GAGENCY RECEIVES GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR SITE-BASED INITIATIVES.

Buffalo, N.Y. --  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County (BBBBEC) recently received a $25,000.00 grant from The Patrick P. Lee Foundation to support the expansion of its Site-Based Mentoring Programs.  These programs pair carefully screened and trained Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors with children at a local school or community center.

The Patrick P. Lee Foundation award will contribute to the success of the Site-Based model by expanding the program’s carefully developed and structured activities, which focus on academic achievement and social, emotional, and interpersonal skills, along with enrichment, art and recreational activities.

Extensive research shows that site-based mentoring reduces or prevents gang involvement, delinquency, fighting, weapons possession and substance abuse, and increases school attendance in the majority of participants.  “The new resources received from The Patrick P. Lee Foundation will help us as we expand the quality of the activities and support we can provide to our Site-Based matches,” said Robert F. Moss, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County. “By engaging our youth through a multitude of enriching activities shared with a mentor who can give positive support and encouragement, we can significantly impact their futures.”

Founded in 1971, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; the largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. Independent research shows that its model of professionally supported one-to-one relationships between young people and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters has a measurable, positive impact.  In 2009, BBBS of Erie County serviced more than 600 youth through community-based, site-based and group mentoring programs.  For more information on becoming a volunteer or about the agency visit www.beafriend.org.

Established in 2005, the Patrick P. Lee Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing support to non-profit organizations that empower families and communities with the resources needed to create positive change in the areas of education, cancer treatment / research, mental health and human services. Based on strong philanthropic values and a passion for community outreach, the Patrick P. Lee Foundation seeks to align itself with those organizations in Western New York and South Florida that share the same passion.