the organization and has seen firsthand the life-long impact that these relationships can have on one’s life.

The inaugural members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Alumni Hall of Fame are (in alphabetical order):

Emily Chen Carrera, Former Big and current BBBSA Board Member, Private Wealth Real Estate Specialist & Chief of Research, Olshan Realty, Inc.
Tory Green, Former Little and current Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service
Kate Snow, Former Big and current NBC Nightly News Sunday Anchor and NBC News Senior National Correspondent
Steve Soboroff, Former Big, Businessman and Los Angeles Police Commissioner
Mark Tillman, Former 3X Big and past General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
The Honorable Robert Wilkins, Former Little and current United States Circuit Judge
Don Wolf, Former Big and former president of BBBSA’s national board, President Emeritus, Do it Best Corp. (posthumous)

“We are honored to celebrate these former Bigs and Littles as the first class of inductees into our Alumni Hall of Fame and recognize their personal journeys as they look back on their mentorship experiences and reflect on how it made an impact on where they are today,” says Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Among the estimated 20 million alumni Bigs and Littles, these individuals know firsthand the life-long impact that mentorship can have on one’s life and they are true champions of our vision to empower every child with a plan for their future, and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.”

The Un-carrier and the nation’s largest youth mentoring organization are collaborating to bridge the schoolwork gap by bringing critical connectivity to underserved students nationwide

Today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) announced a new partnership that makes access to T-Mobile’s Project 10Million, the Un-carrier’s $10.7 billion initiative focused on providing students free internet connectivity, even easier.

Through the collaboration, the more than one hundred thousand students who are in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ expansive network of 230 agencies across 5,000 communities will be able to learn about Project 10Million, and eligible households will now be able to more easily register for the program’s free internet and a mobile hotspot that provides 100GB of data per year for five years. Providing this access to students and their families comes at a critical moment in time: Pew Research Center currently reports that 59% of U.S. parents with lower incomes say their children face digital schoolwork obstacles and often work on public Wi-Fi because they do not have reliable internet at home.

“T-Mobile and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America are teaming up to extend Project 10Million’s reach by meeting students and families where they are, through an organization and program they know and trust, ultimately giving them easier access to the tools they need to focus on their education rather than searching for reliable Wi-Fi,” said Janice V. Kapner, chief communications officer for T-Mobile. “Connectivity is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ for students to learn and grow — it’s a necessity. And now, they will get a mobile hotspot and enough data to equal 5,000 hours of internet research or 320 hours of online learning into the hands of students in time for the upcoming school year.”

“Young people have faced the realities of inequitable access to internet for far too long. Our community of mentors and volunteers have been committed to providing the support, resources and time needed to keep all kids on a path to academic success,” said Deborah Barge, chief development officer, BBBSA. “We know there is power in partnership and community, that is why we are so pleased to partner with T-Mobile to provide the critical access to the connectivity necessary to empower young people and their potential.”

Starting June 21, parents and guardians of eligible K through 12 grade students will find the tools to enroll in Project 10Million at www.t-mobilecom/bbbs or in-person through their Big Brothers Big Sisters match support specialist. School administrators and educators can learn more about Project 10Million and apply for their district at www.t-mobile.com/p10m.

The expanded reach and capacity of T-Mobile’s network plays a crucial role in the Un-carrier’s ability to make reliable connectivity truly accessible to students across the U.S. This includes those in urban centers, as well as underserved areas like rural America, where 14.5 million people do not have access to high-speed broadband internet according to the FCC, which underscores the need for accessible internet options like mobile hotspots.

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About T-Mobile

T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.

Today we announced our aim to transform mentorship in communities across the country ignited by an unprecedented gift of $122.6 million – read full release below. You can join us in our mission to ensure every young person has access to a powerful mentoring experience by becoming a Big, making a personal gift, or joining our movement!

