Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana: Shaping Brighter Futures for Youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBSK) is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of youth in America’s Upland South region comprised of both Kentucky and Indiana. Serving tens of thousands of young people over the years, the organization has been a constant presence in the lives of children from all backgrounds, including those from under-resourced communities and financially strained homes. By providing mentorship and a supportive network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana helps young people overcome the obstacles they face to reach their full potential.
Through a wide range of programs and services, BBBSK has become a trusted partner in the community, with a focus on creating lasting bonds between Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees). With the support of community members and organizations like Kars4Kids, the nonprofit has been able to expand its reach and services. By investing in the lives of young people, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is helping to build a brighter future for generations to come.
We put some questions to CEO Gary Friedman, to learn more about the work of our latest small grant recipient, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana:
Kars4Kids: BBBSK operates in a very large swathe of territory of 7 Kentucky counties, plus 3 counties in Indiana. How many “Littles” are you serving at present? Are they from any particular demographic? Can you describe a typical mentee?
Gary Friedman: We serve youth from all backgrounds throughout Kentuckiana, including tens of thousands over the years. During 2024 we served almost 700 young people through mentorship this fiscal year. Most of the youth we serve live in under-resourced communities and financially strained homes. Every year over 70% of the young people in BBBSKY programs receive free or reduced school lunch, live in a single parent or other relative household, and are people of color.
Kars4Kids: There are 279 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America affiliates. That’s a lot! What distinguishes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana from all the rest?
Gary Friedman: We continue to expand and innovate services and are well represented on the national level. Kentuckiana recently hosted a regional BBBS conference, and I serve on a national Big Vision committee consisting of 20+ other CEOs from agencies around the country. We were also one of 26 agencies nationwide to receive Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Gold Standard Award selected based on program outcomes and fundraising practices. Additionally, we consistently pilot new programs and efficiencies including Big Futures, a program serving young adults up to age 25.
Side note: There are 230 affiliates according to the national office
Kars4Kids: What is your process for matching mentors (Bigs) with mentees (Littles)? What kind of commitment do you expect from your Bigs?
Gary Friedman: Littles are matched with a Big based on common interests and preferences to ensure each match is harmonious and built to last. The goal is for each match to have an impact that lasts a lifetime and for the youth to have a plan for their future and help them reach their potential. We often hear from our Bigs that they get just as much out of mentorship as their Little. Bigs report a greater sense of belonging and happiness, increased job satisfaction, and more.
Kars4Kids: How often do Bigs meet with their Littles and what sort of activities do they do together?
Gary Friedman: We have been very intentional about meeting Bigs where they are to provide several ways in which impactful, evidence-based mentorship can occur. Bigs and Littles meet anywhere from one to four times a month. We provide several free or reduced cost activities for Bigs and Littles each month. The activities we provide are diverse – just like the young people we serve. Some of our recent activities included roller skating, fencing, and a culinary class!
Kars4Kids: What are the ages of your littles? What is “Big Futures?”
Gary Friedman: Our mentoring programs serve young people ages 7-25. In the past, our services stopped once a young person turned 18. We regularly heard that young people wanted additional support after high school. Our team responded to this need by launching the Big Futures program.
Big Futures helps young adults ages 16-25 successfully transition from high school into adulthood with the goal of keeping them on a path towards one of our three E’s (enrollment, employment or enlistment). Monthly sessions are based on the program’s four pillars (Career Development, Post-Secondary Pathways, Holistic Health, and Financial Education). Our College and Career Coaches also provide resources and support.
Kars4Kids: Can you give us an overview of your School to Work program?
Gary Friedman: School to Work connects high school students with mentors employed by our workplace partners. Partners like Norton Healthcare, Republic Bank, Samtec, and more provide on-site meeting space and employee mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates the monthly sessions while young scholars learn from their mentor, explore careers, and build valuable life skills.
Kars4Kids: What can you share in regard to outcomes? How do you know that BBBSKY is making a difference?
Gary Friedman: The impact of mentorship is evident in our powerful outcomes. Every year, 100% of high school seniors in our programs successfully graduate, 100% stay out of the juvenile justice system, and 86% improve their mental health and well-being. Mentorship is a key foundational part of violence prevention, child abuse prevention, educational success, better self-esteem and self-confidence all through building important connections with a caring adult.
Kars4Kids: What resources do you offer to help Bigs and Littles grow in their 1:1 mentoring relationship?
Gary Friedman: Our incredible staff provide personalized coaching and support throughout every mentoring relationship. Through consistent communication, staff ensure each Big, Little, and Little’s parent/guardian have the resources they need to succeed. This aspect is one key separator for why we are the BEST mentoring organization in Kentuckiana.
Kars4Kids: Would you share a few success stories with us?
Gary Friedman: One match that stands out to me is Big Sister Ivy and her Little, Autumn. They have been matched for over 8 years now, and Autumn loves to share how Miss Ivy has inspired her to be confident and chase her dreams. Autumn graduated high school and is currently in esthetician school, with a goal of one day starting her own business! Another long-standing match, Big Brother Stanley and his Little, LaJuan, is just a remarkable testament to how having a mentor benefits your mental health. LaJuan credits his Big with helping him through challenging times and inspiring him to complete high school. We’ll all know LaJuan’s name one day, because he’s now attending college in New York City to one day become a movie director!
Kars4Kids: What’s next for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana?
Gary Friedman: In the face of mental health and loneliness epidemics for young people, we are committed to expanding in order to serve as many young people as possible. Just like a Big and a Little, It Takes 2 – BBBSKY and Kars4Kids – to help young people achieve their full potential!