Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada

"[1] Their mission is "to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

They aim "to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

"[2] According to a study done by Civic Enterprises, Littles felt that drug and alcohol abuse was the biggest obstacle they faced when attempting to accomplish their goals.

[4] In 2005, a study conducted by the nonprofit organization Join Together Northern Nevada reported 22% of middle school students admitted to using marijuana in the last 30 days.

The Washoe County Department of Juvenile Services receives over 8,800 youth offender referrals in one year.

Children ages 6 to 18 (or as young as 4 with an incarcerated parent), living in poverty and in a "fractured family" such as single-parent households or being raised by another relative, in foster-care or having a sibling involved in juvenile services.

[14] A nationwide survey found that BBBS mentoring has a "significant and positive impact on the lives of children.

"[16] Public Private Ventures did an impact study on Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2007 and found that at the end of the first year, Littles in the School-Based program saw an improvement in: quality of classwork, overall academic performance, number of assignments turned in and a decrease in school infractions.

[17] According to the June 2010 Civic Enterprises report, Littles said having adult role models they can look up to was very important in helping them achieve their goals.

Washoe County Juvenile Services received approval by the local county commissioners and the US Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention to pass through the last year of a federal "JUMP" grant to Big Brothers Big sisters as start up funds for the first year of operations.

"[20] As part of the campaign, 12 billboards were put up around Reno with Mike Reed, then vice chancellor of the University of Nevada, who is also a Big Brother.

"[22] The Reno office moved in August 2010 to Moana Lane and located a large sign with a call to action on the outside of the building using the agency's new tag line, "Start Something."

There is a brief, live auction featuring special items up for bid to help raise funds, during the event.