Rockland Big Brothers Big Sisters Earns Top Rating

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County has added another prize to its collection.

The New City-based group that connects local young people with local mentors has won another National Gold Standard Award from its parent organization.

The award is based on the number of children served at the organization, and the longterm rapport established between participants in the program.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County represents the best of the best of agencies, those that made the greatest strides in 2010,” Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and Chief Executive Officer Karen J. Mathis said. “It’s success is the result of a dedicated board and staff members who have worked strategically to engage community backing, allowing the agency to carefully make more mentoring matches and to support the children, families and volunteers they serve for longer periods of time.”

Out of 400 Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters in the country, only 21 received this award. Rockland County was one of five in New York State to be given the honor.

“It means we are being recognized for the quality of work we produce within the county and that our service is exemplary,” Rockland CEO Gillian Ballard said of winning the award. “It’s just wonderful.”

The children being mentored at Big Brothers Big Sisters range from age 4 to 18. Being with the program for 16 years, Ballard’s seen how having a mentor has helped children remain in school and go on to college. Having that constant in their lives and monitoring them as they achieve their goals has tremendous positive effects, she said.

However, Ballard said the nation’s economic downtown has hurt Big Brothers Big Sisters because there are fewer people asking about becoming volunteers. This is particularly difficult, Ballard said, because on one out of three people who want to become mentors meet the organization’s requirements and pass its extensive background check.

One such mentor, Stewart Raskin, has been at Big Brothers Big Sisters for 10 years, working with same child. When asked about what winning the National Gold Standard Award meant to him personally, he said, “It legitimizes the organization I’ve dedicated so much time for. Getting the award says a lot about the organization and the board of directors.“

He added that being a mentor has taught him that four hours a month can really change someone’s life.

The Rockland Chapter also won the National Gold Standard Award last year.

To find out about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County or to participate in the organization’s annual fundraiser May 9 at New York Country Club,  check out www.bbbsofrc.com.