Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma provides professionally supported one-to-one mentoring services to children facing adversity. With these matches, the child experiences the consistency and positive influence of a one-to-one relationship with a Big (mentor) who chooses to spend quality time with his or her Little (mentee). BBBSOK?s strategic and operating plans are rooted in a commitment to serving today?s disadvantaged children and youth with an intentional focus to leverage evidence-based practices to bring the best possible resources to children and youth most impacted by adversity. The percentage of Oklahoma children impacted by ACEs is higher than the national average, with nearly one in five Oklahoma children under the age of 17 saying ?yes? to at least two Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) survey questions. Exposure to ACEs causes prolonged toxic stress, which can change the architecture of a child?s brain, impacting their decision-making, schoolwork, and future health outcomes. ACEs have also been linked to risky behaviors, chronic health conditions, low potential, and early death. Research has shown that while there are several ?protective factors? that will help a child overcome these traumas and become more resilient, the greatest, easiest, and most available is the presence of a caring adult mentor.

EVIDENCE

Researchers at Harvard posed the question, ?When confronted with the fallout of childhood trauma, why do some children adapt and overcome, while others bear lifelong scars that flatten their potential?? The answers point to mentorship: ?Every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult? (?The Science of Resilience.? Harvard Graduate School of Education). The CDC specifically names the BBBS mentoring program as a service that counteracts the effects of ACES (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): Leveraging the Best Available Evidence).

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

BBBSOK serves children ages 6 through 18 who are facing adversity. Children in Oklahoma face many challenges. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, approximately 35% live in single-parent households; nearly 5% are cared for by their grandparents; over 22% of Oklahoma children are food-insecure; and 21% are living in poverty. This vulnerable population has experienced more hardships since the start of the pandemic including unemployment, COVID-related severe illness and family deaths and isolation from quarantine and school-at-home protocols.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

BBBSOK uses a robust program software called MatchForce (SalesForce product) to track all aspects of our program including gathering surveys from program participants to monitor program effectiveness. Information is routinely gathered on the impact of our matches using our Child and Youth Outcome Surveys, and Strength of Relationship survey. These evaluation tools were developed by BBBS of America after extensive research and administered to each match annually. Results are stored securely in MatchForce, individual outcomes can be viewed at any time, and overall program results are aggregated annually.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma