Brooklyn Nets welcome Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC to Barclays Center

April 7, 2015 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Brooklyn Nets on Monday welcomed Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC) to Barclays Center as part of the organization’s year-long campaign to highlight the impact of mentoring and raise awareness of the urgent need for volunteers. Photo by Reid B. Kelley

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The Nets recognized BBBS of NYC for its efforts to provide volunteer mentors to young people across the five boroughs. BBBS of NYC currently serves more than 4,000 young people every year, 27% of whom reside in Brooklyn, through a number of specialized mentoring programs.

More than 200 Big and Little Brothers and Sisters attended the event, and 15 Littles helped kick off the game by joining the Brooklyn Nets on the court for the National Anthem. Volunteers also distributed information demonstrating the positive outcomes mentoring produces as well as how to become a mentor.

“I know the Nets understand the impact mentoring can have on a young person’s life and we are grateful for their support in raising awareness for this important cause,” said Hector Batista, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “The best way to help children reach their full potential is to be a friend and role model, and I ask adults in Brooklyn and across the five boroughs to step up and mentor the next generation of New Yorkers.”

The year-long campaign brings together public officials, community organizations, schools and current Big Brothers and Sisters in a series of events intended to help find volunteer mentors, or “Bigs,” for the hundreds of young people currently awaiting a match.

By the end of 2015, BBBS of NYC hopes to have found volunteer mentors, or “Bigs,” for hundreds more young people currently awaiting a match.

Mentoring is open to adults 21 or older who reside in the five boroughs, and it is free to volunteer. To become a volunteer mentor, donate, or learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC and National Mentoring Month, please log onto www.bigsnyc.org or call 212-686-2042.

Businesses interested in joining the more than 45 corporations that already have Workplace Mentoring Programs can also email [email protected].