The extraordinary gift demonstrates the importance of investing in mentorship to build and strengthen communities and society as a whole.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent leader in one-to-one youth mentoring in the United States, announced today its aim to transform mentorship in communities across the country with an unprecedented gift of $122.6 million. The gift, from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, awarded to BBBSA and 38 local agencies, supports the organization in furthering its mission to ensure every young person has access to powerful mentoring experiences that empower them for success in school, life and career.

Today, nearly 11 million kids live in poverty and more than 13 million young people experience emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions like depression. And during the height of the pandemic, 20 percent of youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters lost contact with an important adult in their lives.

Scott’s gift will support in expanding the organization’s ability to match more young people with caring, adult mentors –allowing for more staff, resources, and training– and assist BBBSA in closing the gap on the estimated one in three youth who lack a positive, sustained mentor in their lives.

“For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has delivered on our powerful mission – to inspire youth equity and empower kids to reach their full potential with a caring mentor by their side,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “We are incredibly grateful and humbled by MacKenzie’s generosity and acknowledgement of the incredible work of our passionate professionals and volunteers who are unwavering in their commitment to create meaningful outcomes for young people today and for generations to come.”

This unprecedented investment is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s history and serves as a catalyst to create more innovative mentoring solutions for all kids from all backgrounds. In supporting BBBSA’s vision to expand its mentoring model, the organization aims to create greater access to mentoring experiences by building stronger alliances with other non-profits, educational and civic organizations, delivering mentoring strategies that account for the uniqueness and differences of kids today, and attracting families and volunteers in turnkey ways that meet them where they are in life.

“Mentoring is an integral part of the solution in preparing youth for life and career, building positive relationships and essential skills for life changing outcomes including post-secondary readiness, social emotional learning, and a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion,” said Stevens. “We know that no one person, organization or gift can do this work alone, but one person—no matter their background—can make an incredible difference through positive and inspired action. MacKenzie’s investment and belief in Big Brothers Big Sisters shows this on a large-scale and we are confident that her gift will compel more people to help grow the village of mentors, volunteers, and donors needed to positively impact young people’s lives today and well into the future.”

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbs.org.

New program trains and mentors youth athletic coaches and video game enthusiasts to reach youth

with life saving mental health support

Today, Harry’s announced the winner of its Open Minds Initiative: a search for the next great idea to change the state of mental health in the U.S. Through Harry’s partnership and the donation of $5M the winner will bring their idea to life over the next three years. After months of reviewing game-changing ideas and applications, Harry’s has selected Team: Changing Minds as the winner of the Open Minds Initiative.

In partnership with Futures Without Violence, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and founding investor Harry’s, Team: Changing Minds will launch a groundbreaking national network of mental health responders dedicated to helping teens and young men recognize signs of early mental health challenges and connect them to resources for support. The program will leverage the wide appeal of video games and youth sports to train over 200,000 youth and adult mental health responders who are active in these and other popular youth activities, with the goal of reaching 1 million people in its first 3 years.

“We are thrilled to come together with our partners Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to launch Team: Changing Minds later this year,” said Brian O’Connor of Futures Without Violence. “With deep gratitude to Harry’s, we’ll be able to enlist thousands of youth coaches, mentors, and other adults and peer influencers to bring life-saving mental health support to boys, particularly young men of color, now at a time when it’s needed most.”

While half of all chronic mental health challenges begin by age 14, it takes over ten years on average until most people access help, with Black, Indigenous and other young men of color least likely to access support. By increasing the number of young men who connect to support earlier in their life trajectories, Team: Changing Minds offers promise to decrease suicides in the U.S. among men, who currently make up 79% of deaths from suicide.”

“Of all demographic groups, young men are the least likely to get mental health support. The consequences are devastating and we, at Harry’s, understand that there is so much more work to be done in the space,” said Harry’s co-founder and co-CEO Jeff Raider, “We are incredibly grateful to partner with Team: Changing Minds to change the way we view mental health as a society and provide the resources young men need to seek help so that we can make an impact.”

