Welcome to another inspiring episode of Community Connections, hosted by Katrina Pratt Roebuck, founder and CEO of Uplifme. Uplifme is a national resource hub highlighting social service events and incredible work across Philadelphia. This week, Katrina sits down with Marcus Allen, the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, to discuss the transformative power of mentoring.
Watch the full interview here:
In this episode, Marcus shares the incredible history and mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, celebrating their 110th anniversary in Philadelphia next year. He explains how the organization aims to ignite the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships. With a strong evidence-based approach, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence has proven to significantly impact youth’s lives by improving attendance, reducing risky behaviors, and boosting self-esteem.
One of the highlights of the conversation is Marcus discussing the ongoing randomized study with the University of Chicago, which is set to showcase the program’s effectiveness. This rigorous research underscores the importance of mentoring and how it can be a catalyst for positive change, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.
Katrina and Marcus also delve into the personalized matching process for mentors and mentees, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections. Marcus shares heartwarming stories of these “magic moments” when a big and little find common ground and create lasting bonds.
Listeners will also learn about the various ways to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, whether as a mentor, volunteer, or supporter. Marcus invites everyone to visit their website, independencebigs.org, to find more information and become part of this impactful movement.
Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how you can make a difference in a child’s life through mentoring. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth.
About Community Connections: Uplifting the Work of the Non-Profit and Public Sectors
The “Community Connections” series aims to provide a deeper insight into the resources available for individuals in need. By engaging in intimate and insightful conversations with public and non-profit leaders, we strive to build trust and foster a greater understanding of the impactful work being done to uplift our communities.
Remember, these resources and more are available on Uplifme’s website at https://uplifme.com. Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter here to receive regular updates and exclusive content.
Let’s continue to uplift and empower our communities together!
