George L. Beiswinger, National Director of Publications for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, for some updated information on his fine organization.
WHEN DID BIG BROTHERS BECOME BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS?
What started out as the Big Brothers organization in 1904 became the Big Brothers of America in 1946. Then a dozen years ago, in 1977, it became the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.
The national organization, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., offers assistance to both boys and girls in every region of the nation. There are 483 agencies serving all parts of the country.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America currently serves more than 60,000 young people in one to one matches with very carefully selected adult volunteers. In addition, all of the matches are monitored by qualified case workers hired by the national group.
Unfortunately, more than 40,000 children remain on waiting lists because there aren't enough adult volunteers.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters today receives most of its referrals from patients, teachers, churches and social agencies rather than from the courts.