Save our Broward Mentoring Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the premier evidence based mentoring organization in the country and in the State of Florida. Independent research has proven that children mentored improve in academics, attendance, behavior and grade level promotion.

Big Brothers Big Sisters received a 63% cut in overall funding by the Florida Legislature during the 2015 session; this devastating reduction in funding resulted in a total of 3,100 less children served across the State.

We are ADAMANTLY OPPOSED to the Florida Senate proposal that existing direct funding for youth mentoring programs be eliminated, and replaced by a $30 million competitive grant. This will negatively impact yet another 3,000 at risk youth that will be left without much needed mentorship.

Let us be clear, Big Brothers Big Sisters has no issue with a competitive process, as we have been vetted numerous times and our track record speaks for itself. Our main issue is two-fold: 1. The senate is not being consistent in its approach to the education budget as there are 19 other programs under educational enhancement that are specifically named for funding without the extra expense and effort of writing grants. 2. Under the proposed legislation, Big Brothers Big Sisters may not receive any actual funding until it would be too late. Matches would have to be closed and programs shut down, causing irreversible damage to the program and most importantly the at risk youth we serve.

In summation, Big Brothers Big Sisters risks losing necessary funding for mentoring services in the State of Florida that will directly impact thousands of at risk youth. Our mentoring is not just a line item that helps improve careers or academic performance; Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring is a proactive strategy that helps save lives of at-risk kids placing them directly on a positive path to a productive life.