Agency Description: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities builds young people’s lives through one-to-one relationships. In 2004, BBBS served more than 3,700 children, with the help of more than 3,200 volunteers. Serving the Twin Cities since 1920, BBBS enrolls young people between ages 7 and 13 in youth mentoring programs. They need help building self-esteem, improving school performance or connecting with someone they can trust. Often Little Brothers and Sisters live in a single-parent household. Mostly, Littles need a caring adult friend who will make them feel special and help them realize their dreams.

Project Description: The Big Families Initiative was launched in 2007 as an additional resource for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The program engages a mentor in a relationship with a child as a supplemental role for a family. This allows the child to develop while addressing the needs of volunteers with their own families.

ACET services: ACET provided program evaluation services for Big Families Initiative.

Date of Service: 2007-2008