Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties wins award

NEWARK — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry County (BBBSLP) has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Platinum 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 agencies across the country, BBBSLP is one of 51 organizations, the only in the state of Ohio, to receive this top honor.

This award recognizes the top agencies that have shown remarkable achievements in retaining the number of mentor (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) matched through the program, consistently from year to year, and have exhibited exceptional growth in their local programs.

In the past year, BBBSLP has served over 500 youth and grown its local services by over 20 percent.

“It is exciting for us to be recognized with an award like this. This is not just a Big Brothers Big Sisters achievement. It signals growth and strength for our entire community,” said John Alan Wilson Executive Director of BBBSLP. “Our dedicated staff strive every day to support local youth through mentorship. We also have the best volunteers in the world. If you have ever thought about becoming a Big but haven’t applied yet, now is the time! Today is a great day to decide to help a child in our community.”

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 Licking and Perry County’s 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, BBBSLP continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities” said Artis Stevens, BBBSA President and CEO.

Submitted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties