Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region Honored with 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Growth Award
The agency is recognized for outstanding team leadership in providing 1-to-1 mentoring programming for local youth.
Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan (June 2, 2026) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region has been recognized as a 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization's signature one-to-one youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region is one of only 60 organizations to receive this prestigious honor.
The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated strategic growth in the number of mentors ("Bigs") and youth ("Littles") matched through the program year over year. In 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region served 200 youth across Midland, Bay, Saginaw, and Isabella Counties, representing an 11.1 percent increase over the previous year.
This marks the second consecutive year Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region has received a national Growth Award, placing the agency among a select group of mentoring organizations nationwide recognized for expanding services and connecting more young people with caring adult mentors. The achievement reflects the organization's continued investment in volunteer recruitment, community partnerships, and high-quality mentoring experiences that help young people realize their full potential.
"I am incredibly proud of our board and staff for their dedication to expanding mentorship opportunities for young people across the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Scott Litle, Executive Director. "Receiving this recognition for a second year in a row is a testament to the commitment of our volunteers, donors, partners, and staff who believe in the power of mentorship. Together, we are helping more young people build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create brighter futures."
While this award celebrates growth, the need for mentors remains significant. More than 50 local children are currently waiting to be matched with a caring adult mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to seek volunteers who are willing to invest a few hours each month to help a young person discover their potential and achieve their goals.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region
Since 1955, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region has created and supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. By serving children across Midland, Bay, Saginaw, and Isabella Counties, BBBS-GLBR helps youth achieve educational success, avoid risky behaviors, improve self-confidence, and build stronger relationships. Learn more at bbbsgreatlakesbay.org
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. Its mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. With more than 230 local agencies serving over 5,000 communities nationwide, Big Brothers Big Sisters has a proven, evidence-based model that delivers positive outcomes for young people. For more information, visit bbbs.org
To learn more, visit www.bbbs.org. You can also reach Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region at 844.4BE.ABIG or info@bbbsgreatlakesbay.org.
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