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The organization received a remarkable $900,000 gift from Mackenzie Scott to transform and expand mentorship in Delaware.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Delaware has been making a positive impact in the lives of Delaware children since 1964. The organization works to create and support one-on-one mentoring relationships for children in need. The ultimate goal is to empower young people with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime. Thanks to the generous contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, they can take this mission even further in the First State.
Today, nearly 11 million kids live in poverty. More than 13 million young people experience emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions like depression and anxiety. To make matters worse, during the height of the pandemic, 20 percent of youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters nationally lost contact with a significant adult in their lives.
Here in Delaware, more than 100 young people, known as “Littles,” are still waiting to be matched with mentors, known as “Bigs” through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Donations like this one will help these children make meaningful connections and ensure a brighter future.
“We offer our heartfelt gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for her visionary gift and leadership,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware Executive Director, Anya Lindsey-Jenkins. “This historic donation will create new opportunities to transform children’s lives across the State of Delaware. With MacKenzie’s support, we are better equipped to provide mentoring experiences that enrich lives and help young people reach their full potential.”
This unprecedented investment is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s history.
It serves as a powerful message about the importance of mentorship to strengthen communities and society. This investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware invites more people and partners to share in the organization’s vision. It’s an important step in encouraging others to assist in transforming mentorship for young people—not only for today, but also for generations to come.
You can learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware and get involved as a mentor, volunteer, donor, or community partner here.
Related: How to Help a Child With Anxiety, According to a Delaware Expert
