Big Brothers Big Sisters to serve more Hispanic Children.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Big Brothers Big Sisters is issuing a challenge, asking the Latino community, supporters and donors to pull together to ensure that every Hispanic child who needs a caring mentor gets one.

The nation’s largest donor-based volunteer network of mentors for youth today announced its intention to increase the number of Latino children served and engage more Hispanic volunteers. Big Brothers Big Sisters, with nearly 400 local agencies, serves almost 260,000 children of low-income, single and incarcerated parents with a focus on breaking negative cycles. Hispanic children represent more than 17 percent of children served by the nationwide network — a percentage that is steadily increasing. Research has shown that Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped vulnerable children succeed in school, behave non-violently and avoid substance abuse.

In particular, the organization urgently needs a few good hombres to serve as Big Brothers. More than 70 percent of children waiting for a “Big” are boys, yet only three out of every 10 inquiries about volunteering come from men.

“The Hispanic community has a strong tradition of mentoring youth,” said Hector Cortez, the organization’s newly appointed director of Hispanic Mentoring. “As such, Big Brothers Big Sisters wants to join with the community in better serving more Latino youth.”

“Many of our Hispanic “Littles” come from immigrant families,” Cortez said. “They are adjusting to the nuances of American culture and often face great challenges that make them highly at-risk. You don’t need to speak Spanish, although it can be helpful. We simply ask that Latinos consider sharing their time and pride in their Hispanic culture with a child looking for a mentor.”