Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah - April 20, 2023 at 14.26.38

KEY SUCCESS AREAS 2022-2024

More than 78,000 children in Utah are living in poverty, and many of them are facing additional risk factors. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah (BBBSU) brings mentors (Bigs) into the lives of children (Littles) ages 6-18 facing multiple risk factors. Bigs and Littles meet in the community, at a school, or at a workplace; they usually see each other two or three times per month. The Big and Little as a “mentoring match” form a friendship, work towards goals, and teach each other all kinds of things! And all along the way BBBSU staff are in regular contact offering training and support. In the past 30 months, our staff have made more than 19,000 support contacts with Bigs, Littles, and their families.

Being a Little, has a BIG impact. Our one-to-one mentoring programs lead to important outcomes in four key areas:

Encouraging Educational Achievement
Supporting Mental & Emotional Well-Being
Building Life Skills
Promoting Positive Choices.

Encouraging Educational Achievement

Economically disadvantaged students in Utah graduate at a rate 9.5% lower than their peers.

Supporting Emotional Well-Being

In 2024, suicide was second leading cause of death for kids ages 10-17 in Utah. In 2023, 76% of Utah kids reported depressive symptoms according to the SHARP Survey.

"My child has found activities she is passionate about like cooking, photography, and skiing while being matched with her Big. She has also gained a lot of experience that I don't think I could have ever provided" -- Mother of a Child Mentored with BBBSU

Building Life Skills

Research shows that children's relationships with peers and caring adults are key in learning critical life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and coping with feelings.

Promoting Positive Choices

In 2021, nearly 40% of Utah students reported being bullied. Having a mentor helps many kids improve their behaviors and make good choices.

"The biggest lesson I have learned from my mentor is that I have people supporting me who will always care about me and if someone truly cares about me, then I can be myself around them and they will support me no matter what. My mentor has definitely showed me that and gone above and beyond." - Little from BBBSU

DONATION CENTER

Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah's Donation Center supports one-to-one mentoring in Utah by turning donations of gently used clothing and small household goods into funds.

BBBSU Agency 990 - 2023

BBBSU Donation Center 990 - 2023

BBBSU Foundation 990 - 2023

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