Harry’s Open Minds Initiative builds on the company’s longstanding commitment to promoting better mental health care for men. Since the men’s care brand launched in 2013, Harry’s has set aside 1% of sales to its social mission. In 2019, Harry’s shifted its social mission focus to providing men with access to better mental healthcare, working with incredible organizations that have made a big impact in the mental health space, particularly for young men, LGBTQ folks, Veterans and Black communities. To date, the brand has donated more than $8M and helped over 900,000 men get the care they need.

About Harry’s

We founded Harry’s because buying shaving supplies was a frustrating experience, and the products themselves were overpriced and over-designed. We saw an opportunity to create a brand that encourages guys to rethink their routines and since taking on shaving, have begun to address the same challenge across other categories in men’s care, including body and hair.

At Harry’s, we aim to always put our customers first, which means being readily available however and wherever they want to shop – whether that’s Harrys.com or one of our retail partners – and giving to organizations that promote better mental health care for men. We set aside 1% of our sales to donate to charitable organizations that share our ambition to bring quality mental health care to men everywhere. Our goal is to provide 1.5 million men with mental health care access by 2024.

We built Harry’s as a brand for guys who want to carve out their own path. At the heart of our mission is a belief in creating things people like more. For more information on Harry’s, please visit https://www.harrys.com/en/us.

About Team: Changing Minds

Team: Changing Minds is a collaboration between Futures Without Violence, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and National Council for Mental Wellbeing. These national organizations have come together because big challenges aren’t solved alone.

With a founding investment from Harry’s, Inc., Team: Changing Minds will launch later this year (in 2022), and will be the first of its kind national network of mental health responders embedded in the activities kids love – and specializing in reaching young people, male-identified youth, and especially young men and boys of color.

The program is designed to help young people recognize the signs of mental health challenges and connect to supports earlier in their lives, before those challenges potentially become crises in adulthood. Watch the Team: Changings Minds video here.

Learn more about the Founding Partners: FuturesWithoutViolence.org, BBBS.org, TheNationalCouncil.org

Media Contacts

Shenny Barboza

harrys@derris.com

714-276-4168

Harry’s

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, is teaming up with the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative to launch “The Big Draft” campaign to increase mentorship opportunities across the country. While the NFL begins drafting its next generation of superstar players, BBBSA is committed to recruiting mentors, especially men and men of color, to help mentor and support today’s youth.

Currently there are over 30,000 youth across the country waiting for mentors, called ‘Bigs,’ with most being young boys of color. Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to do better in school, have better connections with family and friends and are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors.

As one of the longest-standing partners of the NFL Inspire Change, BBBSA has worked with the initiative since 2019 to share stories of mentorship and the positive impact it has on empowering young people and helping communities connect across racial and economic divides. New this year, Pepsi Stronger Together has joined BBBSA as a national corporate partner and sponsor for The Big Draft campaign, to continue raising awareness of the importance of mentorship, The Big Draft kicked off after Super Bowl LVI and emulates the always anticipated NFL Draft. Hosted online, The Big Draft aims to recruit Bigs in communities across the country to soon be matched with Littles in their nearby area, to embark on the great adventure of mentorship, creating new and lasting bonds.

NFL stars including Tyler Higbee, Lavonte David, and Zack Moss have also teamed up with BBBSA to help draft Bigs for today’s youth, by sharing their personal experiences and how mentorship has impacted their own lives, helping them get to where they are today.

“I’ve experienced first-hand how crucial mentorship is for our youth, especially for young males, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with NFL Inspire Change, advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Our Bigs have a positive impact on their Littles, helping them to overcome obstacles in life and conquer many struggles as they prepare for adulthood. With the help of NFL Inspire Change and our new partner, Pepsi, we will connect and engage new mentorship experiences that will last a lifetime.”

The Big Draft campaign will run through the last week of April when the NFL Draft begins. To learn more about The Big Draft, visit www.bigdraft22.com. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.