Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward is one of 12 out of 230 BBBSA agencies across the nation to receive this honor.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has been recognized as a 2021 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Gold Standard Award winner, one of 12 organizations out of 230 BBBSA agencies across the nation to receive this top honor.  Each year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence and team leadership in the organization’s signature one to-one youth mentoring program.

The Gold Standard Award recognizes agencies that have increased their revenue and grown the number of mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has served 733 youth and continues to grow its local services.

“I know I speak for our entire team when I say it’s an incredible honor to receive the Gold Standard Award,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “Every day, we strive to support local youth through mentorship and are very proud to play a part in each young person’s path to a successful future.  We do this together with a great team and excellent board leadership, for which I am very grateful.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward has pared down its wait list by 76 percent and raised a record-breaking $3.7 million over the last 18 months.

“Kudos to Malena and her team for landing this prestigious award,” said Chad Van Horn, Esq., Board Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward. “They are so focused on helping the kids and families we serve, with a long-term result of improving our community.  This Gold Standard award is well-deserved.”

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has advanced 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 agencies across the country are finding innovative ways to serve young people and strengthen communities,” said BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens. “We congratulate these agencies for leading the way in transforming mentorship for our communities, and most importantly, our young people.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward will be formally recognized as a Gold Standard Award winner 2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bigger Together” National Conference, held June 19 through June 22 in Indianapolis.