Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Lyon County

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

Our 2023 goal is to match 18 youth facing adversity in Lyon County with a one-to-one caring adult mentor. In order to do that, we are seeking local partnerships, sponsors, and donations that will help support our goal of creating these meaningful friendships to change the trajectory of life for youth right here in Lyon County. 

These mentoring relationships not only help our youth build greater confidence, have higher aspirations, perform better in school, and avoid risky behavior, but help prepare them to be productive members of the community long-term. Match Day funds will be beneficial to our program in maintaining and growing our outreach to Lyon County youth who need a positive mentor.

Mission

To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth with the vision that all youth achieve success in life. 

Profile

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on serving youth with a high level of adversity and need through a one-to-one mentor designated as a friend to show them what is possible in life and help them realize their potential.

Of the youth we serve right here in Lyon County:

• 53% live in a household with annual income less than $34,000
• 69% have family who's had contact with law enforcement, been arrested, or are incarcerated
• 34% have experienced some type of abuse
• 66% live in a single parent home 
• 60% have issues with attendance, displinary action, or performance/grades at school
• 66% are isolated, have few friends, or are bullied

Of adults who were former Littles:

• 46% report an annual household income of more than $75,000
• 50% said their mentor kept them from dropping out of high school
• 76% said they learned right from wrong from their Big
• 81% said their Big changed their perspective on what is possible in life
• 86% said their Big helped them make better choices as an adult
• 64% of Littles matched 3+ years are still in touch with their Big