Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters - 2023

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Riley County received a $22,500 grant through the YES! Fund for their Community-based Match Support and Retention program. This funding has been instrumental in maintaining 134 one-to-one mentoring matches, benefiting 268 individuals (134 youth and 134 volunteers) to date. The program, overseen by Match Support Specialists, achieved a 67% retention rate for matches lasting one year or longer. With ongoing efforts in social-emotional learning, risk avoidance, and educational success, KSBBBS continues to foster positive outcomes for Manhattan’s youth. Looking forward, the organization plans to refine mentor recruitment strategies and expand its Life Skills Guide program, aiming to deepen mentorship impacts and enrich the lives of its participants.