2
East Church Street
P.O. Box 442
Frederick, MD 21705-0442
301-694-9455
fax 301-694-2709
bbbs@crosslink.net
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Our Mission
The purpose of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County is to provide quality one-to-one volunteer services and professional support to at-risk youth who are socially isolated from the mainstream of life in our community. Our efforts are focused on comprehensive youth development, prevention of significant behavioral problems, and the relief of stress within the family unit to build the self-esteem needed to lead a full life and achieve their highest potential.
The History of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County was founded in 1977 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized the significant needs of young boys and girls in our community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County will celebrate its 30 th anniversary next year and has big plans to involve the community – so keep an eye on us!
Our policies and program guidelines are established by a community-based board of directors and we follow national program standards and procedures as set by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Our People
Executive Director - Sushil Bhattacharjee
Case Manager, Core Program - Johanna Springston
Case Manager, Core Program - Shonda Guillory
Case Manager, Mentoring Plus Program - Maret Sisas, Lisa Robertshaw
School-Based Mentoring, Intergenerational, High School and Special Needs Coordinator - Kathy Corbett
Americorps Volunteer - April Penn
Funding
The following are funding sources for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County:
- » 15% United Way of Frederick County
- » 42% Bowl for Kids' Sake, Golf, Annual Dinner and Gift-wrap fundraising events
- » 29% Federal, City and County governments
- » 14% Donation, investment interest, & contributions
Mission Impossible:
The Statistics
For more than 90 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America mission of placing a caring adult in the life of a youngster has made it possible to create a significant difference in the lives of children. Two studies conducted during the 1990's demonstrate the results of that mission in the agency's One-on-One Mentoring Program and its After-School Program with the following statistics:
BBBS School-based Mentoring
- » 64% of matched children developed more positive attitudes toward school
- » 58% of matched children achieved higher grades in social studies, languages, and math
- » 60% of matched children improved relationships with adults
- » 56% of matched children improved peer relationships
- » 55% were better able to express feelings
- » 64% of matched children developed higher levels of self-confidence
- » 62% of matched children were more likely to trust their teachers
This "Big Brothers / Big Sisters Impact Study" was conducted during 1997-98 and 1998-99 school years with students at five different BBBS agencies across the United States. Students were referred to the study by their teachers, who provided the data for the above reported statistics.
How You Can Help
You can help us in the following ways:
- » Sponsor one of the fundraising events or special programs
- » Be a business sponsor and help sustain a match for a year
- » Involve your business or group to sponsor a BBBS Frederick event
- » Involve your business or group to participate in a fundraising event
- » Donate items to be used as raffle and/or silent auction items at one of our events
Please call Sushil or any of the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff at 301-694-9455 for assistance. Please get involved in this worthwhile program that benefits Frederick County's youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County Board of Directors
John A Schmehl, Jr., President
Tim Morgan, Past President
Frank Mitchell, Vice President
Fred Maurhoff, Treasurer
Esther R. Fiammetta, Secretary
Members:
Ernest Belton Jr.
Liz Brady
David Brooks
Darlo Cavazos
Richard Davies
Vincent DiFabio
Tom Johann
Kelly Kantz
Sue Keller
Michelle Simmons
Daniel Strayton
Helga West
Sushil Bhattacharjee, Executive Director