Recognizing National Mentoring Month and the Work of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region to Connect Philadelphia Children to Positive and Dedicated Adult Mentors.

WHEREAS, National Mentoring Month, celebrated annually in the month of January, is an opportunity to raise public awareness on the importance of mentoring, recognize the dedicated individuals who serve as mentors, and encourage more citizens to help build a brighter future for Philadelphia’s youth through mentoring; and

WHEREAS, Mentoring is a proven, effective strategy that helps children and young adults by matching them with a caring, responsible adult who can provide guidance, direction, and confidence, and research shows that mentoring has beneficial long-term effects on youth by increasing their academic engagement and decreasing the likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Mentors serve as friends, role models, teachers, and sources of stability and support during a critical time in a child’s life; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of Philadelphia’s children are in need of a caring adult mentor in their lives, and closing this mentoring gap will take more investment, partnerships, and volunteers ready to make a difference in a child’s life; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia residents, supported by many private and public sector organizations, are making a profound difference in the lives of our young people by serving as mentors; and

WHEREAS, Mentoring strengthens our City’s overall economic and social well-being by helping young people fulfill their potential while helping maintain healthy families and promoting more vibrant communities; and

WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region provides children facing adversity with one-to-one, professionally supported match relationships that change their lives for the better, forever; and

WHEREAS, Sixty-seven percent of former mentorees in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region programs said that their mentor played a large part in their decision to attend college and 83% of former mentorees surveyed said that their mentor instilled values and principles that have guided them through life; and

WHEREAS, Students in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program are more confident in their schoolwork performance, able to get along better with their families, less likely to begin using illegal drugs, less likely to begin using alcohol, and less likely to skip school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Council hereby recognizes National Mentoring Month and the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region to connect Philadelphia children to positive and dedicated adult mentors.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Big Brothers Big Sisters as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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