January has been National Mentoring Month, and as Birmingham’s premier mentoring organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham (BBBS) celebrated by honoring the volunteers who devote their time helping children facing adversity realize their potential and build their futures.
“Our priority and what distinguishes Big Brothers Big Sisters is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in proven positive educational and social outcomes,” said Sue S. Johnson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. “Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission. Each time a child is paired with a role model, a friendship begins that can grow into a future of unlimited potential. Together, we are improving the chances that children in our program succeed.”
Although BBBS has been celebrating and thanking its volunteers throughout the month of January, BBBS will host its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, February 22nd. The 2024 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year will be recognized and given awards at the dinner. BBBS will also acknowledge the program participants who will graduate high school in 2024.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to announce the 2024 “Bigs of the Year.” Big Brother of the Year, Kyle Bradberry, and Big Sister of the Year, Franai White, were chosen for their commitment and dedication to their “Littles” and for being excellent mentors and role models.
Kyle was matched with his Little Brother, Bradley, seven years ago. Kyle and Bradley both motivate each other in all areas of their lives. When asked what Kyle meant to Bradley, he said that he has been a great mentor. He has taught him the importance of being humble and that improvement of your surroundings and company starts with you. Bradley met Kyle as a fifth grader. Now, he is preparing to start college in the fall with both an academic and athletic scholarship. Although Kyle is thankful to be named Big Brother of the Year, he credits Bradley and his mother for being great allies. “Bradley wouldn’t be who he is without his mother, and his family and siblings are all wonderful.”
Big Sister, Franai has been matched with her Little Sister, Alyssa since 2018. In getting to know Alyssa, Franai quickly realized her role would be to give Alyssa opportunities to support her desire to learn. Franai has watched Alyssa grow into a responsible, kind teenager with a bright future. Franai has been a constant source of encouragement and support for Alyssa. Alyssa states, “I’m really grateful for everything she’s done for me, and I love her so much for it.” As Alyssa approaches the end of high school, Franai said she will be there, and “Alyssa will always be her Little Sister.”
Last week, BBBS of Greater Birmingham received the exciting news that Big Sister of the Year, Franai, was chosen as Big Sister of the Year for Alabama.
BBBS of Greater Birmingham would like to thank Kyle and Franai and all its volunteer mentors for their investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters and the children in its mentoring programs. Their generosity with their time and friendship has changed lives.
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS: Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s premier youth mentoring organization, established over one hundred years ago to help children reach their full potential with the support of a volunteer mentor. BBBS operates under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, BBBS of Greater Birmingham, directed by CEO Sue S. Johnson, has been serving children for 50 years and is a United Way agency. Its mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. These relationships allow children to develop sound values, positive self-esteem, and improve the chances they will find success in their academic, social, and family lives. In 2023, BBBS of Greater Birmingham served over 1,000 youth in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker Counties.
To learn how you can positively impact a child’s life, donate or volunteer today by visiting
www.bbbsbhm.org or by calling 205.939.5590
