Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Hunterdon And Somerset Counties
To organize, under professional direction, mature and responsible men and women to provide, on a volunteer basis, primarily a one-to-one relationship to boys and girls, who are deprived of a wholesome relationship with a parent or other adult; and thus to provide companionship and guidance to insure the proper moral, mental and physical development of such boys and girls.
Description:
It is reported that of the 32.5 million children in the U.S., 23% will live with only one parent before they reach the age of eighteen. Not all children from single parent homes need a Big Brother or Big Sister. But for those without an extended family-- grandparents, uncles, aunts -- Big Brothers Big Sisters can help make a BIG difference.
Single parents often lack time due to their financial responsibilities and the emotional upheaval that results from the loss of a partner due to death, divorce, or desertion. Their children may have problems with underachievement, low self-esteem, difficulty making and maintaining friendships, along with lack of aspirations for the future.
Big Brothers Big Sisters are not and can never be substitutes for the absent parent. However, carefully screened and trained volunteers can provide the youngsters with consistent relationships through guidance, understanding and acceptance. As special friends in whom these children can confide, the Big Brothers Big Sisters serve as role models for their Little Brothers Little Sisters.
History:
Beginning in November, 1971, efforts to develop a Big Brothers Big Sisters organization were made by a group of social workers (both in schools and clinical practice) and other concerned citizens. This Advisory committee, working in their spare time in addition to their daily employment, proceeded to survey the need, incorporate, adopt by-laws and establish a working Board of Directors. The first Board meeting took place in July 1974. From that time, the members gained financial support from the Central Jersey Drug Abuse council and residents of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.
In October 1975, a part-time Director was hired two days per week. During that time and the succeeding year, the Board members held several fundraisers, obtained commitments from the Freeholders, Large Foundation and the Council for matching money to be applied to Title XX money from the State of New Jersey. In June 1976, an agreement was reached with the State in regard to the budget and Big Brothers Big Sisters. It became a full-time agency on July 1, 1976, affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. A full-time Executive Director was hired and in August, a full-time Secretary-Bookkeeper.
In August, 1978, Big Brothers Big Sisters moved into a permanent home on the grounds of the Yale Corporation (formerly Eaton Corporation). Thanks to the support of the late Edward Kiley of Eaton, the building was made available but renovations were necessary. Over $2,500 was donated by the Flemington Lions for supplies and services. The agency has moved twice since then and is now located at 79 Beaver Avenue in Clinton, NJ.
Contact person: Annette Smalley-McGill, Office Manager, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (908) 730-7224
Address:
Web Site: http://mentorforbbbs.org
| Last updated on June 16, 2009 |
