Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is ramping up its appeal for adult volunteers as the organization marks Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, with more than 500 young people across the Louisville region and Southern Indiana currently awaiting mentorship matches, according to The Lane Report.
The Louisville-based organization, known as BBBSKY, serves more than 900 young people annually across 10 counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. As part of September’s observance, the group is emphasizing “A Future Built on Mentorship,” positioning mentorship as critical to youth development and workforce preparation.
The results from BBBSKY’s programs speak to their effectiveness. The organization reported that 98 percent of high school seniors in its programs graduated on time last fiscal year, while 91 percent reported improved or strong grades and 90 percent indicated stable or improved mental well-being.
“More than 500 young people across our community are waiting to be matched with a Big right now, and we need more caring adults willing to step forward,” said Gary Friedman, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. “We know that young people and adults across our region are looking for more genuine connection.”
Friedman emphasized that prospective mentors need not have special qualifications. “You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be present,” he said.
The organization also touted the long-term economic benefits of mentorship. Research shows mentees are 20 percent more likely to enroll in college and can earn 15 percent more throughout their careers, according to BBBSKY leadership.
Throughout September, BBBSKY will participate in community events, including lighting several prominent landmarks green on September 18 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Day. Participating Louisville locations include Churchill Downs, Louisville City Hall, and the University of Louisville. The Big Four Bridge will light green on September 30 to mark the end of the observance.
The organization also announced an updated mission statement: “Create and support meaningful mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.” Those interested in volunteering can visit BBBSKY’s website or participate in Give for Good Louisville on September 10.
Sources
This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Lane Report (KY Business), enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lanereport.com/189284/2026/09/big-brothers-big-sisters-kentuckiana-500-youth-mentors/.
