Lafayette, LA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana announced today its aim to transform mentorship in local communities with an unprecedented gift of $500,000. The gift, from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, supports the organization in furthering its mission to ensure young people have access to powerful mentoring experiences that empower them with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime.

Mentoring is an integral part of the solution in preparing youth for life and career, building positive relationships and essential skills for life changing outcomes including post-secondary readiness, social emotional learning, and a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion. In Acadiana alone, there are more than 60 young people, known as “Littles,” waiting to be matched with mentors, known as “Bigs.” In addition, the agency enrolls, on average, 15 - 20 kids per month. 

“This unprecedented investment is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s 37-year history in Acadiana and serves as a powerful message in recognizing the importance of investing in mentorship to build and strengthen communities and society as a whole,” said Kalli Christ, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. “This gift will enable us to boost our impact in transformative ways. We have always had a responsibility to kids and our community. Our focus now turns to maximizing this opportunity to best support the young people and families of Acadiana,” said Christ.

Nationwide, 38 independent affiliates and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America received a total of $122.6 million in gifts from MacKenzie Scott. “Ms. Scott’s gift will allow our organization to expand initiatives to help more kids, in addition to investing in long-term sustainability to ensure that our impact lasts well into the future,” said Noah Brandon, President of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana Board of Directors. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana believes no one person, organization or gift alone can drive the significant impact mentorship can have on a young person’s life. It takes a village of mentors, volunteers, and donors to positively impact young people’s lives. This investment in Big Brothers Bigs Sisters of Acadiana and its community is an invitation for more people and partners to join in transforming mentorship for young people today and for generations to come.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana and get involved as a mentor, volunteer, donor, or community partner, visit acadianabigs.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana is the region’s preeminent 1-to-1 youth mentoring organization. At no cost to the families we serve, we unite young people (Littles) with caring, positive adult role models (Bigs) in professionally-supported 1-to-1 mentoring friendships.  We believe that every youth, with the right support, can reach their fullest potential. Our outcomes-based 1-to-1 mentoring model is designed to bridge the opportunity gap by meeting kids where they are and empowering them to transform their lives and their communities. These mentoring relationships provide Littles with the tools they will need to overcome the adversities they face and develop the characteristics they need for academic, social, and economic success. For more information, please visit www.acadianabigs.com.  Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana on social media @acadianabigs.